I grew up in this area, and didn't pay much attention to the old street(in fact most people didn't) until recent TV series, and tourism advertisement starting to advertise, Paid another visit, the old street is still pretty much how I remember , and its good the local council now linking this old street with the historical church and old railway alignment remains , it would be good if there are more explanation of what the architecture , what the shops used to be , but overall, good place to spend a short afternoon to find and discover the old Taiwan

I have visited this place twice as I have a personal connection - my wife's ancestors lived here. The L-shaped route provides some very interesting examples of early Taiwanese architecture in rural Hakka territory. There are few shops or amenities and it can be walked in half an hour. the local are friendly. For a real authentic taste of Taiwanese Hakka food I would recommend a stop at the Hwai Jyou Jyan Tin - Good Old Days restaurant near the west end of the route. The ambience is truly unique and the family owner staff of 3 generation running/renting the place are very friendly given a chance. You will need someone in your company to help translate Mandarin or, better yet, Hakka dialect, but it will be worth it if you want an authentic local experience. You need a car or taxi from the local train station (Hukou) about an hour's ride from Taipei. If you are cycling the island I think you can readily get there too.