Located in Hsinchu County, Taiwan, Hukou Old Street is a 300-meter long street occupied by 200-plus shop-houses that were built around 1920. Hukou Old Street is lined by two-story, redbrick buildings that are probably the most complete Japanese-era urban thoroughfare remaining in Taiwan.

This Taiwan old street is preserved well with a number of government-funded renovations going on. Hukou Old Street has been repaved with granite slabs, with the facades repaired and cleaned up, as well as crafts of dragons, deer, cranes and other symbols that are important features of Chinese-style architectures. Plastic drainpipes and lights have also been installed to highlight some of the architectural features.

Hukou Old Street is classical in appearance. Window frames are made of wood, and many of the houses still fitted with wooden sliding doors rather than roller steel shutters to preserve its traditional looks.

Among the historical residences where there are regular residences, the old street also has several vendors and restaurants that visitors may savor authentic Hakka delicacies, as well as some grocery shopping of sweet potatoes and vegetables that are locally grown.

Hukou Old Street is “L-shaped”, where visitors may find Sanyuan Temple at the corner. Sanyuan Temple was established in 1904, which is different from most of Taiwanese shrines for that the columns are square brick rather than the usual carved stone.

Although Hukou Old Street may not be as the origin, it still keeps its original flavor, with less souvenir shops and visitors. It is an excellent Hsinchu stop for ones looking for a tranquil afternoon surrounded by historical buildings.