A brand-new, hidden-gem B&B opening in 2024 in Shuinan Dong, Ruifang! Our Food & Lifestyle Editor recommends the whole-house rental “Moonstone” (renamed “Hidden Moon” in October), located next to the “Thirteen-Story Ruins”—a beautiful, abandoned palace in Shuinan Dong—and close to the Yin-Yang Sea, Golden Waterfall, Little Greece Viewing Platform. It preserves the charm of the old houses in the Shui-Jin-Jiu area, featuring a wooden-roofed architectural structure that blends a bohemian aesthetic with modern, elegant interior design. The best part is that you can watch the sunrise from the comfort of your bed while listening to the sound of the waves and birdsong—it’s the perfect way to unwind and recharge. You can rent the entire property for a relaxing getaway for two or more!
Tucked Away in the Mountain City—Just a Short Walk from the Thirteen-Story Building
Moonstone (renamed “Hidden Moon” in October), which opened in May 2024, is located in an alley next to Lian Dong Elementary School in Shuinan Dong. It’s not too far from the school’s long staircase, the Little Greece Viewing Platform, the Ruifang Thirteen Layers Ruins—all popular spots for Instagram-worthy photos. If you’re driving, set your GPS to “Shuinan Dong Liandong Elementary School”; free parking is available in the spaces next to the guesthouse. If you’re using public transportation, take Exit 2 from Zhongxiao Fuxing Station on the Taipei MRT, board Bus 1062 to the “Gold Museum,” then transfer to Bus 891 and get off at the Shuinan Dong Visitor Center. From there, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the guesthouse.
▲The Moonstone B&B, which opened in 2024, is located near many Instagram-worthy spots; the Thirteen Layers Ruins, Yin-Yang Sea, Golden Waterfall, and Little Greece are all within walking distance. (Image source:Dalang's Daily Journal)
▲Free parking is available near the B&B, and the entrance steps are quite unobtrusive. (Image source:Savor Life with Karen W.)
Exclusive rental for two: 6,000 yuan; accommodates up to 12 people
Moonstone (renamed “Hidden Moon” in October) accommodates only one group of guests per day. The entire property can be reserved for groups of two or more. The weekday rate is 6,000 yuan (for two people), 7,500 NTD on weekends (for 2 people). There is an additional charge of 1,200 NTD for each additional person. Children under 3 stay free; children 3 and older are charged as one person each. The guesthouse can accommodate up to 12 guests, making it ideal for family vacations or groups of friends looking to rent the entire property.
▲The public spaces preserve the brick walls and wooden structures of the old house while incorporating modern Eastern elegance; the interplay of light and shadow is a delight to observe. (Image source:Dalang's Daily Journal)
A Relaxation Area Where You Can Gaze at the Mountains and Listen to the Ocean—Perfect for Unwinding
Moonstone is a single-story bungalow that preserves the charm of the old house’s brick walls while exuding the elegance of modern Oriental style. With excellent natural lighting, it transforms into different scenes of beauty as the sun rises and sets outside. The relaxation area, converted from a traditional kang bed, features wooden sliding doors that can be closed. Lying or sitting here to chat or read is the perfect way to unwind and clear your mind. The living and dining area features an abundance of wooden furniture, creating a calm and soothing atmosphere, along with custom scents and a Marshall Bluetooth speaker. Although there’s a TV, gathering with friends to listen to music or play board games creates some truly wonderful memories!
▲The tatami platform in the Japanese-style room is perfect for lying down to chat or just zone out. (Image source:Dalang's Daily Journal)
Watch the sunrise from bed; bathroom amenities are provided
The guesthouse has a total of 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with separate shower and toilet areas. Each room has an exterior window offering views of the ocean and the sunrise, and all are equipped with air conditioning, air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and other amenities to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep. Two of the bedrooms are standard double rooms, while one is a dorm-style room that can accommodate an extra bed—it’s a rare treat for close friends to squeeze into one room and chat all night long!
▲All the bedrooms have windows facing the outside, so you can watch the sunrise when you wake up early. (Image source:Savor Life with Karen W.)
▲Towels and bath towels are provided upon check-in, and the dormitory-style rooms have a cozy feel. (Image source:Dalang's Daily Journal)
The bathroom is also spacious, blending modern and vintage styles with a mix of different tile materials. It features a bidet toilet and a window that opens to the outside. Amenities such as towels, toothbrushes, and face masks are provided, and the bathroom is stocked with hand soap and shower products. The hair dryer is powerful and provides plenty of heat.
▲The bathroom combines plants and stone, instantly transporting you to a villa abroad. Amenities are also provided. (Image source:Savor Life with Karen W.)
A Small Kitchen with Everything You Need: A Hearty European-Style Breakfast
The guesthouse’s small kitchen is equipped with tableware, an induction cooktop, a water dispenser, a refrigerator, a coffee maker, and an ice maker, all complete with instruction manuals—making it easy to prepare simple meals, which is very thoughtful. Additionally, there are tea bags, cereal packets, and snacks available for guests to enjoy. Best of all, Moonstone (renamed “Hidden Moon” in October) has partnered with the well-known local restaurant “Ishikawa Seiken” to offer a hearty, seasonal European-style breakfast. The menu includes a soft-bun pork cutlet sub, curry yogurt sauce, green salad, fruit, cauliflower, sliced ham, grapes, and black tea. It’s delivered to the guesthouse door every morning at 8:00 a.m., and the staff will knock to let you know it’s arrived.
▲The kitchen is equipped with a coffee maker and an ice maker, and breakfast is provided by the well-known local restaurant “Ishikawa Seiken.” (Image source:Dalang's Daily Journal)
▲The kitchen is fully equipped with tableware, so it’s no problem to whip up a late-night snack and take some photos. (Image source:Savor Life with Karen W.)
Experience the local culture and enjoy a wonderful time
In addition to relaxing at Moonstone (renamed “Hidden Moon” in October), the B&B offers a wide range of optional activities at your own expense, such as in-room massages, day and night guided tours, and kimono experiences, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture of Shuinan Cave. There are also many hidden gems worth exploring nearby, such as Changren Pavilion, the long staircase in front of Liandong Elementary School, the Little Greece Viewing Platform, the Shuinan Cave Observation Deck, the Coastal Highway, and Golden Waterfall. Popular attractions like Jinguashi and Jiufen are just a 10-minute drive away. What a packed itinerary! If you’re planning a trip to Shuinan Dong in Ruifang, don’t miss this hidden gem of a B&B that rivals a villa. Gather your friends and family to rent the entire property and experience the most authentic Shuijinjiu tour!
▲There are tons of Instagram-worthy spots near the B&B, allowing you to fully experience the beauty of Shuijinjiu. (Image source:Savor Life with Karen W.)
Foodie Adventurers
Date of Report: June 7, 2024