Yujing Nu Time

Yujing is usually paired with mango and Nanxi with Meiling, and people often visit them separately. But there are enough places around here for a two-day trip: Guidan Hot Spring, Alaxi Waterfall Group, and Eagle Peak are all worth seeing, alongside the fruit and vegetable market and plum chicken. Yujing's streets are lively thanks to its past sugar industry, with plenty of distinctive Chinese and Western restaurants beyond mango shaved ice. If you're tired of rushed trips or feel you've seen everything, staying in Yujing could be a good change of pace. Yujing Homestay is on the edge of the town center, quiet at night but within a 10-minute walk of restaurants and shopping. There's a sports park next door for a walk if you don't want to hike. The young guesthouse team were enthusiastic and friendly, and the traditional detached house, with its well-equipped living room and kitchen, felt like home. They provide coffee and instant noodles. Breakfast isn't made by the owners, but meal vouchers let you choose between three partner shops. I really liked the burger I tried and am already thinking about coming back for the pancake shop.

Spacious and inexpensive, this should be one of the best places to stop along the Southern Cross-Island Highway. The trouble was a noise in my third-floor room at night, like wind blowing through sheet metal, and it kept disturbing my sleep.

I arrived with high expectations, but several problems spoiled the stay. Before booking in, I'd suggest asking the owner if the bathroom blockage has been fixed and whether water that gathered the night before will have drained by morning. There were only a few slippers for multiple guests, and I wasn't sure whether the used pairs in the cabinet had been disinfected or whether guests without their own pair could use them comfortably. The shower also turned cold partway through. I hope the owner gets these things sorted and checks the house is in good condition before listing it, otherwise guests may feel cheated. The house itself was new, with a lovely, unusual design and a good spot near the supermarket. Across from a sports park, it felt quiet despite the busy surroundings. Each room has its own keypad lock, which is high-tech, though the sound of other people unlocking doors can be noisy after you've fallen asleep.

On our Yujing trip, the welcome felt personal right away: fruit and a little card with our name on it made it feel like we were being welcomed, not just checked in. This B&B has been open for just over two years and is bright, clean, and modern while still feeling connected to the small town. For our family of three, it became part of the memories we made. The row of Moai statues in the lobby gave the place a playful touch. In our room, the sterilizer, bathtub, and bathing chair for elderly guests were thoughtful and reassuring for the whole family. There was plenty to do together, too: board games, a Switch, a mahjong table, and a tent play area the kids loved. The starry-sky balcony was lovely at night, and the coffee machine and instant noodles came in handy for a late snack.