Old House Reconstruction& Artistic creation in Rural Village

CODE: VYA-2605 Xiluo

Project Background and Objectives

This project is initiated in response to the gradual decline of historic town centers in rural Taiwan, where rich cultural landscapes face challenges caused by urban migration, aging populations, and the abandonment of traditional buildings. Xiluo Township, located in central Taiwan, is a representative example of this situation. With a history of more than 360 years, Xiluo was once an important agricultural and commercial hub closely connected to river transportation and regional trade. However, as transportation routes shifted and younger generations moved to major cities, many historic streets and houses were left vacant and deteriorating.
Yanping Historical Street is the cultural heart center of Xiluo. During the Japanese colonial period, the town was planned as a modern model city. Between 1925 and 1945, a large number of buildings were constructed along Yanping Street, forming a unique streetscape characterized by Art Deco facades and hybrid architectural styles. These buildings reflect not only architectural trends of the time but also the economic prosperity and daily life of the town’s residents. Today, although 142 historic houses still stand along the street, many of them are empty, weathered, and disconnected from everyday community life.
The purpose behind this project is not only to repair physical structures, but also to restore the relationship between people, space, and local culture. Heritage preservation, in this context, is understood as a living process rather than a static display. Old houses regain meaning only when people enter them, work in them, and create new memories within them.

The project is organized by the Louyoung Education and Culture Foundation, whose mission is to promote cultural preservation, community education, and local revitalization in Yunlin County. The foundation has already undertaken numerous activities, including the restoration of historic buildings, international workshops, and long-term artist residency programs. We also run the Community college, which focuses on lifelong learning, civic engagement, and community-based education. Through courses and public programs, it encourages residents to actively participate in shaping their local environment and cultural future.

Achievements over the past year

The Lou-young Education and Culture Foundation has collaborated with VYA Taiwan since 2009, organizing a total of 19 international volunteer camps to date. Participants have come from Japan,
South Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Italy, France, Spain, Belgium, the United States, the Czech Republic, and Germany. Over the years, 300 more international young people have taken part in the revitalization of Xiluo Township, becoming important partners in local community development.
With the continued support and participation of the volunteer camp, the Luoyang Education and Culture Foundation launched cultural projects such as the Xiluo Contemporary Art Festival and the Xiluo Old Street Folk Art Festival. Volunteers also participated in the creation of public art benches next to historical buildings, as well as the restoration and renovation of several historical buildings. These projects transformed historical spaces into open learning venues, making hands-on practice a form of collective education.

Voluntary work:
1. The foundation will provide all participants with work gloves and dust masks. Under the guidance of professional instructors, volunteers will participate in environmental cleaning, moving large furniture, and basic bricklaying and painting. These activities will focus on the restoration and revitalization of the historic buildings at No. 110 and No. 112, helping to revitalize the old community and lay the foundation for creating shared learning spaces in the future.

2. The event will take place during Taiwan's summer vacation, when the weather is hot and there is no air conditioning in the historic buildings. Participants are advised to stay hydrated and take precautions against sunburn.

3. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about various organic vegetables and their production process, and experience farm life.

4. We will collaborate with local residents to create public art pieces and improve the community environment.

Accommodation and food

We will stay in Xiluo Backpacker House (No.81). The house is close to Xiluo Cultural Museum and features comfortable beds, air conditioner, toilet, hot shower and kitchen in the House . Volunteers are sure to have a wonderful time here. The backpacker house belongs to Rotary Club of Xiluo. They always welcome the volunteers and as return, we need to maintain good management (to always keep clean, no smoking indoors, etc.).
During the project, we will mainly use bicycles for transportation, so please ensure you are proficient at cycling. We will be cooking our own meals, but there will also be opportunities to eat at local restaurants or purchase packed meals. Internet access is available at the Lou-young Foundation office, the backpacker house, and the Volunteer House. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided communally during the camp, and volunteers can dine with local community members. For dinner, a daily allowance will be provided, and volunteers can choose to cook their own meals or explore local cuisine and dining options.

Location and Meeting point
1. 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

Google Map:
Louyoung Cultural &Education Foundation 財團法人雲林縣螺陽文教基金會/ 西螺生態博物館
https://reurl.cc/dq8YOM

Terminal: Taiwan Tao-Yuan CKS International Airport

Leisure Activities:
We’ll plan a variety of activities, including short trips, gatherings with locals, Kung Fu (Traditional Martial Arts), puppet shows, cycling, and exploring night markets during free time. There will be 2 day-off as free day within project. Participants can arrange their own schedules.

Special Remarks:
Please bring your traditional clothing with you 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.
Please bring your traditional clothing, as there will be special events such as a cultural night and a farewell party, and volunteers are welcome to showcase their country's traditional attire. This will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the locals. The project is expected to conclude around noon on the last day, at which time the accommodations will be cleaned and the final evaluation will be completed.

Participation Fees
1. There is no participation fee for this program. Host organization will cover the costs of accommodation, meals, and all activity materials. However, please note that you are responsible for your own transportation to the meeting point and any personal expenses.
2. Basic insurance will be provided during project period, but we strongly recommend that you purchase overseas travel insurance covering the entire trip.
3. There will be one or two rest day (free day) during the free day period.; please note that you are responsible for all expenses related to activities and meals on this day.

More info about Xiluo & Louyoung Foundation
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louyoung.ngo
Website: http://www.louyoung.org.tw/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp1FCq_jLJuHYejB_o50FoKbMDwIKPX-P