When we pushed open the retro pale blue wooden door of “Made in Heart” guesthouse, the hostess Ruxin with fair skin, in an elegant blue velvet long skirt and lace blouse, greeted us in an exciting voice, “Welcome, oh my God! I’m so happy you found me. Being covered by Dear b&b is my ultimate goal of opening this guesthouse!” said Ruxin cheerfully as a bluebird. Just like Snow White coming out from the fairy tale, she told us her pure wish when sitting by the window with a secret garden in the background. It wouldn’t surprise us if a fairy just lands on her shoulder or she could summon breeze with a smile. With a bamboo basket hanging on her arm, as if she was going on a picnic, she spread out the checkered mat named life, inviting us to sit down and listen to her story of how she made her romantic fantasy into this fairy-tale-like lodging.    

Sitting off the southeastern coast of Taiwan, Lanyu is home to the Tao people who strive to retain their unique culture and customs, as well as the unspoiled natural beauty of this charming little island. Each spring, flying fish come with the current take a flight to the air around the island. Their soaring figures with black wings are just like the canoes full of harvest, making the islanders sing merrily to celebrate. Countless travellers are attracted to the breathtaking scenery and the aboriginal tradition. They set foot on Lanyu to explore and learn the traditional belief of the Tao people, listen to the stories and ancient legends told by the Langtao villagers, and wander through the wild field of Yeyin Village. The six villages here each bears a distinctive character, enriching the cultural landscape of this tiny island. While the islanders live in this picturesque natural spectacle, there is one family is like walking out of a picture. Meni Place, located in Hungtou Village, is a firm house of a hardworking and good-hearted family. The host, Xiaoshi, is a Tao aboriginal. And his wife XiaoQ, a traveller who once stayed at Meni Place and fell for the island and its people, now takes root here and helps run the guesthouse. Along with their kids – Beibei, Yangyang, and Xiangxiang – the family of five lead a sweet and simple life on Lanyu while travellers come and go.