Behind Matsu Temple is Central St, the oldest street in Makung. This series of winding, brick-paved pedestrian lanes is home to a number of interesting sights such as the Shihkung Ancestral Shrine and Well of a Thousand Soldiers . In 1682 the goddess Matsu is said to have bequeathed a magical well to Ming soldiers massing for an invasion of Taiwan.
Also in this warren of backstreets is an eclectic mix of early 20th-century homes mixing Western and Fujian elements. The Chienyi Tang Chinese Traditional Medicine Store is one of the more handsome. The proprietor speaks no English but it's a fun place to browse for traditional Chinese remedies.
