A Stage for Books and People — “Yongle Theatre” Brings the Joy of Reading to Life

By Luo Xinya


▲ Once the central stage at “Yongle Theatre” is cleared, it becomes a performance space for various reading activities. (Photo / Courtesy ofFanily)

With curtains rising and falling, people coming and going, the owner of “Yongle Theatre,” Shi Fangyu, named the space after the once-renowned theater and cinema in Dadaocheng, hoping it would be more than just a bookstore — it could also serve as a hub for art and culture, an underground salon, or even a small theater.

In 2011, Shi Fangyu impulsively took over a bookstore that was about to close and opened “Yongle Theatre.” From the start, she was determined to sell secondhand books because “after paper books became digitized, I believed retro would become popular again.”

 
▲ Left: With events, lectures, and salons, this place is more than a bookstore — it can even function as a small theater. (Photo / Courtesy ofFanily)

In the internet era, selling books requires delivering and spreading ideas through “events,” which has become a necessary option. “When the act of buying books has been replaced by the internet, the value of ‘space’ comes to the forefront.” As a result, a wide variety of activities take place at Yongle Theatre. In addition to the monthly fixed “book club,” Thursdays are reserved for literary nights, and Fridays host regular “Philosophy Fridays” organized by groups — everyone is welcome to join in.

The bookstore’s selection includes literature, Taiwanese history, and other social science books, as well as lifestyle titles on business management, health, travel, and parenting. The tastes cater to both refined and popular interests, making every visitor — from literary youths to local neighbors — feel right at home in Yongle Theatre.

Shi Fangyu smiles and says, “Growing up, books gave me knowledge and were also a form of entertainment.” Reading, to her, is a beautiful imagination and a calling. After several years of running the bookstore, she feels she is currently in the most satisfying stage. “I’m willing to be a long-distance runner for the bookstore.”


Yongle Theatre offers a diverse book selection, hoping every visitor can find their own joy in reading. (Photo / Courtesy ofFanily)

【Yongle Theatre】
Address: 2F, No. 14, Lane 244, Section 3, Roosevelt Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City 100, Taiwan