Located about a 3-minute walk from Jiufen Old Street, the Hidden Forest is tucked away in a winding alley. Free from the hustle and bustle of the old street, its secluded atmosphere lends the Hidden Forest an air of mystery. Serving as a filming location 36 years ago for renowned director Hou Hsiao-hsien’s film *Dust in the Wind*, the guesthouse exudes the retro charm of the 1950s while preserving the rustic character of the old wooden structures. Weathered by time, the guesthouse continues to weave its own story—a experience well worth savoring for travelers who take the time to explore.
▲ The interior features an open-concept layout that blends the warmth of wood with the natural texture of concrete, while warm yellow lighting creates a cozy atmosphere and adds rich depth to the space.
Eunice, the owner of the bed-and-breakfast, was born in Hunan. She moved to Hong Kong at the age of 8 and came to Taiwan at 20, where she has lived for 20 years now. Reflecting on her initial motivation for opening the bed-and-breakfast, she said, “I love traveling and experiencing the cultures and scenery of different places. I hope to incorporate the experiences I’ve gained from my travels into my own bed-and-breakfast, offering guests the most comfortable and relaxing stay.” ”
▲ The interior features an open-concept layout that blends the warmth of wood with the natural texture of concrete, while warm yellow lighting creates a cozy atmosphere and adds rich depth to the space.
Having opened last October, the property was fully booked through January of next year. Eunice explained, “We originally positioned it as a whole-house rental, hosting only one group of guests per day so they could exclusively enjoy the log-roofed cabin and the ‘ruined jungle’ scenery. We hope guests can experience a slow-paced, undisturbed stay.” The open-concept layout incorporates modern, elegant design, featuring large floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the old house with abundant natural light. The plants outside the windows grow freely, creating a scene bursting with lush greenery; To address Jiufen’s humidity, the walls were finished with “Le Tu” to achieve a natural texture along with waterproof and breathable properties. Additionally, furniture was handcrafted from cedar planks, treated with a waterproof finish and professionally stained, complementing one another to create a relaxed and refreshing atmosphere.
▲ The decorative accents and furniture inside the house have all been carefully selected and designed by the innkeeper to ensure travelers have the most relaxing stay.
The ruins-and-jungle theme extends into the bathroom as well. Outside the glass windows, foliage plants intertwine and sway in the breeze, while natural light filters through the dense foliage, casting a layer of pale golden light. Guests can enjoy the physical and mental relaxation of a bath while admiring the breathtaking scenery outside the window—a truly refreshing experience that helps them forget their worries!
▲ The freestanding bathtub, strewn with delicate flower petals and framed by the stunning, jungle-like ruins visible through the window, is truly refreshing.
In addition, Eunice revealed that two guesthouses and a café are currently in the works. The guesthouses, named “Mushí” and “Wooden Tone,” are designed around natural materials and textures. Since the old buildings were in poor condition, restoration has taken a long time; only “Mushí” is expected to open before the end of the year. Since “The Hidden Forest” is often mistaken by tourists for a café, Eunice decided to transform the open space outside the guesthouse into a café, where both guests staying at the property and general visitors will be able to enjoy a cup of coffee.
▲ Sitting in the lounge or dining area and gazing out the window at the lush greenery is truly relaxing.
Nestled in a tranquil mountain town, the greatest charm of the Hidden Forest lies in its unique character, whether under sunny or rainy skies. Why not embark on a journey to refresh your body, mind, and spirit, and create memories that are uniquely yours?
▲ The Hidden Forest preserves the rustic charm of the old house’s timber, offering travelers a chance to savor the atmosphere.
INFO
✦Address: No. 48, Lunting Road, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
✦Phone: 0905-788-650
✦ Check-in/Check-out: 3:00 p.m./11:00 a.m. the following day
✦Rates: 5,500 NTD for 2 guests on weekdays and 7,500 NTD on weekends; an additional 1,100 NTD for each extra guest. This standalone guesthouse accommodates 2–7 guests and includes breakfast; red wine is available for an additional fee.
(Text and photography by Huang Yuxiu; some images courtesy of The Hidden Forest)