Woodcarving Dream King and Free Store Introduction
The area known as Shierliao was originally intended for a leisurely life after the father's retirement. However, Xu Jian-Zhi returned from studying abroad and, after his military service, introduced the concept of "bartering" by inviting young people to occupy the ruins. This transformed the land significantly: most of the area became the Shierliao Leisure Agricultural Area and the Tung Flower Valley Camping Area. A small shopping street opened his and his sister Xu Qi-Rong's experimental base, the "Free Store," and "Wood Carving Dream King." The "Free Store," which opened in June and July of 2016, features a simple storefront but carries their profound dreams. Here, a variety of sorted items are available, ranging from small toys to thermos bottles, where new and clean second-hand items can be donated. Visitors can engage in "barter" exchanges, such as trading homegrown eggs for a teddy bear, reminiscent of the spirit of mutual aid and trust from the old rural times, executed in a more modern way. During the interview, a neighbor brought a bag of freshly picked citrus fruits, claiming they were for exchange! It’s evident that the locals have embraced their concept. Additionally, there is a green chalkboard-like refrigerator at the entrance, labeled "Community Fridge," encouraging people to take what they need and to donate excess ingredients. For hygiene reasons, only raw ingredients and dry goods are accepted; cooked food and meat are not allowed. The initiative is supported by brands like A-Se's Diner, allowing everyone to experience the charming simplicity of Hakka farms. During this time, such community-building efforts have yielded exciting results: more people learned about Shierliao and the community dining times every Wednesday and Saturday, fostering connections between residents and visitors. This enhanced community cohesion and positive interactive cycles significantly boosted the item exchange rate. As media coverage increased, university students from various places arrived to volunteer by serving the elderly, weeding, and writing reports for promotion in a "work for food" approach; local collaborations, such as with a children’s ecological camp, also received favorable reviews. Meanwhile, the "Wood Carving Dream King," a joint initiative with Shierliao, offers an in-depth travel program where the walls are adorned with photos of culture, landscapes, industries, and scenery. Visitors can choose their desired destinations and activities, and they tailor immersive experiences, such as working alongside small farmers or watching eagles soaring over the lake. The shop also provides opportunities to create frame artworks using fallen leaves, branches, and dried flowers, allowing for environmentally friendly memories and sustainable travel concepts. Their dream is to expand into all aspects of life, creating a self-sufficient ideal world where one can pursue a beautiful life without needing money.
