Arriving in Taiwan, I encountered a phrase that got me thinking: What is “slow living”? How do we understand it? How can we practice it? These questions started to occupy my mind.
Upon deeper exploration, I realized that “downshifting” means not only living life on our own terms but also valuing the quality and process of life. It dawned on me that I already possess so much, yet I am not truly happy. It seems like something is missing. That’s because we are not truly living; we are merely surviving. In our pursuit of material possessions, we neglect the essence of quality. Our days become a constant hustle, driven by economic competition and growth…
That’s when I made the decision to learn how to live a more meaningful life. I started making frequent trips to Taiwan to observe how ordinary people plan their own “downshifting” experiences, and it seemed like they were living fulfilling lives. We should break free from our obsession with materialism and embrace a simpler way of life. We should focus on realizing our personal values and establishing meaningful relationships as life goals, rather than solely pursuing economic success for the sake of consumption.
The vision deep in my heart
After contemplating this lifestyle, I shared the philosophy of “downshifting” with my close friends. To my delight, everyone resonated with the idea that life can be so lovely, simple yet remarkable. Excitement filled the air as we unveiled the visions hidden deep within our hearts. Some expressed their desire to cook and share the freshest, most delicious food with others. Others yearned to delve into the world of coffee, ceramic art, gardening, or learning something new they had missed in the first half of their lives. Some wished to make friends with people from different places… Haha! And so, with these whimsical ideas, we came up with a plan: why not find a place to build a house and create our own “downshifting” bed and breakfast—a future home for all of us to live the life we’ve envisioned.
Encountering the Courtyard with the Sky
After considering various locations such as the US, Japan, mainland China, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asian countries, I recommended Taiwan for its clean air, unpolluted soil and water, high-quality produce, and a sense of liberation and freedom. I explored different regions in Taiwan, from Keelung to Taoyuan, and spent years traveling and staying in places like Jiufen, Yilan, Hualien, Taitung, Kaohsiung, Tainan, Chiayi, Yunlin, Nantou, Miaoli, Hsinchu, and Taoyuan. Among them, I fell in love with the pristine mountains and waters of Nantou County. It was during my struggle to choose the perfect spot that my friend Yu Zhen, whom I met 31 years ago in Hong Kong, introduced me to “The Courtyard with the Sky,” a beautiful bed and breakfast located on Da’an Mountain in Zhushan Township, Nantou County. This marked the beginning of my deep connection with Da’an Mountain.
Da’an Mountain in Zhushan Township
That evening, Pei-Jun, the owner of the courtyard, shared the story of how he revitalized Zhushan Township over several decades. His words deeply moved me, igniting a desire to contribute to cultural exchange and diversity. After staying there once, I fell in love with the place. A few months later, I celebrated my father’s 80th birthday by bringing my family to the courtyard for a three-day celebration. We enjoyed a performance by a local Chinese orchestra and had tea specially brewed by members of the Tea Farmers’ Association. It was a rare and cherished experience for my parents, who were visiting the mountain for the first time. We have returned multiple times since then!
After falling in love with Da’an Mountain, I asked Mother Ho to help me find land for my “downshifting” bed and breakfast. She led me to a small plot with a breathtaking view of Changhua County, surrounded by sensitive plants and butterflies. The mountain’s mild climate, with temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius compared to the city’s 32 degrees Celsius, delighted me as it eliminated the need for air conditioning. The affordable and appropriately sized land prompted me to quickly purchase it. I named the B&B “Shan-kara Hostel” in Cantonese, conveying the essence of this secluded and picturesque location.