{"id":6427,"date":"2025-03-05T17:00:34","date_gmt":"2025-03-05T09:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yuartheworld.com\/?p=6427"},"modified":"2025-03-22T11:52:17","modified_gmt":"2025-03-22T03:52:17","slug":"houbi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yuartheworld.com\/en\/houbi\/","title":{"rendered":"Tainan \u25e6 Houbi | Experience Taiwan at the International Orchid Show! | TAIWAN 368-29"},"content":{"rendered":"

Houbi, known as the hometown of Taiwan's champion rice, is also one of the venues for the International Orchid Show. The idyllic landscapes, painted by rice fields, and the tranquil, laid-back rural culture have attracted many film crews to shoot here. The 2004 documentary Let It Be propelled Houbi to fame, establishing it as one of Taiwan's most iconic small towns. The drama The Making of an Ordinary Woman further introduced audiences to the enduring charm of Jingliao Old Street, sparking yet another wave of enthusiastic visitors. Both the countryside and the old streets, when infused with culture and art, take on a fresh perspective and evoke a renewed appreciation.<\/p>\n

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\u25e6 Tainan Travel Guide<\/span><\/h6>\n

01\uff5cTransportation in Tainan<\/strong><\/p>\n

\ud83d\ude84 Taiwan High Speed Rail<\/a>
\n\ud83d\ude97 Cross-city Chartered One-day Tour from Taipei<\/a>
\n\ud83d\udef5 Tainan Motorcycle Rental Tainan Train Station Pick Up<\/a>
\n\ud83d\udef5 Tainan Motorcycle Rental Pick up at Tainan Transit Station<\/a><\/p>\n

02\uff5cPopular Attractions in Tainan<\/strong><\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfab Chimei Museum Permanent & Special Exhibition Ticket<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Ten Drum Cultural Village Ticket<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Tainan Naughty World Safari Ticket<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Sicao Green Tunnel Ticket in Tainan<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Tainan Art Museum Ticket<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Anping Old Fort Admission Ticket<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Anping Tree House Admission Ticket<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Shan-Shang Garden and Old Waterworks Museum<\/a><\/p>\n

03\uff5cThings To Do in Tainan<\/strong><\/p>\n

\ud83d\udef6 Tainan Longshan Eco Boat Tour and Oyster Barbeque<\/a>
\n\ud83d\ude4c <\/strong>Lifestyle Goods DIY Experience at Zhuo Ye Indigo Dyeing House<\/a>
\n\u2668\ufe0f Reikei Hot Spring Resort in Tainan<\/a>
\n\ud83d\udc86\ud83c\udffb\u200d\u2640\ufe0f Royal Thai Massage in Tainan<\/a><\/p>\n

\u25e6 The History of Houbi<\/span><\/h6>\n

During the Ming-Zheng period, Houbi was a barren land. It wasn't until the Kangxi era that Han settlers began cultivating the area, forming settlements whose interactions eventually gave rise to the name \"Houbi.\" According to the Houbi Township Chronicle, early Houbi Village and Houbo Village were separated by a large stream. Residents had to cross the river on rafts, and an old man with a beard built a hut there to ferry people across as his livelihood. The place became known as \"The Bearded Man's Hut\" (H\u00fax\u016b B\u00f3z\u01d0 de Li\u00e1ozi), which eventually evolved into \"Houbo Liao.\" When the Japanese arrived, they misunderstood the pronunciation and renamed it \"Houbi Liao.\" After World War II, administrative divisions were reorganized, establishing Houbi Township, which was later upgraded to Houbi District in 2010.<\/p>\n

In addition to being an important grain-producing area in the Chianan Plain, Houbi gained widespread attention through a documentary. The local farmers' optimistic attitude in the face of challenges became a source of inspiration and nourishment for many.<\/p>\n

\u25e6 Taiwan International Orchid Show<\/span><\/h6>\n

The 2025 Taiwan International Orchid Show is set to open on March 8! Ranked alongside the Japan International Orchid and Flower Show and the World Orchid Conference as one of the \"Top Three Orchid Shows in the World,\" the Taiwan International Orchid Show is not only a significant milestone for Taiwan's orchid industry but also a key driver for tourism development in Houbi.<\/p>\n

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As someone who isn\u2019t particularly interested in flowers, I originally thought visiting the International Orchid Show would be a quick and uneventful experience. However, stepping into the exhibition area, I was amazed by how impressive it was. Orchids have become deeply intertwined with our lives, playing pivotal roles in festivals, traditions, and even on the global diplomatic stage.<\/p>\n

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What impressed me the most was the \"flag orchids,\" created using advanced nano-spray dyeing technology. By utilizing capillary action through the leaf veins, the plant-based dye adheres delicately to the petals, producing rich and vibrant hues, as well as subtle and beautiful gradients. It\u2019s no wonder these orchids have made waves on the diplomatic stage and in overseas markets!<\/p>\n

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\ud83c\udfab Asia Pacific Orchid Conference and Taiwan International Orchid Exhibition<\/a><\/p>\n

\u25e6 Attractions in Houbi<\/span><\/h6>\n
01\uff5cHoubi Train Station<\/h6>\n

First opened in 1901, Houbi Train Station boasts over a century of history. After enduring the Zhongpu Earthquake, the current station was rebuilt in 1943. With its Japanese-style hip-and-gable roof, weathered cream-colored wooden structure, and nostalgic blue-and-white seating, the station exudes timeless charm. It harmonizes perfectly with the bronze statues in the plaza, inspired by the four protagonists of the documentary Let It Be, showcasing the tranquil and humble spirit of Houbi.<\/p>\n

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Houbi Train Station<\/strong>\r\n\r\nNo. 77, Houbi, Houbi Dist., Tainan<\/pre>\n
02\uff5cHoubi Wumiler Community<\/h6>\n
This rural village, which rose to fame thanks to the documentary Let It Be, has managed to retain its authentic charm without being overly commercialized by the influx of tourism. Walking through the community, some farmhouses and local businesses have thoughtfully created areas to showcase rural life and offer hands-on experiences. Meanwhile, the rest of the community preserves its original calm and serenity. This balance gave me a deeper understanding of the rural way of life and made me appreciate the relaxed, unhurried pace here even more.<\/p>\n
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Houbi Wumiler Community<\/strong>\r\n\r\nIt is composed of Jingliao, Molin, and Houbu.<\/pre>\n
03\uff5cJingliao Old Street<\/h6>\n
During the Qing Dynasty, Jingliao served as an important relay station on the route to Zhuluo County. Its strategic location as a transportation hub led to a thriving community, with bustling inns, billiard halls, small shops, and markets. However, the advent of the railway and industrial modernization eventually diminished Jingliao's significance, and the village gradually fell into decline. It wasn\u2019t until Let It Be and The Making of an Ordinary Woman featured Jingliao as their setting that the area regained attention. Walking along the old street now feels like stepping into the scenes of these stories, immersing oneself in the warmth and charm of rural life.<\/p>\n
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Following the popularity of The Making of an Ordinary Woman, iconic locations like the Jin Dexing pharmacy where young Jia-ling\u2019s family lived, and the 24 Solar Terms Path were integrated into a themed \u201cOrdinary Woman Village,\u201d sparking a wave of pilgrimages by fans.<\/p>\n
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Today, while the crowds and buzz have waned, the question of how to preserve and sustain the stories and energy of the area is the next step the local community is actively working toward.<\/p>\n
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Jingliao Old Street<\/strong>\r\n\r\nNo. 144, Jingliao, Houbi Dist., Tainan<\/pre>\n
04\uff5cJingliao Holy Cross Church<\/h6>\n
While flying a drone, I was intrigued by a pyramid-shaped structure that appeared on the horizon. Upon closer inspection, I discovered it was a church hidden amidst the fields.<\/p>\n
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If I found it surprising now, imagine the reactions of residents over 60 years ago. Built in 1960, the Jingliao Holy Cross Church must have seemed remarkably modern and out of place to the farmers of that time. Interestingly, this unique design wasn\u2019t inspired by Egypt\u2019s pyramids but rather by a black-and-white photograph provided by a Catholic brother in Taiwan. The photo depicted a simple grass hut supported by four large bamboo poles, a traditional shelter used by farmers. Architect B\u00f6hm drew inspiration from this to create the church\u2019s striking design.<\/p>\n
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Jingliao Holy Cross Church<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: Open on Weekends Only\nNo. 294-1, Jingliao, Houbi Dist., Tainan<\/pre>\n
\u25e6 Restaurants and Snacks in Houbi<\/span><\/h6>\n
01\uff5cFugui Canteen<\/h6>\n
In the rural past, harvest season was a time for neighbors to help one another in the fields. The host would prepare a hearty meal to reward the helpers, giving rise to the tradition of the \"harvest meal\" (g\u0113 d\u00e0o f\u00e0n). When visiting Houbi, the grain hub of Taiwan, trying a harvest meal is a must. Each household offers its own unique flavors, but the dishes at Fugui Canteen left such a lasting impression on me that I became a loyal fan after just one taste.<\/p>\n
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Though the side dishes are simple, they showcase the chef\u2019s exceptional skills. The braised pork belly, tender and flavorful, practically melts in your mouth. Paired with the aromatic braised tofu sheets, this soul-satisfying combination is an absolute must-try!<\/p>\n
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Fugui Canteen<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 1110-1400, closed on Monday and Thursday.\nNo. 7-2, Jingliao, Houbi Dist., Tainan<\/pre>\n
\u25e6 Flying Over Taiwan<\/span><\/h6>\n