Sankeng Old Street Introduction
San Keng Zi, known as the first street of Longtan, is a authentic Hakka village. Once, San Keng Zi was one of the most prosperous docks on the river, bustling with activity. However, with the completion of the irrigation system, the water level of the Dahan Creek dropped sharply, and the commercial function of San Keng Zi gradually declined. San Keng Zi Old Street is located in Longtan District, Taoyuan City, centered around the Yongfu Temple, extending out to Heibai Wash. The old street presents a narrow exterior and a wide interior, rich in historical flavor, attracting many tourists. San Keng Zi Old Street retains traditional Hakka characteristics and is also a filming location for movies such as "The Great Wu" and "Let Us Be Together," making it worth a visit. The origins of San Keng Zi can be traced back to the development of Longtan by Lu Xifan during the Kangxi period, and it was not until the ninth year of Qianlong (1744) that Han people settled here. The area is characterized by a river terrace topography, with three rivers flowing into the Dahan Creek, forming three pits or valleys on the tableland, which is the origin of the name San Keng Zi. Walking into San Keng Old Street, one can see "Heibai Wash," a place where women used to wash clothes. The narrow and winding San Keng Old Street is difficult for cars to navigate, a characteristic of Hakka villages intentionally designed with curves to deter bandits. The short old street retains the traditional arcade-style architecture, with unique shops selling Hakka specialties: vegetable buns, grass rice cakes, cow water, orange jam, and more. At the end of the old street is the heart of the San Keng Zi community—the Yongfu Temple, built in the 56th year of Qianlong, currently dedicated to the Three Emperors: Yao, Shun, and Yu, also serving as the faith center for local residents. Additionally, the scenic green corridor from Daxi's Yue Mei to Longtan's San Keng riverside allows visitors to experience the diverse landscapes of irrigation and agriculture alongside cultural old streets all at once.
