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Chiayi’s Little Tianmu Curated Shop: desserts so good it’s no joke Near the Lantan Scenic Area sits Dongyang New Village, an exceptionally livable neighborhood that has drawn high-income families and become a hub of multiculturalism and international cuisine. At No. 1 Dongyang New Village, “Atelier Then” is a lifestyle boutique, café, and dessert hybrid. Shelves brim with popular Japanese proxy-purchase goods and a full range of Swedish Fjällräven backpacks. Owner Lin Xiaohua left her Taipei education career, moved back home simply to be with her parents, and began with online proxy sales from her living room. Eight years later the shop stands in its current form. “Many regulars are neighbors who became close friends,” says Xiaohua. Casual chats during shopping gradually evolved into a full food-and-beverage service. Though essentially a boutique, Atelier Then’s desserts are stunning: the gifted pastry chef sources local small-farm produce wherever possible and imports Kyushu pancake mix from Japan. Besides in-house afternoon-tea sweets, the studio also accepts custom cakes for special occasions, serving the whole neighborhood. Image source: Chiayi City Government Tourism & News Department | Photography: Marg (First Saturday of every month, open 13:00-18:00)