Text & Photography / Kaohsiung City Government
Once a filming location for the Golden Bell Award-winning drama "The Songs of Chickens," An Le Lou has become a hot IG check-in spot, drawing crowds to the bustling Lin Yuan Old Street Market. With its century-old snack shops and the lively nightlife of old entertainment venues, that era is filled with countless untold stories.
(Photo / Kaohsiung City Government, the same below)
An Le Lou – The Glory of a Grand Tavern Lies in Its Ruins
Is this a ruin!? Actually, ruins photography has been popular for years and has recently become a trendy aesthetic style in hipster photography. Among the many ruin-themed photo spots, An Le Lou in Lin Yuan is the most popular IG check-in ruin site. It has also attracted fans of the Golden Bell drama "The Songs of Chickens" who visit secretly to pay homage, gazing at this moving yet bittersweet microcosm of an era.
The desolation after An Le Lou’s heyday evokes the joys and sorrows of a bygone era.
Built around 1930, An Le Lou itself is a story of an era. Situated between the old and new districts, it was part of a nightlife scene that included theaters and taverns. At the time, An Le Lou was the most luxurious big tavern. In 1933, it was even requisitioned as a Japanese military officers' club. After the war, it resumed operations as a tavern, later transforming into a noraebang-style venue, then briefly operated as a hotel—but ultimately could not withstand the passage of time, closing down after its decline.
It’s easy to take stylish, hipster photos at An Le Lou.
The abandoned old building no longer shows the once-opulent elegance of Baroque architecture. Stepping into this two-story stone structure, the long, narrow atrium lets you imagine the social scenes of guests entering. At the end of the atrium is a narrow stone staircase leading to the second floor. The spacious upstairs platform used to be a dance hall—vividly alive with bright lights and revelry. The broken window sills along the second-floor corridor still retain beautiful traces of light and shadow. The nightlife and revelry are gone, and all that remains under visitors’ lenses are scenes of a bygone era’s tears.
Info
Address: Alley beside No. 91, Lin Yuan North Road, Lin Yuan District, Kaohsiung City
Zhan Ji Duck Rice – A Century-Old Budget Favorite at Lin Yuan Market
The real local snacks are definitely found in the market—and you can’t go wrong with that. Zhan Ji Duck Rice in Lin Yuan Market is like a hidden gem of a market stalwart. From early morning to noon, the place is bustling nonstop from the moment it opens. Business is so good that they often close early. To avoid disappointing customers, the owner frequently sighs and reminds them, “Come earlier next time!”
The “no duck meat” rice is actually rice mixed with duck fat and crispy fried garlic—the steamed rice is fragrant and delicious.
Compared to traditional markets tainted by tourism, Lin Yuan Market still retains a rather simple and authentic local charm. Zhan Ji Duck Rice, despite being a 90-year flagship old shop, doesn’t have an eye-catching signboard. Handwritten paper announces “Piggy Uncle’s Self-Created Brand, a Century of Fame,” making it feel even more genuine. Founder Zhan Zaiyi, nicknamed “Piggy Uncle,” originally sold duck rice for just 3 dollars per bowl. Even now, it’s only 10 dollars per bowl—a super affordable price. Thanks to his unique smoked duck flavor, many imitators have sprung up selling similar duck rice snacks.
Zhan Ji Duck Rice is made using traditional smoking methods.
- 1
- 2