Introduction to old street
According to the Tourism Bureau’s 2024 top 10 must-visit old street in Taiwan, these old street not only remain a popular choice for domestic travel but also attract significant attention from international tourists. Interestingly, the favorites list varies between domestic and international visitors. For example, Japanese, Korean, and Western tourists' favorite old street is Jiufen, while the most popular among Taiwanese visitors in 2023 was Qishan Old Street, and in 2024, it is Lukang Old Street.
The most appealing aspects of old street go beyond the local delicacies to include historical sites, architecture, and the charm of nearby shopping districts.
So, which old street made the 2024 list? What are the must-visit spots and must-try foods at each old street?
Old Street TOP 10：Yanshui Old Street (Qiaonan Old Street)
Image source: Tainan City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau
With 629,296 visitors, Yanshui Old Street in Tainan’s Yanshui District ranks tenth. This old street, showcasing Fujian-style architecture from the Qing Dynasty, underwent an urban transformation during the Japanese occupation. While Yanshui Old Street has a rich architectural history, it is internationally recognized for hosting the annual Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival, one of Taiwan's four major folk festivals.
Yanshui Old Street retains several historic buildings, including "Quanli Iron Shop," known for its traditional craftsmanship, the former rice mill-turned-theater “Yongcheng Theater,” and the iconic "Yanshui Octagon Building," a historical landmark with a unique octagonal roof.
Local food highlights include the "Century-Old Yanshui Yi Mian," made entirely from duck eggs instead of water, and "Yanshui Bean Thread Soup" with fresh milkfish and oysters. Popular dishes also include "Ba Jiao Lou Dang Gui Duck," an herbal duck dish loved by locals, and “Hu Shu Pork Head Rice,” made from a slow-simmered pork broth that locals highly recommend.
- Address: Qiaonan Street, Yanshui District, Tainan City
- Hours: 11:30-23:30
- Directions: Take the Taiwan Railways train to Xinying Station, then transfer to the local bus heading toward Yanshui.
Extended Reading:
[2025 Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Guide] Experience Taiwan’s most thrilling festival! Complete with transportation, food, and sightseeing tips!Old Street TOP 9：Neiwan Old Street
Image source: Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications
Ranking ninth with 676,223 visitors, Neiwan Old Street in Hengshan Township, Hsinchu County, exudes a nostalgic charm and features Hakka cultural elements. Once a thriving town due to its timber and mining industries, Neiwan eventually shifted toward tourism as these industries declined.
Neiwan Old Street, near Neiwan Railway Station, stretches about 200 meters and preserves traditional Hakka shophouse architecture. The most famous landmark here is the Neiwan Theater, a wooden structure from the past that now serves as a restaurant.
In addition to the old street itself, nearby attractions include Youluo Creek, which offers scenic views and is a popular spot for fishing, and Neiwan Suspension Bridge. Another must-see is the historic "Love Train Station" at Hexing Station, a romantic destination perfect for couples.
Neiwan Old Street is known for its authentic Hakka snacks, including "Wild Ginger Flower Rice Dumplings," "Hakka Lei Cha," "Hakka Grandma’s Vegetable Buns," and "Hakka Mochi," offering a true taste of Hakka culture that’s not to be missed.
Neiwan Old Street is an ideal spot for a family day trip, where visitors can experience Hakka culture, enjoy local flavors, and soak in the nostalgic ambiance.
- Address: Zhongzheng Road, Hengshan Township, Hsinchu County
- Directions: Take the Taiwan Railways train to Neiwan Station.
Old Street TOP 8：Xinhua Old Street
Image source: Siraya National Scenic Area Administration
Located in Xinhua District, Tainan City, Xinhua Old Street ranks eighth with a visitor count of 911,672. This old street, with a distinctive Baroque architectural style, was historically known as "Damujiang" (the Siraya word “Tavocan” meaning “mountainous land”) and has long been a bustling area. Under Japanese rule, Xinhua Old Street was redesigned with a cohesive architectural style, preserving the Baroque-style arcades, brick columns, wooden lattice panels, and parapets seen today.
There are several must-visit sites on Xinhua Old Street, including the Damujiang Story House, which showcases the local history, and the Yang Kui Literary Memorial Hall, a former land office that honors the legacy of Taiwanese writer Yang Kui. Another highlight is the Xinhua Wude Hall, a significant historical landmark from the Japanese era.
Local specialties on Xinhua Old Street include "Xinhua Shaobing," a crispy, fragrant pastry; traditional "Xinhua Egg Cakes," and "Ye Mike Traditional Herbal Fried Chicken," marinated in a unique herbal blend, which locals and bloggers highly recommend as a must-try dish.
- Address: Around Zhongzheng Road, Xinhua District, Tainan City
- Directions: Take the bus from Tainan Train Station to the Xinhua Farmers' Association stop, then walk to reach the area.
Old Street TOP 7：Shifen Old Street
Image source: New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau
With a visitor count of 1,325,702, Shifen Old Street, located in Pingxi District, New Taipei City, ranks seventh among Taiwan’s top old street. Once a coal mining hub during the Japanese occupation, Shifen has since become a popular tourist spot.
The Pingxi Railway Line was built to transport coal out of Pingxi. Though the coal industry declined, Taiwan Railways preserved the Pingxi Line as a scenic railway, which boosted local tourism.
Shifen Old Street, often paired with a trip to Jiufen, is famous for its sky lantern activity, where visitors can buy lanterns, write their wishes, and release them into the sky. The unique experience of walking alongside railway tracks also makes it a popular photo spot.
In addition to old street charm, Shifen offers trails for hiking enthusiasts and famous landmarks like Shifen Waterfall, Taiwan’s largest curtain-style waterfall, Si-Kuang-Tan Suspension Bridge, and Yan Zing Tong Waterfall with its unique rock formations. Shifen Railway Station is also a top destination for romantic photos.
When it’s time to eat, try "Bao Gui Stinky Tofu," known for its crispy crust and tangy pickled cabbage topping. For a cozy ambiance, visit "Lau Zai Cuo Cafe," a nostalgic Japanese-style wooden building that also doubles as a homestay. Or head to "Shifen Gan Ma," known for premium coffee and French toast topped with creamy spreads.
- Address: No. 81, Shifen Street, Pingxi District, New Taipei City
- Directions: Take the Taipei Metro to Muzha Station, then transfer to Taipei Bus Route 795 to Shifen Visitor Center Station.
Old Street TOP 6：Jiufen Old Street
Image source: New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau
Located in Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Jiufen Old Street has attracted 1,855,617 visitors, making it the sixth most popular destination. Known as a charming mountain town, Jiufen is rich in historical culture and culinary delights, earning nicknames like "Little Shanghai" and "Little Hong Kong."
Jiufen’s history dates back to the Qing Dynasty when it flourished due to gold mining. Though it quieted down after the decline of the mining industry in 1945, Jiufen later gained fame from the movie *A City of Sadness* and the animated film *Spirited Away,* which helped transform it into a tourist attraction.
Walking through Jishan Street, Shuqi Road, and Qingbian Road, visitors can enjoy well-preserved Japanese colonial-era buildings, stone-paved roads, red lanterns, narrow alleys, and staircases, all adding to Jiufen’s unique atmosphere. The town’s elevated view also offers scenic vistas of Keelung Islet and Keelung Harbor.
In addition to Jiufen Old Street itself, nearby attractions like Jinguashi, Shuinandong, and various hiking trails, such as Teapot Mountain Trail, are ideal for nature enthusiasts. Other sites, including the famous Golden Waterfall, Yin-Yang Sea, Houtong Cat Village, and Shifen Old Street, make Jiufen an excellent base for a day trip.
Jiufen’s culinary scene is another highlight, attracting food lovers with its unique flavors. Try "A-Gan Taro Balls," which offer a chewy texture paired with a seaside view, or "Jin Zhi Red Yeast Meatballs," filled with bamboo shoots and red yeast for a distinct taste. "Fishball Uncle" serves hearty fish balls, and locals also recommend the hidden gem "Scallion Cake in Front of the Post Office." For souvenirs, the traditional "A-Lan Caozaiguo" is a must-buy treat.
- Address: Jishan Street, Qingbian Road, and Automobile Road in Ruifang District, New Taipei City
- Directions: Take Keelung Bus Route 1062 or Taipei Bus Route 965 and get off at Jiufen Old Street Station.
Old Street TOP 5：Tamsui Old Street
Image source: New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau
With 2,148,200 visitors, Tamsui Old Street ranks fifth and remains one of northern Taiwan’s most popular attractions, encompassing Zhongzheng Road, Chongjian Street, and Qingshui Street.
Originally known as "Huwei Street," Tamsui’s history traces back to the 17th century. By the 19th century, Tamsui became a vital trade port in northern Taiwan, especially known for tea and sugar exports. Though Tamsui’s prosperity waned due to port siltation during the Japanese occupation, its historical sites and architecture made it a valuable tourism destination.
Along Tamsui Old Street, visitors can find various Western, Minnan, and Japanese-style buildings. Notable sites include the Dutch-built Fort San Domingo, the century-old Aletheia University, the Little White House (formerly the Tamsui Customs Officer’s Residence), and the Tamsui Cultural Museum, an old Japanese-style building. Other must-see spots include Hobe Fort overlooking the Tamsui River estuary and Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf, famous for its stunning sunset views.
Tamsui Old Street is divided into a traditional section on the inner side and a scenic Golden Waterfront promenade on the outer side. Here, visitors can enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the waterfront or take a ferry between Tamsui and Bali.
Be sure to try some of Tamsui’s famous snacks, including the classic "A-Gei," which consists of fried tofu stuffed with vermicelli and topped with a special sauce, and the fresh fish ball soup made from fish paste, iron eggs, and crispy fried fish, all of which make great take-home souvenirs.
- Address: Zhongzheng Road, Chongjian Street, and Qingshui Street, Tamsui District, New Taipei City
- Hours: Open 24 hours, though individual stores may have different business hours.
- Directions: Take the Taipei Metro Tamsui Line to Tamsui Station, then walk to reach the area.
Old Street TOP 4： Daxi Old Street
With 3,412,291 visitors, Daxi Old Street ranks fourth and spans He Ping Road, Zhongshan Road, and Central Road. Since its completion in 1918, it has attracted numerous visitors with its unique Baroque architecture and delicious local cuisine.
Among the popular attractions along Daxi Old Street, notable sites include Daxi Bridge, renowned for its Baroque arches and decorative carvings. The bridge spans the Dahan River, offering breathtaking views both day and night. The Daxi Wood Art Eco-Museum, once the principal’s residence of a Japanese-era elementary school, now houses valuable wooden artifacts and was listed as a historical building in 2004. The “Cikang Landbridge” boasts excellent views over the street, while the famous “Lee Teng-Fang Mansion” stands as a traditional Minnan-style Qing Dynasty residence.
For food, Daxi Old Street is home to long-standing establishments like “Youji Century-Old Oil Rice,” founded in 1862 and crafted with mushrooms and lean pork, which has been a local favorite for over 150 years. Other must-try snacks include “Huang Ri-Xiang Dried Tofu,” made with a unique braising technique, and “Lai Mama Traditional Douhua,” known for its silky smooth texture and rich toppings. Opened in 1971, this dessert spot is a beloved local destination.
- Address: He Ping Road, Daxi District, Taoyuan City
- Directions: Take the Taipei Metro to Yongning Station, then transfer to the 710 express bus and get off at Daxi Station.
Old Street TOP 3：Qishan Old Street
Image source: Kaohsiung Travel Network
Qishan Old Street, located in Kaohsiung’s Qishan District, is one of the city’s most iconic attractions. Although it ranked first in popularity in 2023, drawing over 6 million visitors, it now holds the third position with a total of 4,087,596 visitors.
Qishan Old Street’s origins date back to the Qing Dynasty, when the area, once called "Qiwei," became a significant agricultural hub for bananas and sugarcane. In the 1950s and 1960s, Qishan earned foreign exchange through banana exports to Japan, gaining Taiwan the nickname "Banana Kingdom." Qishan Old Street thus reflects the rise and fall of Taiwan's banana industry.
The commercial district along Qishan Old Street retains many Baroque-style buildings from the Japanese colonial period, and it features notable sites like the revered Qishan Tianhou Temple, one of the oldest Mazu temples in Taiwan, and the Qishan Sugar Factory, which holds historical value with preserved chimneys, lime kilns, old factories, and sugar-making equipment. Other popular spots include the Qishan Train Station, built in 1915, the largest Confucius Temple in Taiwan, Qishan Confucius Temple, and Saint Joseph’s Gothic Church, all of which showcase Qishan's significant cultural heritage.
When it comes to food, Qishan Old Street offers numerous local snacks, such as crispy, savory red yeast pork. Another famous spot is “San Ge Stinky Tofu,” with nearly 60 years of history. There’s also "Xiuming Pork Heart Vermicelli," a must-try dish simmered in broth made fresh daily from pork bones.
Don’t miss the nostalgic "Changmei Ice Shop," known for its retro atmosphere and old-school banana-flavored ice, or "Zhaolin Ice Fruit Shop," famous for its starfruit almond drink that’s been a best-seller for over six decades. Qishan is also home to the renowned "Jimei Banana Cake," dubbed "Taiwan’s version of Tokyo Banana," making it a perfect souvenir to take home.
- Address: Zhongshan Road, Qishan District, Kaohsiung City
- Directions: Take the Kaohsiung Bus Express routes E25, E28, or E32 from Kaohsiung Railway Station and get off at Qishan Transfer Station, then walk to reach the area.
Old Street TOP 2： Zhongli Old Street
Zhongli Old Street, located in Zhongli District, Taoyuan City, is known as one of Taiwan’s five major old street. In the first half of 2024, it emerged as a popular destination, with approximately 5,358,956 visitors, ranking second in the top 10 old street list according to the Tourism Bureau’s September statistics.
Zhongli was formerly known as "Jianzi-Li," developing as an agricultural settlement since the Qing Dynasty. The establishment of Zhongli Railway Station in 1893 further accelerated the growth of the surrounding area. The Zhongli Old Street area, adjacent to Laojie Creek, was once a crucial water transport route and has now transformed into a scenic riverside walkway along the creek.
The main areas of Zhongli Old Street include Zhongping Road and Zhongzheng Road, where numerous shopping streets, department stores, and malls can be found. Like other old street, Zhongli Old Street preserves many buildings from the Japanese colonial period.
Key sites include the "Zhongping Road Story House," showcasing artifacts from the Japanese colonial period, and the "Li Small Story Forest," a parent-child storytelling venue formerly the Japanese-style teacher's dormitory at Zhongli Elementary School. Another must-visit is the "Zhongli Shengji Pavilion," a level-3 historical site blending Baroque and Japanese architectural styles. Additional attractions near Zhongli Old Street include the Zhongli Night Market, Liuhe Shopping District, and the Laojie Creek Riverside.
As for local delicacies, Zhongli Old Street is famous for its "Lao Pai Zeng Water Pan-Fried Bun," which has been around for over 50 years and sells crispy, fragrant buns for just 10 NTD each. This pan-fried bun represents the best of budget-friendly food on Zhongli Old Street. Other popular spots include "Exclamation Mark Stinky Tofu," known for its freshly fried stinky tofu in an open kitchen with trendy decor, and the "Old Alley Cafe," offering authentic Hakka-style noodles like dried noodles, rice noodles, and oil noodles, making it a high-demand destination on Zhongli Old Street.
- Address: Around Zhongping Road and Zhongzheng Road, Zhongli District, Taoyuan City
- Directions: Take the Taoyuan Airport MRT to Laojie Creek Station and walk to reach the area.
Old Street TOP 1：Lukang Old Street
Image source: Changhua Travel Information Website
Based on new tourism and recreation statistics released by the Tourism Bureau in September 2024, Lukang Old Street, located in Lukang Township, Changhua County, ranks first with a total of 9,623,406 visits.
Historically, Lukang dates back to the Qing Dynasty and was among Taiwan’s earliest commercial streets. The phrase “Fist Fucheng, Second Lukang, Third Monga” refers to Tainan, Lukang, and Mengjia (Wanhua), highlighting the significance of Lukang’s development in Taiwan's history.
Today, Lukang Old Street is Taiwan's only remaining old city district with well-preserved Qing Dynasty “ancient streets,” mainly built in the Southern Min architectural style. Walking along Zhongshan Road, visitors can see historic buildings, shops, and traditional arcades. The red-brick walls and roofs with red tiles give Lukang an authentic vintage atmosphere.
If you ask what are Lukang’s must-visit attractions, you cannot miss the "Lukang Tianhou Temple," one of Taiwan's oldest Mazu temples with a history spanning over 400 years. Other notable sites include the “Lukang Longshan Temple,” designated a national historic site, the narrow alley famously known as "Breast-Touching Lane," the winding “Nine Turns Alley” designed for defense against thieves and wind, and the “Half Well” landmark. These are all popular spots for visitors to Lukang Old Street.
For food, don’t miss the local favorites such as “Wang Mang Vermicelli Soup,” “Ah Zhen Meat Buns,” and “Han Bin Crystal Dumplings,” which are all delicious, affordable snacks recommended by locals. Give them a try!
For souvenirs, “Yu Zhen Zhai” mung bean cakes, crispy butter pastries, and tongue cake are popular choices.
- Address: No. 3, Putou Street, Lukang Township, Changhua County
- Directions: Take the Zhonglu Bus Route 9018 from Taichung Station and get off at Lukang.
Extended Reading:
[Lukang Old Street Guide] Must-try foods, must-visit attractions, and transportation tips! Explore like a local with this one-day itinerary!More about "old street" FAQ
Q: What are the typical features of old street?
old street often retain traditional architectural styles, cultural heritage, and feature unique local snacks and handicraft shops.
Q: What is the historical background of old street?
Most old street were formed between the late Qing Dynasty and the Japanese occupation period, often serving as commercial and cultural centers of their time.
Q: What souvenirs are worth buying on old street?
Common souvenirs include handicrafts, local specialties, and creative cultural products.
Q: Which historical sites or buildings are worth visiting on old street?
Popular sites include century-old shops, ancient temples, traditional Minnan-style buildings, and national heritage sites.
Q: How should I plan a one-day trip to old street?
It is recommended to first learn about the history of the old street, then plan your route based on your interests, allowing time to enjoy local cuisine and visit attractions.
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