Chou Wan-Chen Bakery Introduction
During the prosperous era of mining, the Zhou Wanzhen Cake Shop, located on Shifen Street, thrived as local residents relied on their offerings for weddings, funerals, celebrations, religious ceremonies, and everyday snacks. At a time when the average daily wage was only around NT$70, Zhou Wanzhen could achieve daily sales of over NT$1,000. In addition to the shop's direct sales, many people would purchase goods in bulk to resell. However, with the introduction of Western pastries to Taiwan, the traditional cake industry faced significant challenges, and Zhou Wanzhen's situation became even more precarious as the mining industry declined and the population of Pingxi District greatly decreased—at that time, the population was four to five times larger than it is today. Therefore, after 1986, Zhou Wanzhen had to gradually transform into a general convenience store. Nonetheless, the shop still sells Pingxi cakes (traditional mooncakes) and golden flaky pastries (offerings for deities). With the development of tourism along the Pingxi Railway, Zhou Wanzhen has experienced a revival, as young people visiting Pingxi to release sky lanterns also take the opportunity to taste traditional pastries at Zhou Wanzhen. Currently, the shop produces a variety of traditional cakes, including improved versions of large cakes, golden flaky dumplings, curry cakes, mung bean cakes, and碰餅. The aroma of freshly baked treats is the most alluring time for visitors.
