Travel back in time to Taiwan 30 years ago with "Taichung's Treasures" – a modern-day scavenger story

▲ The old items collected at "1983 FINE ∞ Treasures" span over 50 categories, totaling more than 300 pieces. (Photo / Reposted fromthe official fan page of 1983 FINE ∞ Treasures, the same below)

By Peng Huaiyu / Comprehensive report

Still vaguely remember the first CD you saved up to buy, or the trading cards you played with as a child? A modern-day "scavenger story" is unfolding before our eyes — A-Mei’s debut CD, posters from *Titanic*... Vintage items from the 1980s and 1990s fill the treasure trove of time known as "1983 FINE ∞ Treasures," where anything goes and nothing seems out of place.

▲ A magnetic clasp pencil case.

The owner, Zhijuan, born in 1983, has an old-school soul. What started as her personal collection soon grew as she hunted for vintage items at old grocery stores and flea markets. Years later, she established "Taichung 1983 FINE ∞ Treasures." To date, the collection spans over 50 categories and includes more than 300 items. Currently, there is no physical store—only occasional pop-up stalls in Taichung’s Guangfu New Village and Taichung Broadcasting Bureau, along with items displayed on the fan page, hoping to reunite with kindred spirits and keep those cherished childhood memories alive.

▲ Currently, there is no physical store—only occasional pop-up stalls in Taichung’s Guangfu New Village and Taichung Broadcasting Bureau.

Starting from the year of her birth, 1983, Zhijuan has collected familiar childhood toys, stationery, and daily necessities of the post-1980s generation—items that might have been discarded but were instead saved by her. Think Famicom game consoles, check printers, magnetic clasp pencil cases, M&M’s piggy banks, Power Rangers figurines... even the “beep-boop” Doodoo toy from Pan Yingzi’s TV drama *Phoenix Rising from the Fire*, all capable of awakening deep-seated childhood memories.

▲ The Doodoo “beep-boop” toy from *Phoenix Rising from the Fire* can evoke memories for many born in the 1980s.

Zhijuan says the most unique item is the “cassette tape karaoke machine,” which combines functions like broadcasting, microphones, electronic keyboards, and speakers—a multifunctional antique audio device from the early days, akin to a modern home karaoke machine. The variety of items is truly limitless.

▲ The most unique item at 1983 FINE ∞ Treasures is the “cassette tape karaoke machine.”

Due to work requirements, Zhijuan frequently visits Taiwan’s rural villages, military dependents’ villages, and old grocery stores. In her travels through remote areas, she realized that if these remnants of a beautiful past were not valued, they would inevitably fade from memory and disappear. She also mentioned that her greatest gain has been connecting with elders, drawing wisdom from the older generations, and listening to the stories of those times.

▲ A Power Rangers figurine.

These vintage items capture the beautiful moments of life in the past and reawaken shared memories among those born in the 1980s. The owner hopes that the items that accompanied us through childhood won’t be swept away by the tide of time. Zhijuan says she plans to open a treasure store in the future that combines lifestyle interests, selling childhood drinks, snacks, and retro items.

1983 FINE ∞ Treasures
Fan Page