Though we did not meet in person, Joe has been a very responsive and helpful host who provided sufficient information regarding his accommodation.
Location wise: There are direct buses (from the bus stop right outside his apartment block) that goes straight to Ximen. There’s also a direct bus from the same stop that goes all the way to Shifen/Jiufen which is super convenient.
Additionally there’s this really nice duck soup store just down the road which serves till late and everyone must try the store with the red signboard that sells 油饭 and 肉粽 in the day, it was sooooo good and my parents loved it.
Wanhua train station is just across the road and there’s Family Mart. Walking distance to Longshan Temple MTR station as well as many other eateries around the station.
I would totally recommend this place for tourist who are traveling in a bigger group.