Resurgence of old-house charm in Longgang

Nestled in Hepinggang Village in Bantian Subdistrict, Longgang District, the Castle Bookstore (寸坞书店), paired with the Kofu Coffee, has recently opened its door. Since the urban village was home to 154 houses built in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the new bookstore has quickly become a popular spot for nearby residents and enthusiasts of historical architecture.

Before Longgang District started the renewal project in this village in February 2023, the 154 derelict houses were dilapidated, with some even in a state of collapse. The renewal project aims to revive the village’s historical essence while integrating modern amenities to preserve its nostalgic aura and offer a comfortable activity space for the public.

Spanning 10,000 square meters, this rejuvenated area is nestled amid closely-knit buildings, neighboring Huawei’s headquarters in Bantian. Rebranded as Wo Piang Lau Wuk (禾坪老屋), which translates to “threshing floor old houses” in Hakka dialect, this locale embodies a fusion of antiquity and innovation, breathing new life into its timeworn facades.

Adorning the exterior of the Castle Bookstore are weathered walls from the demolished houses, serving as decorative relics that sets a nostalgic backdrop for patrons enjoying their reads and coffee outdoors. Inside, a curated selection of limited-edition travel, art, theater, and literature books, including works honored with the Nobel and Booker prizes, alongside a collection of jazz vinyl records, imbue the stylish store with a classic ambiance.

In the future, Wo Piang Lau Wuk will be built into a cultural and commercial area featuring a theater, studios, casual eateries, gourmet shops, trendy boutiques, and innovative gadget shops, heralding a new era of vitality.

Patrons relax at the Castle Bookstore, paired with the Kofu Coffee, at Hepinggang Village. Photos by Sun Yuchen unless otherwise stated

Aged walls from the demolished houses now adorn Wo Piang Lau Wuk, creating a nostalgic atmosphere.

A sign of Wo Piang Lau Wuk is seen at Hepinggang Village in Longgang District.

A decades-old building stands at Hepinggang Village.

An aerial view captures the evolving landscape of Wo Piang Lau Wuk amid closely adjacent buildings in Bantian Subdistrict, Longgang District. 

The Castle Bookstore has a trove of limited-edition books and magazines, as well as jazz vinyl records.

A staffer cleans the coffee counter at the Castle Bookstore at Wo Piang Lau Wuk in Longgang District.

The centuries-old houses at Hepinggang Village in Longgang District. Photo from Longgang District Urban Administration and Law Enforcement Bureau