Hukou Old Street, located in Hukou Township, Hsinchu County, is a street full of historical memory and cultural charm. Its development is closely linked to the advancement of Taiwan’s railway system. During the Qing Dynasty, Liu Ming-chuan promoted railway construction and established the "Dahukou Train Wharf" in this area, which led to a boom in local commercial activities and gradually transformed the area into a bustling regional marketplace.
Centered around the San Yuan Temple, a county-designated historic site, the old street includes three sections: the main street, a cross street, and a new street. It stretches approximately 300 meters in length and 10 meters in width. The buildings along the street are primarily constructed with red bricks, blending Roman Baroque-style façades with traditional Minnan architectural structures. The long, narrow shop-houses and residences on both sides make it one of the rare examples of shophouse-style architecture in Taiwan.
The architecture and spatial layout of Hukou Old Street reflect the urban design concepts of its time and preserve rich historical traces. For example, the Old Hukou Catholic Church is built on the former site of the "Dahukou Station," bearing witness to the rise and fall of Hukou’s railway era. When the railway route was adjusted and "Hukou Station" was relocated to Xiabeishi, the old street fell into a period of quiet decline. However, in recent years, thanks to a community development project jointly promoted by the government and local residents, the street’s archways, shops, stone pavements, and green spaces have been restored and revitalized, bringing back its historical charm.
Today, Hukou Old Street is not only a living space for local residents but also a gathering place for old clinics, cultural and historical studios, cafés, and restaurants. It creates a unique atmosphere where nostalgia and art intertwine. More than just a testament to architecture and history, it serves as a cultural hub where artists, scholars, and travelers come to explore and experience its hidden beauty.
