Second-hand books, coffee, light meals — a reborn old warehouse rising anew

Text and photos by /Purple Smile

Next to Yilan Railway Station stands the over 80-year-old Yilan TRA Warehouse, once a bustling hub where many merchants traded goods and it was the liveliest spot in Yilan. Now, after another transformation, it has made a comeback. Previously a rental venue for an agricultural, forestry, fishery, and livestock specialties and merchandise exhibition center, it has been converted into the “Old Book Cabinet.” Featuring second-hand books, coffee, and light meals, this nostalgic, humanistic style paired with the architecture hopes to let this innovative vibe continue to spread.

It’s easy to find — just head right out of the train station and you’ll see the Old Book Cabinet.

Walk through the transparent canopy pedestrian walkway, and Yilan’s historic warehouse complex comes into view. The former Transport Section is planned to be developed into the “Yilan Tourism Information Service Center.” Meanwhile, the Drop Drop Forest and red-brick building in front of the station have become a red-and-green arts and cultural space and story house.

Hanging high is the Creative Innovation Village, derived from the concepts of creativity, entrepreneurship, innovation, and settlement (village), aiming to revive and repurpose the old warehouse buildings.

The Yilan Xingkou area previously housed a warehouse transformed into a “Creative Industry Image Hall” for showcasing agricultural, forestry, fishery, and livestock specialties and merchandise, but business wasn’t great, so now it’s been turned into the Old Book Cabinet.

There are also resting tables and chairs outside.

The old warehouse windows have a lot of character.

A really cool DIY music creative installation.

It makes sounds when it rains.

The arts and culture space shares artistic information.

The large corridor in front of the warehouse has various old items casually placed around.

Old things together also create a nice vibe.

Inside, there are English picture books, second-hand books, coffee, and light meals.

The outside can also host performances.

The books here are incredibly diverse.

There’s no shortage of foreign language books either.

While browsing, it reminded me of Hualien’s famous Time Used Bookstore, enjoying a leisurely, slow life immersed in books and coffee.

Listening to the music playing, flipping through a book, ordering a coffee, waiting for the train to arrive, or sinking into the sofa, sensing the encounter between this old warehouse and its vintage items with your eyes, immersing yourself in the humanistic literary atmosphere — it’s also an enjoyable attitude. (How did I suddenly get so literary~lol)

The owner is a young person who chats cheerfully with everyone. I heard the lease is until the end of December, and no one knows what will happen in the future, so please give lots of support !

Ni Kuang novels, buy one get one free ~ When I was at Lan Girls’ School, I once got lost in science fiction novels; this place really brings back memories !

Apart from the Old Book Cabinet humanistic café, the row of warehouses also includes three other sections.

The indoor spaces are interconnected, so you can also check out the exhibition and interactive center, the Kent Animation Museum, and entrepreneurial business services.

Small works on display.

Standing in specific areas, animations pop up for real-time interaction.

Work area displays.

These static displays are full of childlike charm, perfect for those with a playful spirit.

The cultural planning and integration of the old buildings around Yilan Railway Station is something the locals are happy to see. It is hoped that such spaces full of humanistic charm and unique character can continuously inspire enthusiasm for innovation and creativity. Additionally, if paired with certain events to unite the community’s spirit, more people could be drawn to this area. Whether you’re just passing through or visiting specifically, we believe you’ll stay awhile and enjoy this vibrant cultural space.

Old Bookshelves:Old Bookshelves – Second-hand Books, Coffee, Light Meals | Facebook
Business Hours: 14:00–22:00 (Closed on Tuesdays)
Address: No. 280, Section 1, Yixing Road, Yilan City

We are Ben & Jean—we love food, travel, photography, and consumer electronics.
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