Every island deserves a bar like this — a youth-run venture next to a small temple on Little Liuqiu

▲ This “WHATS • BING LANG” located next to a temple is one of the classic examples of youth returning to their hometowns.

Reported and photographed by You Tzu-ju / Little Liuqiu

This must be the kind of little shop every island resort should have. A tiny corner space of less than 10 pyeong (approx. 33 m²), with semi-outdoor seating, the shop specializes in craft beer. On summer evenings, as music plays softly, sit at the bar, sway gently, chat with the young owner about the times, finish a few bottles of beer, then walk back to your accommodation in the night breeze.


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As a southern offshore island of Taiwan, Little Liuqiu has seen a much slower pace of youth returning or relocating compared to Penghu, Orchid Island, and Green Island. But in the past two years, with the successful conservation of sea turtles, an increase in visitors, and the rise of homestays, youths with deep memories of Little Liuqiu have begun to spread their wings and return home, seeking ways to accompany their elders and make a living. This “WHATS • BING LANG” located next to a temple is one of the classic examples of youth returning to their hometowns.

It’s hard not to love “WHATS • BING LANG.” This little bar stands out with a striking yet strong blend in the darkness of Little Liuqiu nights. A small bar that only sells craft beer and juices has become an important gathering spot for Little Liuqiu’s youth since it opened last November.

The owner, Cai Zonghua, said he was born in Little Liuqiu, moved to Pingtung with his parents at the age of 3, and after studying and completing military service, returned to Little Liuqiu. The first thing he did was team up with his father to renovate the old house built by his grandparents. “This house is 50 years old; back then, my grandparents picked the sea sand themselves and mixed it with cement to build it,” Cai Zonghua said. The small corner house may not look special, but it holds important family memories.


▲ Taiwanese-brewed craft beers all come with rich tea flavors.


▲ The shop also serves juices made from mangoes grown locally on Little Liuqiu, and a fresh “Boss’s Wife Special” slushie (the one in the photo on the left, 90 NTD), which has a sweet and sour taste.

The shop’s specialty is craft beer. Cai Zonghua recommends four types of Taiwanese-brewed craft beer, all with rich tea flavors. Liqiu is made with Eastern Beauty tea, Yushui with Jin Xuan tea, Lidong with Tieguanyin, and Guyu with Oolong tea — their thick textures differ from commercial beers. In addition, there are juices made from locally grown Little Liuqiu mangoes, and a fresh “Boss’s Wife Special” slushie with a sweet and sour flavor.