History of Fenchihu Old Street
Fenchihu is believed to have a 160-year long history which can be traced back as early as over 100 years before the opening of the Alishan Forest Railways in 1912. Fenchihu has been documented that it was found by a man named Lin Zi during his hunt in the mountain area of Yasiyungu Tsou tribe. Lin Zi believed Fenchihu is the perfect home that has an ideal landscape surrounded by mountains on three sides and a low-lying hollowed out area on one side. His families and relatives were the first people to live in Fenchihu. Fenchihu has a few names, including Bengi- a traditional Taiwanese basket used for carrying dirt, leaves and trash, and Bengi Lake or Bengihu for being surrounded by sea of clouds and sitting in a natural basin where mist can easily be trapped looking like a lake. It is a fabulous little town enriched by abundant natural resources and fascinating scenic spots just like Chitou, another beautiful Taiwan tourist destination in central Taiwan.
The Development of Fenchihu Old Street
Back in the days when the only way to reach Alishan (Mt. Ali) was by rail, Fenchihu was the largest and most significant halfway point station that lumberjacks and workers would take a rest and have lunch. Later in 1919 when the railway opened to the public, Fenchihu became the largest loading centre. People from nearby towns and areas such as Rueili, Taihe and Shizhuo came to Fenchihu for business that made Fenchihu Old Street the most prosperous high mountain street in Taiwan of the time.
The Legendary Fenchihu Lunchbox
One cannot miss the legendary Fenchihu lunchbox for their Fenchihu trip. Fenchihu lunchbox is the most famous refreshment of the place with a long history of 60 years. The most glorious period of Fenchihu was when train stopped-by Fenchihu 7 to 8 times a day. In the past when trains departed from Chiayi Beimen Railway Station at 08:00 in the morning and arrived in Fenchihu at 11:30, the old steam trains required half an hour to refuel. During this period, lumberjacks and workers would take a rest and have their lunch. At that time, only light meals such as noodles, dumplings and cakes were sold in Fenchihu but these werent enough for ones who do hard labors, so most of the workers would buy lunchbox in Chiayi before they get on the train. Lunchboxes were often left cold and rotten by the time they reach Fenchihu due to the long ride and humid weather. Mother of Lin, Jin-Kun (founder of Fenchihu lunchbox) saw the issue and began to sell freshly made lunchbox complete with pork chop and local bamboo shoots making it the first Fenchihu lunchbox shop. Later, lumberjacks and tourists would no longer buy lunchbox from Chiayi but to have freshly made lunchbox during the short break at Fenchihu, making Fenchihu lunchbox widely known.
Another big time of Fenchihu lunchbox was when Uni-President Corp. came across to Lin, Jin-Kun (the second-generation of Fenchihu lunchbox founder). Co-worked together in 2002, authentic Fenchihu lunchboxes were sold in all 7-Eleven branches over Taiwan that one could try the real traditional taste of Fenchihu lunchbox easily and imagine on a wonderful trip to Alishan. This project with Uni-President Corp. was a success. Fenchihu lunchbox not only successfully showcased the colorful cultures of the Alishan Forest Railways but also promoted Fenchihu tourism yet making him a legendary man of Fenchihu.
White Fenchihu
Fenchihu was once covered by snow in March, 2005, delivering unique sceneries as it is located only 1,405 metres above sea level.
