Some things change with the times, but the traditional crafts and nostalgic flavors of one’s hometown remain cherished memories in the heart.
This is my second visit to Luchao in Chiayi. The first time, I participated in...Chiayi Luchao’s “One Bag, One Deer” event (including Big Cake Tossing, Luchao Okra Season, and Fish Culture Festival)I discovered that this small town in Chiayi has so many places worth recording and remembering.
The gradually fading craft of handmade steamed bamboo baskets and the traditional nostalgic big cakes are being carried on by the fourth generation, continuing to pass on that sense of happiness, allowing good flavors to be inherited through generations. Even an old trade can have a new spring.
How can traditional crafts inspire children to love them? Let’s continue the story.
Before 1960, Taiwan was an agricultural society, where every family’s greatest hope was to have many children—each additional person meant another pair of hands to help with farming. But sometimes, even with more children, there wasn’t enough food, which is why the Hokkien saying goes:
Master Huang demonstrated the traditional method of splitting bamboo strips, reducing the original five-step process to just one step by utilizing gravity.When "learning" is more than just "learning," "improvement" also becomes a boost in "work efficiency."It encourages children to think about how to apply these lessons in daily life.
As the little girl grows up, most of the time, nice daddy travels alone and gradually comes to understand the meaning of wandering. Through the rough hands of Old Master Huang, who has lived a hardworking life, he shares not only his livelihood but also the joy of seeing his own steamer baskets—purchased from the shop and carrying the aroma of happiness.
Amid competition from metal steamers, bamboo steamers still have their place for a reason. When cooking food, metal steamers cannot absorb moisture; the steam condenses into droplets that may fall back onto the food and affect its flavor. In contrast, bamboo steamers not only release excess moisture but also absorb the food’s aroma, becoming more fragrant with use. This helps keep the old craft alive. With the decline of traditional crafts and the difficulty of making a good living, many artisans can’t bear to see their children struggle so hard for such little pay. What will be left in the future are lifeless historical artifacts—just data. But come to Lucao in Chiayi and witness Master Huang Fuxing handcrafting bamboo steamers—from splitting bamboo, planing, drilling holes... through a complex manual process—and feel the inspiration brought by this living lesson. Before leaving, see the shy smiles of the master and his wife. The master has spent his life focusing on doing just one thing well, while the "good life partner" who supported him went through all the ups and downs—every moment filled with happy memories.
The story began with the fourth-generation owner taking over the traditional Chinese wedding cake shop from his father. Since its opening in 1948, it has been run for over four generations and more than sixty years, guided by the philosophy of “innovation, health, and deliciousness,” bringing happiness and great taste to everyone. Unlike ordinary minced pork and red bean fillings, their filling uses actual meat chunks while preserving the rich and mellow taste of traditional large cakes.
It turns out it was the fourth generation who took over the business from his father, committed to traditional methods just to preserve the happy flavors of childhood, while also reducing sugar and fat content—delicious and guilt-free. Life is short, but dreams can be countless. Seeing the joyful smiles of children is also one of my dreams. Here, you can join a parent-child DIY experience making traditional large cakes.
The whole process of the parent-child DIY traditional large cake: wrapping the dough skin → rolling the skin → dividing the bean paste → wrapping the meat → wrapping the cake → stamping → baking → taking it out of the oven.
Guess which one was made by nice daddy. The various flavors of large cakes are not only affordable but also just the right amount for the whole family to enjoy. When visiting Lucao in Chiayi, they make great souvenirs. Also check out Baiyi Noodle Workshop in Lucao, Chiayi, which uses natural sunlight to dry noodles in a pure way, free from outdoor air pollution—the sun-dried noodles also make excellent souvenirs.
Related attraction information:
Huang Fuxing Handmade Bamboo Steamer
Phone: 05-3753916
Address: No. 110, Sanjiao Village, Luchao Township, Chiayi County
Shunfa Gift Cake Shop
Phone: 05-3752328
Address: No. 51, Houku Village, Luchao Township, Chiayi County
Baiyi Noodle Factory
Phone: 05-3651361
Address: No. 197-12, Xiatan, Guangtan Village, Luchao Township, Chiayi County
Related information about Lucao, Chiayi
Lucao featured activities: Pastry Making, Lucao Okra Season, Dry Fish Culture Festival
Fading traditional craftsmanship - handmade bamboo steamers; an old-fashioned bakery preserving traditional flavors - Shunfa Gift Cake Shop
Stay overnight in Jiayi - Berth Shore Resident Homestay | Dine in Lùcǎo - Mílù Fashionable Leisure Restaurant, Nihé Homemade Ice - local fried oyster fritters, Hélè Canteen, Deer Coffee
The leisure of Lùcǎo in Jiayi lies in its simplicity; for family trips, you can visitJiayi County Lùcǎo Digital Opportunity CenterCheck the website for preliminary reference; for group visits, it is recommended to arrange a guided tour with a local guide. Feel free to send a private message.Lùcǎo HaomizaiFollow the fan page, or call Principal Zēng Jùnmíng to arrange a one-day or two-day local specialty tour.
Principal Zēng Jùnmíng
Phone: 0937-761392 (busy with official duties, but passionate about community development. Please wait patiently if not answered promptly)
Related websites and fan pages
Lùcǎo Haomizai:
Chiayi County Luchao Digital Opportunity Center :
Further Reading:
List of Chiayi Sightseeing Factories and Industrial Visits
Chiayi Family-Friendly Travel Attractions
Further Reading:
Travel Attractions in Different Districts of Tainan
Tainan’s Night Views That Get More Beautiful at Night
Tainan Family-Friendly Travel Attractions
List of Tainan Sightseeing Factories and Industrial Visits
Further Reading:
List of Kaohsiung Sightseeing Factories and Industrial Visits
Easy Exploration of Kaohsiung MRT Attractions
How to Enjoy Family-Friendly Attractions in Kaohsiung
Further Reading:
List of Pingtung Sightseeing Factories and Industrial Visits
Fun Family Attractions in Pingtung
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