Hukou Old Street Introduction
In 1893, the Taiwan Railway built a station at Laohukou, becoming the transportation and economic hub that drove the development of the old street. In 1914, a special "formal building" was constructed, combining red brick materials from South China with relief sculptures, exuding an elegant atmosphere. As the station was relocated in 1929, the old street gradually declined but has recently been revitalized, regaining its former charm. Today, although Húkǒu Old Street has shed its past opulence for a refined red cedar appearance, its unique nostalgic and artistic ambiance continues to attract countless scholars and artists. Despite being next to a highway, stepping into Húkǒu Old Street feels like entering another realm. The wooden station standing in front of the church recounts the bygone era of trains, while the low houses, Baroque-style red-brick buildings, three-dimensional carvings on the main archway, vintage storefronts, and well-preserved arched corridors all reflect the street's history, resembling the early Republic of China period. The street stretches about 300 meters long and 10 meters wide from the church to the Sān Yuán Temple, showcasing breathtaking elegant architecture at every turn. Besides local residences, the street features old clinics, cultural and historical studios, coffee shops, restaurants, and a shop selling soy milk and tofu, where the aromas of stir-fried pork intestines and rich coffee merge, creating a delightful blend of Eastern and Western flavors. While enjoying the sights, visitors are encouraged to enter local cultural studios for a deeper experience of the new beauty of the old Laohukou.
