Hukou Old Street Introduction
In 1893, the Taiwan Railway had a station in Laohukou, becoming a transportation and economic hub that spurred the development of the old street. Starting in 1914, a unique "large formal building" was constructed, combining red brick materials from Southern China with decorative reliefs, creating an elegant atmosphere. As the station was relocated in 1929, the old street gradually declined but has recently been revitalized, showcasing its charm once again. Today, although the old streets of Hukou have been stripped of ostentation and donned a simple elegance, their unique nostalgic and artistic ambiance still attracts countless literary and artistic visitors. Despite being adjacent to an expressway, stepping into Hukou Old Street feels like entering another space. The wooden station in front of the Catholic Church tells the story of the bygone railroad era, with low houses, red brick Baroque architecture, the three-dimensional carvings of the main archway, retro-style storefronts, and well-preserved arched walkways all reflecting the town's historical appearance from the early Republic era. The street runs about 300 meters long and 10 meters wide, from the Catholic Church to the San Yuan Gong Temple, lined with stunning elegant buildings. Along the street, locals reside alongside old clinics, cultural studios, cafes, restaurants, and shops selling traditional tofu made with fermented mung beans. The aroma of stir-fried large intestines with ginger wafts from the snack shops, blending with the rich scent of coffee, creating a unique East-West fusion. While exploring, visitors are encouraged to enter local cultural studios for a deeper appreciation of the new beauty of old Laohukou.
