Named after Pingtung’s sunshine, a hidden independent bookstore in an old alley of a military dependents’ village

▲ Xiao Yang. Rizai Book House, tucked away at the end of the alley.

Reported and photographed by Yu Jiayun

On a sunny afternoon, under Pingtung’s brilliant sun, at the end of an unassuming alley in the city’s old military dependents’ village, a red door that opens promptly at 2 p.m. reveals a faint scent of books. The independent bookstore “Xiao Yang. Rizai Book House,” renovated from a Japanese colonial-era army dormitory and named after Pingtung’s sunshine, houses history, stories, and a dedication to paper books within its old walls, quietly standing amidst the relentless tide of time.

▲ The space renovated from an old house.

Stepping into Xiao Yang. Rizai Book House, the air blends the scents of the old house and books. From the wall colors and tiled floors to the furniture and decor, every corner evokes memories of grandparents’ old homes—the faded and peeling details feel oddly familiar. “The moment I stepped into this old house, I felt a strong connection to it. Although it was empty at first, you could tell the previous owner really loved this place,” says Tsai Yiyun, owner of Xiao Yang Rizai Book House.

▲ %The well-worn wooden beams are the house’s most iconic feature.

The previous owner of the old house was an elderly man who retired from the Eighth Flight Group of the Japanese Army during the colonial period. At that time, the entire area was made up of military dormitories, and the old man had lived here for 40 years until the residents gradually moved out five years ago. The site was then taken over by Pingtung County Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau and rented out after renovation. To preserve the history and stories of the old house, Tsai Yiyun made no major changes or renovations apart from repainting the walls. The furniture in the rooms was sourced from other old houses, former schools, or friends’ family homes—this eclectic mix somehow fits together seamlessly.

▲ A weathered old bookshelf.

▲ The old house’s toilet and floor tiles have been fully preserved.

Unlike typical bookstores, Xiao Yang Rizai Book House doesn’t have towering shelves or an overwhelming number of books, but it offers more comfortable reading spaces where one can effortlessly find peace within the pages. Tsai Yiyun, who has always been passionate about reading, shares that last year, the closing of Pingtung’s last independent bookstore, Bok Bookstore, left her both sentimental and heartbroken. The memories of spending her evenings browsing and buying books there after work were abruptly ended. Perhaps unwilling to accept the decline of paper books, she has continued to show up punctually every weekday afternoon for the past three years, waiting for those serendipitous visitors—even if her monthly earnings only cover the rent.

▲ %Here, she’s created her own little world of light.

Aside from selling books, Xiao Yang. Rizai Book House also regularly hosts lectures and concerts. Visits from well-known singers, authors, and independent musicians often fill this small space to capacity. Though limited funding makes it difficult to bring these “big names” to Pingtung, Tsai Yiyun can’t hide her joy and pride when talking about inviting her favorite idols—her hearty laughter says it all. Perhaps it’s this deep sense of fulfillment that gives Pingtung, a city often just passed through by travelers, another reason to pause and enjoy its sunshine.

▲ %The space can also be used for events.

▲ Owner Tsai Yiyun happily shows off her CD collection.

Xiao Yang. Rizai Book House
Thursdays to Sundays, 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
No. 1, Qingying Lane, Zhongshan Road, Pingtung City