Spring Mustard Book Café / A transformed old rice mill! Standing gently in Garlic Town, embraced by time.
Auto-TranslationIn Garlic Town, Chiayi, there is a charming bookstore named "Spring Mustard," converted from an old rice mill. The bookstore sells coffee, CDs, and second-hand books, providing a cozy space for travelers to enjoy their time.
Located in Garlic Town, Liu Jiao Township, Chiayi County, this charming village is characterized by its intricate network of paths and simple, hospitable customs, making it a typical agricultural town in southern Taiwan. Originally named "Suan Tou," which means "numerous wealthy families," Garlic Town is not known for producing garlic, but over time, the name has stuck, leading to the amusing misnomer of a garlic town without garlic. A few years ago, the town gained attention due to the television drama "The Nine Corners Grocery Store," and now, with the addition of "Spring Mustard Book Café," a culturally rich bookstore, it offers returning locals and visiting travelers a place to relax and experience the warm atmosphere of a bygone era.
"Spring Mustard Book Café" was once known as "Cheng Feng Rice Mill," which has stood in Garlic Town for over 90 years. During the Japanese colonial period, it was owned by the Huang family, serving as a vital resource for the villagers' basic needs and a community gathering spot. However, as traditional rice milling gradually declined, the mill faced obsolescence. The owner wished to preserve the village's memories and, in recent years, successfully revitalized the space through the Ministry of Culture's old building preservation program. It was transformed into the "Cheng Feng Community Lecture Hall," serving as a public community space that combines a bookstore, a lecture hall, and a guesthouse. "Spring Mustard Book Café" is part of this multifaceted venue. The bookstore's owner, writer and cultural historian Chuang Wensong, describes Spring Mustard as a cozy space selling used books, old CDs, and coffee. In addition to a wide range of humanities books, it also collaborates with the lecture hall to host art exhibitions, photography shows, and various cultural activities.
"Spring Mustard Book Café" was once known as "Cheng Feng Rice Mill," which has stood in Garlic Town for over 90 years. During the Japanese colonial period, it was owned by the Huang family, serving as a vital resource for the villagers' basic needs and a community gathering spot. However, as traditional rice milling gradually declined, the mill faced obsolescence. The owner wished to preserve the village's memories and, in recent years, successfully revitalized the space through the Ministry of Culture's old building preservation program. It was transformed into the "Cheng Feng Community Lecture Hall," serving as a public community space that combines a bookstore, a lecture hall, and a guesthouse. "Spring Mustard Book Café" is part of this multifaceted venue. The bookstore's owner, writer and cultural historian Chuang Wensong, describes Spring Mustard as a cozy space selling used books, old CDs, and coffee. In addition to a wide range of humanities books, it also collaborates with the lecture hall to host art exhibitions, photography shows, and various cultural activities.
Discover Taiwan's Hidden GemsUncover Taiwan's coziest cafés, must-try local dishes, or secret spots — journé will take you to the stories behind the streets, guided by locals and shop owners.
Read on map to find the best spots nearby!Explore highlights from 50+ top travel magazines, anytime, anywhere
Read on map to find the best spots nearby!Explore highlights from 50+ top travel magazines, anytime, anywhereScan on your phone to open this article
Discover Taiwan's Hidden GemsUncover Taiwan's coziest cafés, must-try local dishes, or secret spots — journé will take you to the stories behind the streets, guided by locals and shop owners.Read on map to find the best spots nearby!Explore highlights from 50+ top travel magazines, anytime, anywhere
Read on map to find the best spots nearby!Explore highlights from 50+ top travel magazines, anytime, anywhereScan on your phone to open this article
