Sankeng Old Street Introduction
Known as the first street of Longtan, Sankengzi is a traditional Hakka village. In the past, Sankengzi was one of the most prosperous docks along the river, bustling with activity. However, with the completion of the irrigation canal, the water level of the Dahan River dropped sharply, and the commercial function of Sankengzi gradually declined. Sankengzi Old Street is located in Longtan District, Taoyuan City, centered around Yongfugong Temple. The old street retains the traditional characteristics of the Hakka culture, with a narrow exterior and wide interior layout, rich in historical charm, attracting many visitors. The origins of Sankengzi can be traced back to the development of Longtan by Lu Xifan during the Kangxi period, with Han migration occurring only in the ninth year of Qianlong (1744 AD). The area features a river terrace landscape with three rivers flowing into the Dahan River, forming three valleys on the tableland, which is the origin of the name Sankengzi. Walking into Sankeng Old Street, one can see "Heibai Xi," a place where women used to wash clothes. The narrow and winding Sankeng Old Street makes it difficult for cars to pass, a characteristic of Hakka villages designed to deter bandits. The short old street preserves the traditional corridor-style architecture, with distinctive shops selling Hakka specialties: vegetable buns, grass rice cakes, beef stew, and orange jam, among others. At the end of the old street is the core of the Sankeng Old Street settlement—Yongfugong Temple, built in the 56th year of Qianlong, which mainly worships the Three Officials of Yao, Yu, and Shun, and serves as the faith center for local residents. Additionally, from Daxi Yue Mei to the Longtan Sankeng riverside tourism green corridor, you can experience the picturesque irrigation landscape, agricultural scenery, and cultural old street all at once.
