Old houses get new purposes！4 uniquely renovated historic sites

▲ Daxi Old Tea Factory in Taoyuan. (Photo / provided by Coffee Uncle)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

After renovation, these old buildings have been given new life through various revitalization methods. Here’s a look at four historic old houses in Taiwan that have been repurposed as restaurants, cafés, and more, infusing new energy into these timeless places.

Daxi Old Tea Factory in Taoyuan
The Daxi Old Tea Factory was known as the “Kakuban Mountain Factory” during the Japanese colonial period. Built in 1926 (the first year of the Showa era), it was part of the tea production division under the forestry and agricultural operations of the Mitsui & Co. conglomerate. Initially, the tea was sold under the name Mitsui Black Tea, but in 1930 (the fifth year of Showa), it was renamed Nittoh Black Tea (Nittoh Black Tea) and exported to markets including the UK, US, and Australia. By 1937 (the 12th year of Showa), its production exceeded 10 million kin. Now managed by Taiwan Agricultural Products, the Daxi Tea Factory covers 1,670 pyeong (approximately 5,524 square meters). The main structure is a two-story building, with the first floor designed as a product exhibition and tea tasting area, while the second floor retains the original layout of the tea production factory.

▲ The first floor is designed as a product exhibition and tea tasting area. (Photo / provided by Coffee Uncle)

Address: No. 80, Lane 732, Section 2, Fuxing Road, Daxi Township, Taoyuan County
Phone: 03-3825089
Business Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00–17:00, Saturday to Sunday 10:00–17:30
Closed: None
Related Reports:A Blend of Nostalgia and Modernity – The Air at Daxi Old Tea Factory is Thick with Tea Aroma and Time

▲ Exterior of Laojia Art Space. (Photo / by Reporter Zhou Chen-geng)

Laojia Art Space in Miaoli
Located in downtown Miaoli, “Laojia Art Space” is a two-story building around 50 years old, revamped by seven young people. It's the childhood home of the current manager, Peng Wen. Originally, a group of youths considered moving back to Miaoli and renovating the old family home, but they weren’t sure how to achieve financial independence. After discussions, they realized there were no cafés in downtown Miaoli, so they decided to create a space combining coffee and art culture.

Address: No. 13, Lane 1, Jiandai Street, Miaoli City, Miaoli County
Phone: 03-732-1756
Business Hours: Monday to Friday 13:00–21:00; Saturday and Sunday 10:00–21:00
Related Reports:A Youthful Tribute: Planting Grandma’s Cherry Tree in a 50-Year-Old Miaoli Home

▲Situated in Xizhou, Chenggong Hostel was the town’s first multi-story building and is now an agricultural bookstore. (Photo / by Reporter Zhou Chen-geng)

Chenggong Hostel in Xizhou, Changhua
A 90-year-old wooden building that once served as a lodging house has been transformed into Taiwan’s first agricultural bookstore. In the past, Xizhou in Changhua bustled with activity due to the presence of the central sugar factory office. The town’s first multi-story building, “Chenggong Hostel,” has survived the passage of time and was recently restored by a group of youths. It’s now a bookstore specializing in agricultural literature and locally grown Xizhou rice.

Address: No. 50, Fuxing Road, Xizhou Township, Changhua County
Phone: 04-8891262
Business Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00–18:00 (closed 12:00–13:30)
Related Reports:From Abandoned to reborn – Youth transform 90-Year-Old Xizhou Hostel into an “Agricultural Bookstore”

▲Former Residence of the Tainan City Mayor (Photo/Reproduced fromParsadina Former Residence of the Tainan City Mayor)

Former Residence of the Tainan City Mayor
The Former Residence of the Tainan City Mayor was built in 1974 as the official residence for the mayor of Tainan. Covering nearly 800 pyeong (approximately 2,600 square meters), it has a 40-year history. However, due to its aging structure, recent mayors have not lived here. In late 2014, the residence was transformed into a restaurant, allowing visitors to dine inside this historic building.

Address: No. 239, Nanmen Road, West Central District, Tainan City
Phone: 06-2136039
Business Hours: Monday–Sunday
Lunch: 11:30–14:30, Afternoon Tea: 14:30–17:00, Dinner: 17:30–22:00