Old house reconstruction and artistic creation in rural village

Name: Old house reconstruction and artistic creation in rural village
Start: 2025-08-05
End: 2026-07-18
Location: Taiwan

Code: 6ba608e9-f40a-11ef-a789-fa163ef8d720 Copied

Taiwan Construction Culture Renovation Construction Culture +1 Fixed dates

About the project

📝 Detailed information

🏢 About the local organisation

Taichung City Chang-You Caring Association Dongxin Story Exchange workcamp 2026 is an 8-day international volunteer workcamp hosted by Taichung City Chang-You Caring Association in Taichung City. The workcamp combines three local services(1) community care for the elderly and meal service, (2) day care services for people with disabilities, and (3) a community supply bank (providing matching donations for disadvantaged families)with a special program called Ocean Dreams: accompanying children and their families on an overnight program at the National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium. Through companionship, simple logistical support, and story-based cultural exchange, volunteers help build an inclusive community where seniors, people with disabilities, children, and international youth can learn from and grow together. The schedule will be planned based on the community’s daily services and children’s after-school photo schedule. On the fourth day (Friday), the community will host an International Cultural Night and a Marine Dream Pledge Ceremony, where seniors, children’s families, and residents will gather to enhance team cohesion and prepare for their early departure on the fifth day. Achievements over the past years (highlights): 1. Provide ongoing elderly care services, including regular community meals, gatherings, and events. 2. Operate a day care service for people with disabilities and a community supply depot (sorting and distributing donated goods). 3. Organize international cultural exchange activities in collaboration with local temples and community partners. Aims: 1. Silver Age Vitality: Support senior citizen programs and achieve over 100 participants during the camp. 2. Storytelling Book: Collaborate on the creation of a bilingual community storybook (mini-magazine/PDF) and a 60-90 second engaging video (with consent). 3. Ocean Dreams: Accompany approximately 30 children through an overnight experience at the Ocean Museum, enhancing their confidence and global awareness. 4. Community Inclusion: Attract 50-80 residents to a intercultural exchange evening, strengthening local and international solidarity.

💼 What the programme involves

This project is inviting volunteers to deeply involve themselves in the renovation of the historic Yenping town street, and to experience the local atmosphere by repairing old houses and participating in agricultural life within 12 days in Xiluo Township. Xiluo Township, located in the middle of Taiwan, has a 360-year history and is the most northern district of Yunlin County. It is situated closest to the Zhuo Shui River, the longest river in Taiwan, and is known for its production of rice, fruits, and vegetables. The nearby river was used for transportation of people and goods for over 100 years. During the Japanese colonial era, Xiluo was planned to be a modern and role model town. In order to cooperate with the street-widening process, architectural facades were removed and buildings’ heights were altered. From 1925 to 1945, many stylish buildings were constructed on Yenping Street, with various unique architectural styles. In just a few years, an 840-meter stretch of the street saw the construction of hundreds of Art Deco houses that contain the essence of Xiluo’s history and culture. Today, walking along Yenping Historical Street, visitors can see 142 decorated historical houses, most of which were built over 90 years ago. A century ago, Yenping Street was the "downtown" area and shops were busy with visitors, but now many of the houses are empty and old. The residents have moved with their families to other cities away from Xiluo, and Yenping Street has become quiet. Thanks to the "Community Renaissance" movement conducted by the Louyoung Foundation and the local government, the street has become fabulous. Over the past 7 years, the Foundation has invited many cultural groups and artists to stay in Xiluo for an extended period and host different performances. They have also hosted 7 international work camps that focused on renovating heritage houses. In 2022, Liao Jih-chou and Liao Jih-kang, overseas hometown acquaintances, donated two old houses (No. 110 and No. 112) on Yanping Road to the Louyoung Education and Culture Foundation in accordance with their parents’ wishes. No. 110 was the former Te-Chun Dental Clinic, and the Foundation has gradually entered the dilapidated house for cleaning and restoration. At the same time, the history of the Liao family was researched and artifacts collected. Invitations were also extended to resident artists to use their art to enter the old house. During the first week of the volunteer project, participants will repair the old houses (No. 110 and No. 112) on Yanping Road. Afterwards, they will clean the nearby garden of the local museum, experience agricultural life in Xiluo, and participate in a artistic creation workshop. International friends are welcome to join this project, which is not just about voluntary work, but also about learning Taiwanese culture and having a unique life experience. More real life and images of project, please link

🏠 Accommodation on site

We will stay in Xiluo Backpacker House (No.81). The house is near Xiluo Cultural Museum, there are comfortable beds, air conditioner, toilet, hot shower and kitchen in the House . Volunteer will have a great time here for sure.The backpacker house belongs to Rotary Club of Xiluo. They always welcome the volunteers and because of their kindness, we have to keep good management (to always keep clean, no smoking inside building, etc.). During the project, we will mainly use bicycles for transportation, so please ensure that you are comfortable with bike riding. Internet access is available at the Luoyoung Foundation office.

🍲 Food

Meals will be a delightful mix of self-catering and local cuisine. You will have the chance to cook together as a group and also sample authentic Taiwanese dishes at local restaurants or by purchasing packed meals. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore Taiwan's world-renowned culinary scene, from savoury local specialities made with Xiluo's famous soy sauce to the diverse offerings of nearby markets.

📍 About the location

Xiluo, located in central Taiwan, has a history of 360 years and is the northernmost district of Yunlin County. It lies near the Zhuo Shui River, the longest river in Taiwan, and is known for its production of rice, fruits, and vegetables. For more than 100 years, the nearby river was used to transport both people and goods.
During the period of Japanese colonization, Xiluo was planned to become a modern model town. To accommodate the street-widening process, building façades were removed and building heights were modified. From 1925 to 1945, many elegant buildings were constructed along Yenping Street, featuring a variety of unique architectural styles. In just a few years, an 840-meter section of the street saw the construction of hundreds of Art Deco-style houses, which embody the essence of Xiluo’s history and culture.

🎒 Leisure activities

Your experience will be enriched by a variety of planned leisure activities designed to immerse you in Taiwanese culture. You can look forward to cultural exchange parties with local residents, learning basic Kung Fu movements, and enjoying traditional puppet shows. Exploring the scenic countryside on bike rides is a perfect way to unwind. During your free time, you will have the opportunity to visit a bustling local night market, a quintessential Taiwanese experience where you can taste an incredible array of street food and soak up the lively atmosphere.

⚠️ Requirements

We are looking for volunteers with a positive attitude, a genuine interest in cultural heritage and artistic creation, and a willingness to work collaboratively as part of an international team. No specific expertise is required, but a creative spirit is highly encouraged. Participants must be comfortable with physical work and cycling.

🤝 Meeting point

Meeting Point : Xiluo Ecological Museum (No. 92, Yanping Rd., Xiluo Township, Yunlin County)
Xiluo Township is a historic town in Yunlin County, located in central Taiwan. It is approximately 50
minutes by bus from Taichung City and 3 to 4.5 hours by bus from Taipei City. More transportation
details will be provided in the Infosheet
2. Meeting Time: Between 2 P.M. and 5 P.M. of the project first day

ℹ️ Additional information

1- We hope that participants will have the expertise and interest in artistic creation 2- Participants need to bring own traditional clothing as there will be special events such as cultural night and farewell party where at least one volunteer will have the opportunity to showcase their country's traditional attire. This will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the locals. The project is expected to conclude on the last day around 12:00 pm, after the accommodation is cleaned and the final evaluation is reviewed.

Interested in this project? Create your account and apply online.