Hukou Old Street Introduction
In 1893, the Taiwan North-South Railway established a station in Laohukou, becoming the transportation and economic center that spurred the development of the old street. In 1914, the construction of a unique "Dazheng Building" began, combining the red brick materials from South China along with decorative relief sculptures, creating an atmosphere of elegance. As the station was relocated in 1929, the old street gradually declined but has recently been revitalized and is showcasing its former glory again. Today, although the old street of Hukou has been stripped of its superficial embellishments and adorned with simple red cedar, its unique nostalgic and artistic ambiance continues to attract numerous writers and artists. Despite the nearby highway, entering Hukou Old Street feels like stepping into another space. The wooden station standing in front of the church tells tales of the bygone railway era, while the low houses, red brick Baroque architecture, the three-dimensional carvings of the main arch, retro-style shops, and well-preserved arched corridors all reflect the street's historical appearance from the early Republic of China period. The street, approximately 300 meters long and 10 meters wide, stretches from the church to the San-yuan Temple, with elegant buildings captivating visitors at every turn. Besides local residents, the street is dotted with old clinics, cultural and historical workspaces, cafes, restaurants, and a traditional mung bean juice tofu shop, creating a delightful fusion of aromas from stir-fried intestines with ginger and rich coffee. While touring, visitors might also consider entering local cultural studios for a deeper experience of the new beauty of Laohukou.
