Osmanthus-scented quiet alley & a literary-style old house combined with a farmers' market

▲ The living room on the first floor retains an old-fashioned charm while also boasting excellent natural lighting. (Photo / Screenshot from Guiqi’s website)

ReporterYan Xintong/ Interview & Report

“Guiqi”is a 60-year-old house located in a quiet alley. It is part of a double-story merged structure, situated midway between the city center and the train station, near the Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park.

The owners, A-Xin and Niuniu, said meeting this old house was a matter of fate. The name “Guiqi” actually refers to the old osmanthus tree at the entrance—a four-season osmanthus—whose subtle fragrance fills the courtyard. Even the keychains given to guests are made from branches pruned from the osmanthus tree. During the osmanthus blooming season, guests may have the chance to enjoy osmanthus tea, which, of course, comes from the old osmanthus tree.

“Guiqi” adopts a simple and unadorned style. The living room floor still has the terrazzo flooring that was all the rage 60 years ago, and in summer, guests often love lying on the floor. The most distinctive design feature is the retention of all the original cypress wood windows and doors, along with their classic creaking sounds when opened or closed. There are also vintage glass panes featuring cross and petal patterns, not to mention the iron window grilles. The owner explained that although the patterns aren’t flashy, this combination represents the everyday fashion of ordinary people back in those days.

▲ A retro leather sofa paired perfectly with traditional cross-patterned windows. (Photo / Screenshot from Guiqi’s website)

Many of the furnishings inside the house are antiques passed down from earlier generations, some of which have aged alongside the old house—treasures like the “ancestral bridal dowry cabinet and chest” (thanks to grandma for parting with them), an old wooden trunk from 1949 that carried the family’s belongings as grandparents sailed from mainland China to Taiwan, a bamboo shoulder pole used by veterans to carry stones during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway, and a pennant awarded to the original owner’s son during his school days. The owner noted that these old items also preserve a wealth of cherished memories.

▲ Guiqi (Photo / Screenshot from Guiqi’s website)

The second floor is the room area. The stairs and second-floor space have been fitted with solid wood flooring to create a warm and solid feeling. There are about four rooms in total, offering private rooms (both double and twin beds), suitable for travelers who want their own space. Additionally, there is one triple room and one quadruple room, ideal for groups of friends traveling together. The first floor also provides a spacious common area where guests can share stories from their journeys.

▲ Guiqi (Photo / Screenshot from Guiqi’s website)

At the end of July, a “garage market” will be held—currently under preparation. The owner said that if the response is good, they might organize one every three months, hoping it will become increasingly lively.

▲ The garage market originated with a girl who frequently visited Hualien markets, teaming up with others to launch the event at Guiqi. (Photo / Screenshot from Guiqi’s official Facebook page)

The owner said “Guiqi” aims to create a cozy old-house atmosphere where travelers to Hualien can experience the traditional local lifestyle without spending a lot of money. Perhaps the living spaces weren’t very spacious or luxurious in the past, but they were full of warmth.

Guiqi
Address: No. 18, Lane 315, LinSen Road, Hualien City
Phone: 0978-753-532
Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/sweetolivehouse