Go treasure hunting on the creative culture alleyway – a light one-day cycling trip to Tukuli in Taichung

Text & photos /iBike Light Travel

Compared to the bustling Art Lane, the quieter Tukuli area is just separated by a single Meicun Road. The Tukuli district spans east of Zhongming South Road, west of Meicun Road, and south of Cunchong Street. Historically, it was home to U.S. military personnel, and you’ll find Western-style houses blended with Taiwanese and Japanese architectural influences throughout. Wucheng West 6th Street mostly features two-story semi-detached villas, with lush little gardens hidden behind their walls; the Cunchong Street area exudes a strong Japanese vibe, while the detached homes on Wucheng West 5th Street, Lane 88 showcase small Taiwanese-style brick walls and vintage window grilles, reflecting Taiwan’s historical character and everyday life.

In recent years, the area has attracted many creative craft shops, coffee houses, homestays, and boutique stores tucked away among the old alleyways, blending with the historic streetscape to create a fresh urban charm. With little traffic on the streets, it's perfect for a slow-paced adventure—hop on an iBike from the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts and set off to discover hidden gems.

Most shops only open in the afternoon, so we recommend first heading right on Meicun Road to Wucheng 1st Street, where you can choose between a patio restaurant transformed from an old Western-style house and Café Maison. Sit under the sun-dappled greenery or by the window and enjoy a hearty brunch.

If you're worried about portion sizes, head down to Wucheng 3rd Street, where you'll find the unassuming Murmur, serving Japanese light meals, and Jiyu Coffee—two charming specialty shops tucked away in residential buildings. Besides delicious food, they also offer handmade crafts and creative souvenirs.

Feeling refreshed after your meal, we pedaled our iBikes to Wucheng West 5th Street. With sunlight filtered through the green canopy and a cool breeze blowing gently, every turn into the alleys reveals a new scene. Turn into Wucheng West 5th Street, Lane 20, and you'll spot a humble house with a low wall covered in creeping vines and foliage—no signboard, just a red iron gate against the greenery and an oak barrel marking Bonbonmisha, a French-style grocery space. Step through the courtyard into the shop, and you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to a little corner of France, where straw hats, woven shoes, and wicker baskets fill every corner with the relaxed charm of southern France—just waiting for you to slowly soak it all in.

Across the street, CameZa boasts the same orange-painted walls as the YouBike stations. This old residence has taken on a stylishly hip new look, combining photography, lifestyle goods, and second-hand furniture in one space. Outside, there’s a quiet corner where you can take a break when you’re tired from cycling.

After exploring the French-inspired nook and the hipster world, we arrived at the adorable fairytale-like spot in Meicun Road Section 1, Lane 564: Angel La La. The store is filled with French bunnies sitting on swings or gathered around tables, making it impossible not to squeal at how kawaii. Right across the street is a newly opened dessert and bakery shop—how could any girl resist?

There are plenty of other lifestyle and boutique shops in Tukuli offering similar vibes. You’ll find everything from French-Southern, Nordic, and cute-themed stores to Lane 88 on Wucheng West 5th Street, which focuses on Japanese-style pottery. Aside from the boutiques, Lane 88 also houses Vision Art—a space that lets you unwind, paint, reflect, and de-stress. A full wall of paint jars lets you freely splash your own colors onto the canvas.

After cycling around and enjoying brunch, it’s almost time for an afternoon treat. Tukuli really is a treasure trove: there’s Wo Alley’s dessert shop with its bus stop pole, and the Gluttonous Ghost Dessert Shop with its row of seats resembling a bus shelter. Indulge in a sweet snack to wrap up today’s little journey.

As you ride your iBike back, stop by Tongben Bakery, opened by Brother A-M8—who’s friendly with Master Wu Pao-chun—and pick up some bread for the road. When cycling back along Wucheng West 6th Street, you might stumble upon a creative mural in Lane 32. Have fun sitting on its mock chairs and sofas before turning right onto Huamei West Street, then Cunchong Street to return to the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts.

● Suggested Route: iBike from National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts → Lunch at Wucheng 1st Street / Wucheng 3rd Street → Wucheng West 5th Street, Lane 20 (Bonbonmisha) → Meicun Road Section 1, Lane 564 (Angel La La) → Wucheng West 5th Street, Lane 88 (Lane 6 / Vision Art) → Wo Alley / Gluttonous Ghost → Wucheng 5th Street, Lane 210 (Tongben Bakery) → Wucheng West 6th Street, Lane 32 (Mural Wall) → Cross Wucheng West Road → Huamei West Street → Cunchong Street → iBike back to National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts

Sick of work or school? Feeling cooped up and desperate for a trip?
Download the “ETtoday News Cloud” app and go on a virtual travel adventure →
iOS:https://goo.gl/rmIDdx
Android:https://goo.gl/XPe8Uj