Shawai Backpacker -- Master Shu-chi Hsu
Master Hsu insists in the idea of remodeling old houses. He remodeled an abandoned old house into Shawai Backpacker; later on he and his wife reorganized Hou-che Alley and opened Gui-hua Alley, a teahouse. They hope to let the scent of “Ghui-hua Alley” waft across the alleys of the historic district.
Founder of Smalleye Backpacker - Master Shu-chi Hsu
(Figure 1) The outside of Shawai Backpacker.
Master Hsu built Shawai Backpacker, with lots of friends’help.
Shawai Backpacker used to be an abandoned old house. After Master Hsu remodled it, it has a new look now. He said, “Everything has its own value. Don’t throw it away or destroy it.” He held a piece of wood and joyfully said, “It’s a leftover wood from remodeling Shawai, and I used it as a business card holder.” Maybe Master Hsu’s purpose of building Shawai is to pass on the cultural heritage.
Introduction of Shawai Backpacker
The name, Shawai, comes from a cute story. Shawai is located next to Ai Gate; both have the sound of “ai”.
Shawai Backpacker (see Figure 2) is located at Hou-che Alley, Lukang Township. It is an inn with dream and idea.Shawai not only has an idea of providing a place for backpackers to stay, but it also has a dream of remodeling 100 old houses. Shawai Backpacker is just the beginning!
100 Remodeled Old Houses
(Figure 2) A three-dimensional model historic site made by Master Hsu.
Master Hsu said, “We are only a group of people who quietly put in efforts for making our hometown better as well as hoping more people know about Lukang. It would be great if you also love Lukang’s heritage!” We will get old and die, but houses won’t die no matter how old they are. So don’t destroy it! Just remodel it. The culture won’t die either. It will continue forever. Culture has stories, which is Master Hsu’s idea for remodeling old houses.
Master Hsu has a mission – returning to his hometown Lukang and repairing a hundred old houses. He hates to see businessmen destroy the century-old houses for constructing commercial buildings. He wants to show the businessmen that destroying houses to build commercial buildings is not the only way for making money.
Postscript
I think Master Hsu’s idea is meaningful. Times are changing, the same as the culture, but I feel an excellent culture should be passed on.
If the old houses can be preserved, later generations will be able to see that their houses are different from the ancestors’.
If the old houses can be preserved, later generations will be able to see that their houses are different from the ancestors’.
