This is a small town that still preserves the traditional views of a rural village, where farmers are seen working hard in the lush green paddy fields. The village architecture features traditional housing with low red-brick walls. Walking into Houbi District brings you back in time, to re-experience the tranquility and leisure of rural life.
The primary scenic views of this region are bordered by Taiwan Provincial Highway No. 1, which is divided into east and west bound route: Starting eastbound from behind Houbi Train Station, you can visit the Huang Family Historical Residence to observe this
completely preserved Min-Nan style architecture with its majestic appearance. Then walk in the direction of Houbo Village, to Daluqian (Southern Provincial Highway No. 87). This section of road is planted with camphor trees on both sides, which form a shady green, beautifully luxuriant avenue, on a par with the Jiji Green Tunnel. Further to the north is Jiadong (Jiatian Village) where one can visit the well-known scenic area of Houbi’s Xiaonanhai
On the way back, you can visit Tugou Village. This traditional rural village depends on a group of young people rolling up their sleeves and leading the way in the promotion of building the community, to re-share a new cultural view of the rural village. Finally, returning to Houbi Train Station, taste the local specialty, braised duck with brown sauce, with its distinctive, tasty and non-greasy flavor. It is a must-try delicacy for any tourist visiting this area.
Another tour route would be west from the Taiwan Provincial Highway No. 1 and the hinterland of Molin Village and Jingliao Village, collectively known as Jingliao district. The Jingliao district has been the important center for dyes since the Qing Dynasty and it even served as the administrative center during the period of Japanese rule. Hence there are many old houses in Jingliao, and the century-old buildings of Molin Village’s Old Street have become a popular location for TV soap operas and movie companies due to the complete preservation of the buildings. It has even been listed by the Council of Cultural Affairs into the Community New Town Building Program. Moreover, there are many quite famous scenic areas in Jingliao, including the Huang Family Historic Residence, Ruan Family Historic Residence and the Holy Cross Church. Of these, the Jingliao Holy Cross Church is most unique.
Additionally, the Taian Temple located in Siajiadong (Jiadong Village), Jinjhong Temple and the Wushulin Sugar Plant in Wushu Village are places well worth a visit.
(Recommended Itinerary)
One-Day Trip:
Route 1: Houbi Train Station→Wushulin Recreation Park→Sugar Factory Train or Bicycle Trail→Tugou Rural Village Art Museum→Siaonanhai→Camphor Tree Avenue→Return
Route 2: Train Station→Avenue→Molin Church→Molin Museum→Jingliao Old Street→Ruan Family Historic Residence→Return
Two-Day Trip:
Day 1: Wushulin Recreational Park→Ansi Elementary School→Tugou→Siaonanhai→Uncle Kun-Bin, Uncle Huang-Ming→Overnight stay at He-Lan-Jing Spring B&B
Day 2: Molin Church→Molin Museum→Jingliao Old Street→Ruan Family Historic Residence→Huang Family Historic Residence→Return