Island Bookstore Introduction
At the back station of Chiayi, an old bookstore selling tofu is bathed in the afternoon sun, with rays penetrating through bamboo-woven streets, casting golden light on the entrance of "Touhu Bookstore," a traditional Japanese-style building. Time here feels slow and distant. Locals refer to the Chiayi back station as "Beigang CheTou," a once bustling hub where the Taiwan Railways, Alishan Forest Railway, and sugar industry railways converged. To truly explore old Chiayi, this place must be highlighted. Pronounced in Taiwanese as "Touhu Tsaht-Tian," it is immediately clear that this is a bookstore selling tofu. Initially, a flag hung on the door read "We support non-GMO," which was later replaced with one stating "Tofu Alliance. Let's eat tofu." All tofu products at Touhu are made with 100% locally sourced Taiwanese soybeans. Not only is it non-GMO, but it also aims to reduce carbon emissions. The handmade salt-brine tofu from Touhu, paired perfectly with Yunlin's "nut oil," is truly a match made in heaven; it is a solid piece of tofu that leaves you feeling pleasantly full. If you wish to take some home, be sure to bring your own containers for the tofu. For those with a sweet tooth, there are also options like tofu pudding, soy milk, and soybean milk tea available. The display style in the bookstore area feels like stepping into a friend's home, with different rooms categorically arranged and almost no aggressive sales tactics. Just casually picking up a book and finding a seat to read is a way of life. Image Source: Chiayi City Government Tourism and News Office | Photography: Margot
