Taiwan's Taoyuan City opens historic homes to guesthouse businesses

Taoyuan City is launching an initiative to breathe new life into its historic old town by enabling eligible aged houses to be registered as guesthouses. This move is designed to transform the visitor experience from day trips to overnight stays, fostering deeper engagement with the city's cultural heritage and stimulating local commerce.

The city government has officially designated the area around Jingfu Temple and Taoyuan Train Station as a "relevant area with humanistic or historical characteristics." This designation, spanning several blocks, opens the door for qualifying old houses to apply for guesthouse permits under the "Guesthouse Management Regulations."

To be considered, old houses must either participate in approved facade renovation projects or revitalization programs funded by the city government. Alternatively, properties must demonstrate distinct old-house characteristics, including being over 40 years old, possessing unique architectural styles, continuous structural features, decorative facades, and traditional construction methods, all subject to review and approval.

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Opening characteristic old houses as guesthouses will create a win-win situation for the government, property owners, and tourism operators.

City officials anticipate this policy will create a win-win situation for the government, property owners, and tourism operators. They encourage a "shop + guesthouse" hybrid business model, integrating local features like cafes, restaurants, cultural and creative products, and handmade crafts into the accommodation experience. This aims to offer a comprehensive "stay + dine + tour" deep travel experience.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Taoyuan City government to revitalize the old town. Previous projects have focused on improving pedestrian environments, streetscapes, and commercial functions, including renovations around Jingfu Temple and the creation of pedestrian-friendly pathways. Cultural initiatives, such as the opening of the Taoyuan Literature Museum and guided cultural tours, are also contributing to the area's appeal.

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We hope that through characteristic old house accommodations, visitors will upgrade from 'having visited Taoyuan Old Town' to 'having stayed in Taoyuan Old Town'.