Woodcarving Dream King and Free Store Introduction
The area of Shierliao was originally intended by the father to be a place for a leisurely life after retirement. However, after Xu Jianzhi returned from studying abroad and retired from military service, he introduced the concept of swapping goods to the vacant land, leading to significant changes. Most of the area has transformed into the Shierliao Leisure Agricultural Zone and the Tung Flower Valley Camping Area. A small shopping district has established their experimental base, the "Free Store" and "Wood Carving Dream King," founded by him and his sister Xu Qirong. The "Free Store," which opened in June and July 2016, has a simple storefront but carries their significant dreams. It is filled with neatly organized items, from small toys to thermoses, where new and clean second-hand goods can be donated. Visitors can swap items, for instance, trading homegrown eggs for a teddy bear, evoking the spirit of mutual assistance and trust found in traditional farming communities but executed in a more modern way. During the interview, a neighbor brought a bag of freshly picked citrus fruits, saying it was for swapping! The locals have evidently understood their philosophy. Furthermore, a green fridge at the entrance, resembling a blackboard, is labeled "Community Fridge," encouraging individuals to take what they need while placing any excess food inside. For sanitary reasons, only raw ingredients and dry goods are accepted, excluding cooked food and meat. They also partner with brands like A-Shi Dining to allow everyone to experience the charming simplicity of Hakka farming villages. During this time, the community building efforts have shown exciting results: more people are aware of Shierliao and the community dining times every Wednesday and Saturday, fostering exchange between residents and tourists, enhancing community cohesion, and promoting positive interactive cycles while significantly increasing the rate of item exchanges. Amidst media exposure, university students from various places have come to this site, offering services to the elderly, weeding, and engaging in volunteer work, sharing their experiences through reports. The local children's ecological camps have also received much praise. On the other hand, "Wood Carving Dream King," reminiscing about the past plans, has collaboratively designed an in-depth tourism initiative with Shierliao, showcasing photos of culture, landforms, industries, and scenery on the shop walls. Customers can select the places they want to visit or activities they wish to experience, and they will create a customized in-depth experience for you, which might include working with small farmers or admiring eagles soaring over the lake. The shop also offers framing for leaves, branches, and dried flowers, allowing you to pack lasting memories and embrace the sustainability concept of eco-friendly travel. Their dream is to expand into aspects of food, clothing, housing, travel, and entertainment, creating a self-sufficient ideal world where a beautiful life can be pursued without the need for money.
