During the Japanese colonial period, Luodong served as a key transshipment hub for goods and timber between the mountainous regions and the plains. After the war, the expansion of Suao Port led to a large influx of laborers into southern Yilan. Thanks to its geographical advantages and strong commercial foundation, Luodong naturally evolved into a city offering banquet, leisure, and entertainment services for newcomers. Within a century, Luodong transformed from a small settlement at the foothills into a thriving urban center.

Although its history cannot compare in length to that of Lukang or Tainan, Luodong still preserves a rich historical heritage. Traces of its past can be found in old buildings and place names.

For instance, Luodong was once crisscrossed by irrigation and transportation canals that played a crucial role in both work and leisure activities. However, in recent years, flood control measures have led to the covering of many waterways, turning them into roads, gradually erasing the presence of water from the city's landscape. Fortunately, Luodong has retained place names and landmarks that preserve its memory. One such example is the "Chuanzaitou Stone Stele", which reminds future generations that Luodong was once home to a bustling port. Though parts of Luodong’s water city heritage now lie hidden underground, I can still trace its past by skating along the asphalt roads built over the old river channels.

Luodong’s compact urban scale makes it ideal for skateboarding—almost any destination can be reached within twenty minutes. The moderate speed of skating allows for close observation of the streets and architecture. In the blazing summer sun, the shadows of window pillars and flower beds create a rhythmic interplay of light and dark, while the facades of the street houses shift in a musical-like flow as I skate past them.

During my residency in Luodong, I glided through the city like navigating a river, rediscovering its history, architecture, and urban spaces with each ride on my skateboard.