Top 5 Must-Visit Retro Spots in Yunlin for a Nostalgic Day Trip – Like Taiwan’s Version of "The Miracles of the Namiya General Store"

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Even though the high-speed rail station has been established in Huwei Town, Yunlin, it still retains its simple charm and local character. Travelers looking to plan a journey that returns to the essence of heartfelt emotions and traditional flavors might want to consider a one-day trip to Huwei. The attractions here include the most iconic century-old Huwei Sugar Refinery, the Huwei Railway Station – often dubbed Taiwan’s version of “The Miracles of the Namiya General Store,” as well as historic iron bridges, allowing visitors to explore Huwei’s historical traces and stories.

1. Huwei Railway Station – Taiwan’s Version of “The Miracles of the Namiya General Store”
Huwei Railway Station is a wooden train station built during the Japanese colonial period. It originally served as the passenger and small train station for the Huwei Sugar Refinery. During that time, the area around Huwei Railway Station was the most bustling and prosperous downtown. It is now listed as a historical building in Yunlin County. The architectural features of Huwei Railway Station, including its veranda and hip-and-gable roof, not only exude a strong retro vibe but also carry a literary charm, making it feel like Taiwan’s version of “The Miracles of the Namiya General Store.”

2. Huwei Iron Bridge
The Huwei Sugar Refinery Iron Bridge is a designated historical site in Yunlin County. Originally built to meet the needs of the sugar refinery’s development, it evolved from a bamboo trestle bridge to a wooden bridge, and eventually to the current steel structure seen today. Its design features three sections of steel truss girders at varying heights, along with ten large hollow arch bridge piers, making it an impressive sight for photography enthusiasts.

3. Huwei Sugar Refinery
Huwei was once a remote and sparsely populated rural area until the establishment of the sugar refinery in 1906, which spurred development and attracted a large influx of people. The refinery became the top sugar producer in the country, earning it the title “Sugar Capital.” The site still preserves Japanese-style century-old dormitories and a guesthouse, as well as the Steam Locomotive No. 11 in Tongxin Park.