Keep the stories of old houses alive — a literary guesthouse combining a café and art gallery

Text & Photos /Gui Xiaosun

Wei'ai Apartment Boutique Apartment: No. 10, Lane 77, Zhengxing Street, West Central District, Tainan City ＼ 06 222 6696 ＼facebook ＼ blog

I deliberately let the idea of 'Wei'ai Apartment' take root in my heart, and that feeling is truly special. If I could go back to right after university graduation, I might really want to pause my life here — for a month, three months, or even half a year. Bask in the sun with the cherry tree by the entrance, watch its sprouting green leaves... wander through the different rooms, and ideally stay in one room for a week or a month, savoring the flavors radiating from both inside and outside the space... When I want quiet, I retreat to my room; when I crave sounds, I head downstairs to the coffee-scented space... check out each new exhibit in the little art gallery, listen to the classic sounds and objects at 56DECO, and get so immersed...

This is a kind of fate — an important one in everyone’s life. After being touched by 'Wei'ai Apartment' in many places, we finally came here. We had been deeply fascinated by its story even before our trip, through repeated messages on Facebook. Half a century ago, this was a rental apartment housing all kinds of people, and there were still residents living here until 'Wei'ai Apartment' began its renovation. In such an apartment that has weathered over fifty years, girls may have grown up, gotten married, had children, and become grandmothers... We are always drawn to so-called 'vintage,' 'old things,' and 'old houses'... but actually, the places where the most stories happened are often found in the 'people' themselves. Memories or traces are deeply etched in our hearts.

The location of 'Wei'ai Apartment' is tucked away in a lane off Zhengxing Street. If you’ve visited Tainan often, you probably know that parking is quite difficult around Zhengxing Street and Guohua Street. Recent news has also mentioned it, and there’s a real hope that this stretch between Guohua and Zhengxing Streets can be turned into a pedestrian zone to make it safer for visitors. So when coming to 'Wei'ai Apartment', remember to park your car in the underground lot on Haian Road, then exit via the Zhengxing Street entrance — you’ll see the 'Wei'ai Apartment' sign right across, super convenient.

Following the signs on the walls and electric poles, 'Wei'ai Apartment' appears in the lane. An apartment that looks unassuming but has already won the hearts of many. It offers not just 'accommodation' — it’s about art, design, coffee, humanity, and the intermingling of it all... 'Wei'ai Apartment' carries forward fifty years of history and will continue into the next fifty, even a hundred years.

If you say the classic feature of Tainan’s old houses is those unique window grilles, many would picture something in their minds. Strolling around 'Wei'ai Apartment', you’ll find old window grilles mounted on the exterior of the buildings. The large iron plate embossed with the name 'Wei'ai' has, through natural weathering, taken on a very distinctive look — like an antique. The peeling and rust are marks of time and stories... making every visit reveal a slightly different 'Wei'ai Apartment.'

Carrying on that past, many objects remain... an ordinary-looking grandfather’s bicycle that now looks as attractive as an antique. One might imagine a little girl once hugging her grandpa tightly, riding through the lanes of Guohua Street to enjoy a bowl of squid rice noodles.

A cherry tree bursting with green leaves by the entrance keeps appearing on 'Wei'ai Apartment's' Facebook. After learning from a previous tour at a Taiwan giant factory that tree transplanting is no easy task, seeing them sprout again is genuinely exciting. It’s amazing to think that this 40-year-old cherry tree, transplanted from a military dependents' village, managed to adapt to its new front garden at 'Wei'ai Apartment' in just three months.

I really enjoy following 'Wei'ai Apartment’s' Facebook because they’re so good at storytelling. Their way of narrating people, things, and events is deeply captivating. This West Indian cherry tree originally grew in an old military dependents' village in Yongkang, Tainan. For forty years, it stood strong against typhoons and wasn’t knocked over by kids, growing patiently alongside the land’s people. But time changed the space — the village was demolished... People could leave, but trees had no choice in where to go. And so it found its way to its new home at 'Wei'ai Apartment.' It didn’t feel scared. Maybe more than that, it felt gratitude. In just three months, it brought a lush green shade to the front of 'Wei'ai Apartment.' Perhaps 'Wei'ai Apartment' is just that simple — a simple commitment to the enduring care of people, things, and moments.

Every time I arrive at a long-awaited homestay, my excitement builds from before departure all the way into the room. Stepping into 'Wei'ai Apartment', it feels like my breath and thoughts have been renewed. There’s a sense of arriving somewhere and becoming 'new' — is it the curiosity of a child? Or the flutter of a first love? On the iron gate, where Zhengxing Street, Guohua Street, and Haian Road intersect, the round mark indicates 'Wei'ai Apartment.' Even just a glass-protected iron gate is so intriguing.

After returning home, the photos of 'Wei'ai Apartment' alone fill my camera roll. Because it’s not just about the 'rooms you stay in' — several spaces here come together to tell the story of 'Wei'ai Apartment.' The café area, the charming 56deco corner, the occasional small art gallery, the guest rooms, the happiness of mornings — I’ve written about these in sections for you.

• The Café Area ＼
First is the café area — what catches your eye as soon as you enter 'Wei'ai Apartment.' It’s on the first floor, usually open during business hours, and also open to the public. So even if you’re not staying here, you can come in for tea or coffee and just relax — enjoy this wonderful space and atmosphere.

On the first-floor café side near the entrance, you can see the original red railing staircase of the apartment... 'Wei'ai Apartment' added design elements to bring sunlight in from one side. Through the play of transparent, yellow, and blue tones, the staircase alone creates a highly designed ambiance. And this staircase leads to a basement. Since it’s still under design, photos aren’t allowed, but if you’ve been in old apartments before, you might recall that there used to be waterways underneath — so those spaces were often damp and dark. 'Wei'ai Apartment' is working on transforming it into an exhibition space. Exciting things to look forward to ^~^

The other staircase leading to the rooms feels completely different. It carries the vibe of New York or East Coast fashion design, stretching from the first floor to the top. Just a 'We Love' lightbox makes you want to take photos under it. The lighting and the spiral wooden staircase are just too beautiful. And they look different in the day and night. The café is great too. Staying at 'Wei'ai Apartment' is really a treat — because after the hustle and bustle of visitors during the day, when you return to 'Wei'ai Apartment' at night, that’s when you feel its true warmth, belonging to this place and to you.

You can enjoy a cup of coffee at the bar after dinner, surrounded by the noise of crowds fading away. Admire the old lamps, old telephones, and vintage furniture, and reminisce about your own old stories. Let yourself drift in this atmosphere... it’s truly delightful.

• 56deco Charming Corner ＼
If you’re into home decor design or vintage antiques, you might recognize '56deco.' This Taipei-based design company is well-known in the industry for its work with vintage pieces and for sourcing techniques from wood and metal factories dating back thirty or fifty years. Right to the right of the entrance at 'Wei'ai Apartment', you’ll find a charming corner displaying '56deco’s' collections and works.

This '56deco' charming corner is another place that deeply captivates us. It adds so much imagery and endless stories to 'Wei'ai Apartment.' Plus, the regularly updated displays of 'vintage objects' give the whole corner a thought-provoking charm. Also, the black bicycle on the left will later be available for guests to use.

In any corner of '56deco', whether you’re looking at the old CDs on the display table, putting on that vintage player and listening, or gazing at the weathered yet fascinating bookshelf... every spot attracts us to linger during that afternoon.

Designing such a corner, curating these artworks, and telling complete, connected visual stories for people to relive... how much effort and persistence does that take? Standing from afar, I think about it and feel attached to the view before me. Actually, many corners in Taiwan are captivating, each with its own way of storytelling and its own contemporary flavor. Why wander in search of something else, or lack confidence in what we have?

The CD player on the table reminds me of trying out records in record stores back in high school... Music is an art form that will never be replaced in civilization. No matter how technology advances, music still holds an enduring emotional power. We may have just changed 'players' — from CD Walkmans to Bluetooth-playing iPhones now. XD

'56deco' has so many lighting pieces. Whether on the first floor of 'Wei'ai Apartment' or in each of the rooms later on, you’ll see their designs. This is another part you can slowly appreciate when you visit. The lines, the repurposed vintage items — they all carry warmth, and you’ll really want to take a few home.

• Occasional Small Art Gallery ＼
Behind the café on the first floor of 'Wei'ai Apartment', there’s a space that hosts different exhibitions from time to time. This time, we happened to catch a street artist named 'Shu Hu, WHO × fullspot', whose playful and witty style uses bright colors and donuts to depict all facets of life.

Just like the artwork on the walls upstairs, you can see people aging from youth to old age, with different colors and details—so effortlessly and humorously portraying life as it really is. We must truly cherish our time and work hard for the things we want to do in life!

Through these various exhibitions, art has also entered ‘Weiai Apartments’... and this is exactly what ‘Weiai Apartments’ wants to achieve. They hope to collaborate and exchange with different designers and artists, inviting them to come here to create and stay long-term—even allowing them to hold their first exhibition or launch event at ‘Weiai Apartments’, or to leave their creations here in exchange for a long-term stay. It’s a very unique idea. It might even sound like a money-losing proposition. But what’s clear is that they’re not after those fleeting guests who just stay one night—they want something more—a ‘story’… just like this old apartment used to be. To continue the stories of one generation after another, and keep the love alive.　

One day, an artist will remember their very first exhibition was held at ‘Weiai Apartments’. One day, a designer will reminisce about their days of being relatively unknown, those one, three, or six months of freedom spent here at ‘Weiai Apartments’. So if you need a space to just chill out for a long time, I have to say—even I want to do that too!! XD

At that time, I was really impressed... As soon as I checked in, I was drawn to the desk under the red desk lamp. I walked past the café and came over here. When I checked in with the staff, my eyes were immediately captured by this little corner—it stirred up some kind of eager anticipation in me, more like envy... Working at ‘Weiai Apartments’ must be so wonderful!

In fact, if you come even once, even if it’s just for a cup of coffee, remember to use your eyes and heart to feel it. You’ll find that the service staff here all have great vibes. The men and women are all warm and polite... It makes you feel like you just want to come down from your room and chat with them.


• The room you stay in\

Because of fate, I got to visit other unoccupied rooms... I really enjoy checking out different room types because the excitement you feel in person is always much greater than what photos can convey. Like this C-type room, which I fell in love with at first sight. It also features the same blue-green wall color that originally attracted me to ‘Denan Apartments’. But the tone is slightly different, paired with orange-red bedside tables and bed linens, making everything pop with a New York minimalist cool vibe. It reminded me of Ladys and Gentlemens, a place I once visited—a good design can really make you feel like you live there 'in style'.

Everywhere—from the golden wall lamp by the bedhead to the hanging basket in the bathroom—every detail is simply enchanting. Next time I have the chance, I definitely have to stay in this C-type room. I want to experience the feeling of sunlight and sunset filtering into the room during the day in Tainan, and soak in the charm of that understated crystal chandelier and the mesmerizing bathroom vanity... the warmth in every corner.

And then there’s this single-seater old sofa, weathered by who knows how many years, but only getting better with age—you sink into it and never want to get up. And the little red ladder beside it? Turns out it’s actually designed for you to prop your legs up on!! XD

Open the door to the A-type room, and it’s clearly a space meant for a designer or artist living solo. The room may not be big, but it has a minimalist, low-key, and steady style. Plus, when you open the window, you get a view of Tainan’s old streets.

And this room with a pale blue color reminiscent of Tiffany blue? Also an A-type. Actually, each type of room seems to have its own unique flair. And since there are a total of 12 rooms, you’ll see lots of distinctive ones. This one, I think, would definitely attract many single women. You could stay inside all day without going out and still feel truly relaxed. Open the window and lean against the red tiles of an old Tainan house, where an occasional cat might stroll by.

This is the B-type room, featuring a Japanese-style tatami mat floor. It’s perfect for families staying together, and you don’t have to worry about kids’ safety either. And that old wooden table placed in the middle caught our eye. Unlike typical tatami tables, besides the glow that years have given the wood, it also has its own unique charm.

After seeing a few of the unoccupied room types, we found out that all the rooms were fully booked during the holiday. I’m so glad we got to stay in the D-type room—the one we liked the most, aside from the C-type, and also the most romantic, private, and uniquely blessed. Going up the stairs, this is a completely exclusive private space, so even the stairs up here have their own key. No worries about anyone ‘passing through’!! XD

It’s like a brief separation from the world, enjoying your own time in a paradise. This room type is perfect for couples or spouses, and even ideal for Valentine’s Day or wedding anniversaries. It’s extremely romantic and will definitely leave memories you can’t forget.

As soon as I entered the room, I immediately headed for the bathroom space that has an outdoor balcony with table and chairs. The afternoon sun at four o’clock is so enchanting, the warmth making you not want to go back inside. You just want to sit on the balcony and daydream—sip on a Bogu bought from Guohua Street, eat the leftover fried chicken... It turns out that the so-called enjoyment in life is just this simple, ordinary daily life.

Admire the bathroom that takes up half the size of the room. The large wooden planks on the floor and ceiling gently caress your feet (yes, I really don’t like wearing slippers!! XD). Because it’s on the top floor, the ceiling has a sloped design. Coupled with the preserved high ceiling, the whole room feels incredibly comfortable to be in.

I loved this bathroom so much that I ended up describing it from every possible angle. I was constantly afraid that if I didn’t capture the perfect thought, I’d miss preserving the best angle of this place—and that would really disappoint me!! XD

The bathroom has a large bathtub. The angle of the tub allows you to pull open the floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy the blue sky during the day or the stars at night. The large balcony is actually covered in grass, with small trees and ferns on both sides, making the entire outdoor space somewhere you won’t want to leave. The color scheme of the D-type room is very soothing, with warm earthy tones, plus plenty of stone and wooden elements—you really feel close to nature!

The water from the sink flows into a stone-carved basin, rippling over the patterns in the stone... it reminds you of a clear mountain stream on a sunny day, the water so transparent you can see the stones beneath. On the side, stones are tiled onto the wall and extend all the way along the window, shower area, and up to the big bathtub... the design elements create a very linear, continuous visual flow. You can’t help but admire the thought put into the tiny details.

In the afternoon, this is one of my favorite spots... The grass isn’t real, but the little trees and plants are living things, soaking up the sun on the rooftop of ‘Weiai Apartments’... Whether it’s a single leaf or roots reaching upward, they’re all part of the scene. What caught my eye was even the watering can hanging nearby, with its mix of blue and copper tones—so beautiful!

Once inside the room, the transition where you go upstairs showcases the uniqueness and seclusion of the D-type room. Pull the full-length curtains and you can completely separate the space—even sunlight can’t get in. Open the curtains and you’re connected to the stairs again, seeing your own private balcony. That feeling is just so ‘exclusively yours’.

Even without saying much, you can imagine how comfy this bed is. These days, more and more places pay attention to bed comfort... Not to mention ‘Weiai Apartments’ designing such a cozy space—how could they overlook this detail?

Both sides of the bed offer views. Close to the inside is a mosquito killer lamp that’s already turned on—no worries about mosquitoes buzzing in from the balcony!! XD There’s also a BOSE speaker, and you can play music from your phone via Bluetooth. You can have a great evening without even turning on the TV. The other side I like even more—this vintage single chair that you just sink into and slide back on when you sit down. The leather color, the reclining angle, it’s all perfect for this room. And I’m pretty sure that bedside lamp is definitely a work by 56DECO!

The TV is mounted on the wooden wall. There’s lots of wood—on the walls, floors, ceilings, even extending to the tables, coat racks, and you can even find it in the bathroom in front. ‘Wood’ is always such a simple element, yet it’s also the design closest to nature. Whether it’s the depth of the color or the age of the wood, it can have different appearances and different warmth for whoever touches it.

In the room, we often spend a lot of time admiring every possibility from our own perspective... So we always end up taking back a lot of interesting images. Sometimes even I find it amusing. Maybe it’s just snapping a random photo of a chair, or just looking at the patterns on the headboard... Perhaps it’s this appreciation for the little details that leaves so many classics stuck in my mind.

The window on the other wall made me grab my camera as I woke up... That little corner scene—the house, the water tower, the blue sky on a certain day in Tainan—is the morning I first stepped into ‘Weiai Apartments’.


• Morning happiness\

Coming to ‘Weiai Apartments’ means you get breakfast. And this breakfast isn’t available to the public—it’s only for guests. So you can enjoy a peaceful morning, quietly savoring your breakfast, sipping coffee, flipping through magazines. Once again, appreciating every corner of ‘Weiai Apartments’ is the bittersweet feeling before you prepare to leave in the morning...

Two of us chose different breakfasts—one Chinese, one Western. Both were super generous, and the presentation? It instantly had our phones and cameras going crazy. The light shining on each dish woke up our growling stomachs again. We were literally trying to take pictures while resisting the urge to just dig in!! XD

Chinese breakfast is actually becoming more and more appealing to us these days (maybe it’s an age thing?? XD). The congee has sweet potatoes in it, the small plates have greens, fermented tofu, scallion omelet, meat floss, and fruit. It looks like it’s packed with so much nutrition.

The Western-style bagels are also delicious here！ Freshly toasted and spread with cream cheese, they’re chewy and tasty when you bite into them. On the plate, there’s also a Western omelet, German sausage, salad, fruit, and mashed potatoes — everything is fresh, simple, and incredibly satisfying～

After the meal, you can choose hot black tea or coffee, etc. We were so full that we opted for hot tea instead！ Being able to enjoy a leisurely breakfast like this in the morning really makes you feel the ease of a holiday... Maybe Tainan really does have endless delicious food, and even breakfast alone offers an overwhelming variety of choices！ XD But occasionally treating yourself like this really becomes a wonderful memory from your trip！ No rush, no pressure, no need to hurry... It’s a rare moment of slowness.

Toward the end of this piece, this ‘Wei’ai Apartment’ is the first place I’ve chosen to write about as a separate section... a place to drink coffee, the charming corners of 56deco, occasional small art galleries, the rooms you stay in, the happiness of the early morning — this is how I’ve categorized it. If you visit in person, you might see things differently from me！

No matter what kind of passerby you are in life, perhaps you just want to pause and do nothing at all！ Want to find a place to rest well, to get really close to Tainan, to listen to your own voice, or to let others hear your creative story? Maybe you’ll fall in love with this place！

The story written by Wei’ai Apartment isn’t just a single point, but an endless series of lines, extended further by everyone who comes here, drawing new stories for this apartment... Just like a warm and heartfelt person, place, or thing — if you find the right person... that warmth will continue, no matter whether it’s dark or light... Love never fades...

［Enjoying life is never boring. By Xiao Sun］