Wood Carving Dream King and Free Shop Introduction
The area of Shih-liao was originally intended by the father for a leisurely retirement, but after Xu Jian-Zhi returned from studying abroad and retired, he introduced the concept of occupying abandoned spaces and bartering among young people. This land underwent significant changes: the majority of the area became the Shih-liao Leisure Agricultural Area, specifically the Tung Flower Valley Campground. A small street of shops opened to house his and his sister Xu Chi-Rong's experimental bases, known as 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 substantial dreams. It is filled with well-organized items, from small toys to thermoses, where new and clean second-hand items can be donated. Visitors can engage in bartering, perhaps exchanging fresh eggs for a teddy bear, to evoke the spirit of mutual assistance and trust reminiscent of ancient farming communities, albeit executed in a more modern way. During an interview, a neighbor brought a bag of freshly picked citrus fruits for exchange! The community is becoming familiar with their philosophy; furthermore, the green refrigerator at the entrance, made of blackboard material, proudly displays "Community Fridge," encouraging self-service and sharing excess ingredients. For hygiene reasons, cooked food and meat are not accepted—only various raw ingredients and dry goods are collected. It has partnered with brands like A-She Diner to allow everyone to experience the charming simplicity of Hakka farms. During this period, such community-building initiatives have produced exciting results: more people have learned about Shih-liao and the shared meal times held every Wednesday and Saturday, fostering connections between residents and visitors and boosting community cohesion. This has led to a significant increase in the rate of item exchanges. Simultaneously, media exposure has attracted university students from various places to volunteer in services such as helping the elderly and weeding, as well as writing reports for promotion in a "work-for-food" model; the children's ecological camp collaborating with the locals has also received much praise. On the other hand, "Wood Carving Dream King," reminiscent of the original plans, is a deep travel program co-planned with Shih-liao. The store's walls are adorned with photos of culture, landscapes, industries, and scenery, allowing visitors to choose the places they want to visit and the activities they wish to experience, crafting a personalized deep experience for them, such as farming with local farmers or admiring eagles soaring above the lake. The store also offers services for making photo frames from fallen leaves, branches, and dried flowers, allowing customers to take home eco-friendly memories and the concept of sustainable tourism. Their dream is to expand into the realms of food, clothing, housing, transportation, education, and entertainment, creating an ideal world that is self-sufficient and allows for a beautiful life without the need for money.