Many people like to go to chain bookstores during the holidays, cultivating themselves in books, browsing the books on the latest top list. But there are more people shopping online at home, placing orders on large online bookstores like Amazon. The trend makes it hard to survive for local or independent bookstores in the community. It enables Eslite Bookstore to expand in big cities one after one, while the small bookstores keep closing down. In order to find a way out, some bookstores sell used books. Some provide food and beverages to get extra revenue. Still others hold book signing events or sharing sessions to collect revenue from tickets. Compared to the commercial atmosphere in large bookstores, such small bookstores are probably more friendly and pleasant.
Located in Taoyuan, Lifestyle Bookstore has a Chinese name—Qinggeng Yudu—that fully reflects the rustic life in the early years when the economy had not developed yet. The name says: when it's sunny, people grasp the opportunity and work in the field; when the rain comes down, they stay at home for a quiet reading. Natural light and hanging lights cast on wooden furniture, creating a warm feeling in the wooden bookstore. Leaf through the books on the shelves, and you’ll see books on humanities and on history. More of them are likely to be related with traveling. On the cabinet, you find Taiwan-featured postcards created by young artists. Even if you do not like reading, you can have a cup of tea or coffee, seat yourself beside the window, and immerse in the rustic atmosphere with music flowing softly. Walk behind the store, and you see fish swimming freely in a clear ditch. Finally, step on the ridge in the lush paddy field as if you were returning to the old farming life.
