Hukou Old Street to debut refreshed look by late September with phased renovation
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Hsinchu County's Hukou Old Street is undergoing a three-phase renovation project to improve its pavement and lighting.
- The project, costing over NT$8 million, aims to address issues like uneven surfaces and damaged light fixtures.
- The renovation is expected to be completed by the end of September, enhancing the historical street's appeal and accessibility.
Hukou Old Street in Hsinchu County is set to unveil a revitalized appearance by the end of September, following a comprehensive renovation project focused on its pavement and nighttime illumination. The historical street, a significant attraction in the county, has faced challenges with its uneven surfaces, making it difficult for strollers and wheelchairs, and numerous damaged light fixtures.
The Hukou Township Office secured over NT$8 million in subsidies, primarily from the Hakka Affairs Council, to undertake the improvement works. The project is being executed in three distinct phases to minimize disruption to the bustling street, which is a popular destination for tourists, especially on weekends.
Initial plans allocated NT$6.64 million, with the Hakka Affairs Council covering 85% of the cost and the township office contributing the remaining 15%. However, an additional NT$1.4 million is being allocated to simultaneously upgrade the aging and complex electrical wiring system, ensuring the new lighting functions safely and effectively.
The renovation includes paving approximately 1,183 square meters with decorative patterns, installing 336 new light fixtures, and adding five circular decorative ground features. The first phase, covering the section from Provincial Highway 1 to the Sanyuan Temple, began recently and is expected to last until mid-July. The new lighting will include 204 spotlights on archways, 15 wall-mounted lamps, and 117 column lights, designed to enhance both safety and the architectural details of the old street, creating a charming nighttime ambiance. The decorative ground features will incorporate motifs such as the tung flower, old street architecture, and Hakka cultural elements.
The township office team looks forward to providing a comfortable and friendly environment for the public and tourists through the repaving and lighting equipment upgrade.
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.