“I’m here to make it easier for anyone dreaming of moving to the outskirts,” says Cheng Weiwen (鄭崴文), better known as Da Xiong(大熊). As the founder of EG.Lab 移居實驗事—which can be translated as Migration Experimental Lab—he’s transforming the daunting idea of relocating to a peaceful village into an exciting, thoughtful experiment.
In Yuli, a charming village in the heart of Hualien,Taiwan, Da Xiong has created a refuge for those standing at life’s crossroads. Surrounded by open fields and the gentle rhythms of rural life, you can pause, shed your uncertainties, and reconnect with yourself.
It’s not just a retreat—it’s an opportunity to breathe fresh energy into the community. As Da Xiong shared, “The village also needs some refreshing ideas to bring it back to life.” While the hustle of city life may have worn people down, Da Xiong believes travelers can find healing in the village’s tranquility and, in turn, contribute their expertise and new ideas to revitalize the place, making it more vibrant for everyone. Whether you decide to stay or move on, the bond you form with the land and its people will remain with you—quiet yet profound, like the echoes of a story well told.
From Labs to Lush Landscapes: Da Xiong’s Village Ventures
What’s the story of Da Xiong? It’s one of swapping lab coats for village vibes, essential oils for earthy soils. Once deep into chemistry and aromatherapy while working on his forestry PhD, he decided academia just wasn’t the vibe. “I realized academia wasn’t my path, so I decided to escape the PhD track altogether,” he chuckles. The call of the land grew louder, and he made the bold move—straight into the heart of village life, where he found his true rhythm and purpose.
Over the past nine years, Da Xiong has crafted a unique lifestyle, traveling 1,000 kilometers by train each month between the city and rural havens. Reflecting on this, he says, “I don’t feel like I’m a city geek nor a village person. I’m familiar with both settings, living in the middle and constantly on the move.” While the village became his home, Da Xiong’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to something greater. Starting with what unites us all—food—he began curating dining experiences across villages and rural areas, transforming meals into celebrations of local culture, such as the “Dining Table in the Rice Fields” initiative. Immersed in nature, he naturally partnered with local farmers, helping them create distinctive brands to showcase their produce.
His biggest achievement came when he helped organize the first-ever village festival in Yuli—a groundbreaking event that attracted 4,000 attendees, all gathered against the breathtaking backdrop of a paddy field. It was a defining moment, uniting city dwellers and locals and bridging the gap between people and the land. “Whether I’m emotionally fit or not, the life of the village people has grounded me,” Da Xiong reflects. “The people, the movement, the spiritual values—they’ve brought a new sense of stability into my life.”
But Da Xiong’s passion for village life didn’t stop there. He dove even deeper, creating “connection tours” in Yuli and other villages. These experiences gave him the confidence to transform his passion into a thriving business focused on creating meaningful experiences that celebrates connection, culture, and community.
8 Cocktails | 8 Community Stories
With expertise in experience design, he curated “Let’s Go Tipsy Tour｜Taste the Uncertainty of Choice” as a prelude for travelers before the actual village migration. This immersive and therapeutic tour, available to any traveler curious to experience a day in countryside village life, unfolds over a single day. It pairs eight handcrafted cocktails with heartfelt stories from the local community, offering a taste of life as rich and vibrant as the land itself.
Imagine beginning your journey with a drink not just crafted for flavor but infused with intention. As Da Xiong describes it: “We want everyone to come here and completely relax, clear their minds, and immerse themselves in the local vibe.”
This philosophy sets the tone for an extraordinary experience that blends relaxation, cultural immersion, and spiritual renewal. At its core is a concept that might redefine how you see your life journey: the Indigenous Amis tradition of Pakalang.
What Is Pakalang?
Pakalang is a way of life rooted in the spirit of togetherness. Originating from the local native, Amis harvest festivals, Pakalang marks a time when the community gathers to celebrate, reflect, and reset. At first glance, it seems like a typical festive banquet—a moment of shared joy. But as he explains, its depth goes far beyond:“I first thought Pakalang was just like a banquet—people laughing, enjoying themselves. But then I saw it after a funeral, where a family came together even while arguing about inheritance. They gathered, they debated, they laughed.
I didn’t understand at first: why gather after every major event, whether joyful or sorrowful?”The answer, shared by Amis elders, encapsulates its profound purpose: “The core of Pakalang is about resetting to zero. No matter if you’re happy or sad, you gather, share the moment, and reset together before moving forward.”
Whether it’s sharing a handcrafted drink, strolling through jaw-dropping landscapes, or diving into local traditions, the mission is clear: to forge real, meaningful connections—with the land, the culture, and the people.
At the heart of this experience? The community story. As Da Xiong puts it: “We’ve always believed that local experiences have the power to bring people together. In the past, we were all about outdoor drinking events. But now? We’ve mixed that with local traditions to create a journey that heals the soul and spirit, all in one go.”Participants are invited to soak in the vibe, breaking bread, swapping stories, and enjoying some reflective moments together.
On this adventure, guests will meet Kelly, who hails from the Gaoliao Tribe in Yuli. Kelly left her hometown for years before returning to care for her father and start a new chapter. 
She’s a restaurant owner who’s seriously picky about what goes on her table—and not just in terms of taste. A proud local, Kelly insists on using ingredients she spends two to three days foraging from the mountains, ensuring every sip and bite captures the land’s essence. She’s committed to infusing every dish with the essence of local flavors, bringing both the land and its aesthetic to life in every bite.
Then, guests hop into an unexpected ride—an unusual mode of transport for city dwellers—
heading out to a farm that produces the kind of local ingredients, Ai Yu that supply Michelin-starred restaurants, both at home and abroad.
Surprising, right? This isn’t your typical village farm experience, and it’s just the beginning.
From the restaurant owner to the farmers, each interaction invites guests to get a deeper look at the dedication that goes into the food they eat and the powerful connection that keeps these locals coming home, again and again, to give back to their roots.
These interactions will give you a real sense of the Amis way of life, where togetherness isn’t just a value—it’s the glue that holds everything together. As Da Xiong reflects: “It’s about fully immersing yourself in the place, understanding its spirit, and shutting out the noise of the outside world.”
Guests will also be collecting local ingredients at each stop—whether they’re from the farm, the village, or the market. These ingredients will shape the final, personalized drink they create themselves. Everyone will enjoy the last sip of their very own concoction, crafted from the flavors they’ve gathered along the way.
And at the end of it all, this journey invites travelers to embrace the spirit of Pakalang, weaving its essence into each step. At the grand finale, an elder from the Amis tribe will lead you in a Pakalang ritual, resetting you in the heart of nature’s splendor—whether it’s by a paddy field or some other spot Da Xiong feels is perfect for the season.
By resetting to zero, we open ourselves up to the beauty of true connection.
When the final sip is taken and the journey comes to an end, Da Xiong believes you won’t just walk away with memories—you’ll head home with your true self in tow, and a drink in hand that perfectly reflects your own personal journey.
Do the locals support their initiative?
“The locals don’t fully get what we’re doing yet, but when they see travelers coming through, they’re like, ‘Hey, that’s a good thing!’ and they get behind our cause,” Da Xiong says, a hint of pride in his voice. This is reinforced by social gatherings and even some heartwarming moments where “new migrants” accompany senior citizens, sparking connections with the community.
They also focus on the future, working with local tourism high school students. “We show them how to use the unique, local ingredients to create their own cocktails and tell stories. It’s about helping them understand their roots, even if they have to leave the village to chase their dreams. We want them to return one day, like a boomerang of culture!” Da Xiong continues, his passion clear. “We believe the kids are the seeds of the future, and we hope that by planting this seed, they’ll come back and see what’s missing in their hometown’s culture, heritage, and aroma.”
The Sibling Duo Behind the Scenes: Returning Migrants Driving Teamwork
It’s a small but mighty team – just Da Xiong and his sister, a true hospitality graduate – focused on food, with the business front and center in their joint effort. Da Xiong says with a grin: “Sure, some of the migration stories we host have come to an end, but we’re lucky to have these talented folks who eventually become our partners. They’re experts in their fields – whether it’s photography, media, or writing – and they’ve helped shape our website and our story. They really get us, and they’re the ones who tell our story best.”
“We might not be able to hire them full-time, but we find ways to show our appreciation within our means. And we’re totally cool with that because they’re doing amazing work that’s so us – and they’re familiar with the vibe and community here. It helps open up more possibilities!”
Plan for 2025 in terms of migration: What’s on the plate?
In mid-2025, Da Xiong plans to create a special experience for women travelers, offering a one-month immersion into the village migration journey. The focus will be on therapeutic healing, allowing participants to reconnect with themselves and their surroundings. He also envisions providing support for those looking to make a significant life change, offering them a safe space to reflect and plan their next move.
In terms of tours, Da Xiong aims to enhance the quality of content by integrating his expertise in aromatherapy, introducing travelers to more unique cocktails, and guiding them to a small, accessible brewery. On top of the current self-guided tours, with a map that Da Xiong has created in collaboration with the migrant community. This map will lead travelers to pick up local alcohol, immersing them in both the culture and craftsmanship of the area.
Migration to the outskirts requires exploration and validation, with village escape travel often being the first step. The team is there to assist in the transition, helping stabilize and guide people towards deeper collaboration with the local community. Ultimately, Da Xiong’s mission is centered on local rejuvenation—fostering a sense of belonging and partnership that will help both travelers and locals grow together.
As the project evolves, Da Xiong remains committed to the belief that migration isn’t just about moving physically; it’s about personal transformation, connection, and building sustainable communities that benefit everyone involved. So are you ready to travel or even to set to zero again?
