Shiding Old Street

Shiding Old Street is divided by Wanshou Bridge (萬壽橋) into the east and west parts, respectively known as Shiding East Street and Shiding West Street. Due to its early development, Shiding West Street became a passageway for the transportation of tea leaves during the Qing dynasty. Today, a significant number of two- or three-story traditional rammed earth houses (土角樓) can still be seen along the street, allowing visitors to peek into the prosperous tea industry in days gone by. The oldest temple in the area — Jishun Temple (集順廟) — happens to sit on the West Street as well, and in front of which is a small plaza that served as a collection and distribution center for tea leaves at the time. However, when Taipei-Yilan Freeway (北宜公路) was opened for public traffic in 1946, the bustling Shiding West Street went into sharp decline and replaced by the town next door, Pinglin (坪林).

As for Shiding East Street, it was a place that gathered lots of beggars during the prosperous tea era. As the West Street became saturated, people started moving to the East Street and established a mixed commercial and residential area. Later in the boom of coal mining era, the East Street became the most significant primary commercial area in Shiding. The West Street is no longer crowded with traders, but the houses built suspended over the river (吊腳樓) is surely a scene not to be missed. The one-of-a-kind roofed street (不見天街) tucked away on the East Street is also worth visiting. Like a tunnel, this street was designed in this way to make the best use of the limited space available by the river, which reflects the great intelligence of ancient people. While in Shiding, be sure to visit the rustic old street and some other iconic attractions such as the century-old Shiding Stone House, Yuanguang Blacksmith Shop and Wang’s Dofu. The reminiscent trip will definitely give you a taste of culture, history and nostalgia.

Notice: Many of the shops are only open on weekends.