Xin Nan Old Street Introduction
If Peace Old Street is like a mainstream song still being sung today, then New South Old Street is the independent music of Daxi. It is not overly bustling, but with its unique artistic and cultural atmosphere, it spreads a wonderful charm that is sure to leave a lasting impression. The beauty of this old alley, exclusively for the literary youth, and the thrilling nostalgia of the past await your visit. New South Old Street, also known as Zhongshan Old Street, is merely 500 meters away from Peace Old Street. Unlike Peace Old Street, which is crowded with shops, New South Old Street has historically been a luxurious area embodying politics, economy, and culture from the late Qing Dynasty to the Japanese colonial period. Government institutions such as the Qing Dynasty’s Land Development Office, the county government office during the Japanese rule, post offices, elementary schools, public halls, and martial arts halls all gathered here, resembling today’s "Boya Special Zone" in Taipei. Residents in this area were either wealthy or noble; prominent figures like businessman Jian Aniu, Kato Rinsaku, and scholar Lü Yingyang were notable wealthy families of that time. The odd-numbered side of the old street housed the mansions of the rich, while the even-numbered side had workers' quarters, warehouses, and residences, showcasing a reflection of wealth and poverty along a single street. Compared to Peace Old Street, the facades of the buildings on New South Old Street are more grand and luxurious, with a mix of Chinese and Western Baroque styles. Each archway seems to compete for attention. The most eye-catching building on the street, "Jian Cheng Commercial Firm," is the residence of the wealthy Jian Aniu, featuring a Romanized foreign shop sign, a brass-covered central dome, symmetrical gables, Western-style columns, and a width that is three times larger than typical storefronts, highlighting the wealth of the Jian family. The neighboring archways of "Yong Chun" and "Xian Ji" belong to the Lü family's mansion, with the peacock displaying its feathers in a magnificent manner. The intricate decorations featuring auspicious Chinese symbols like the arowana, qilin, and the four arts of Chinese culture, as well as creative paper-cut flower designs, reflect exceptional craftsmanship. It is said that when built, the structures were covered with canvas to prevent their architectural style from being copied. New South Old Street is also home to esteemed families like "Wu Yi Old Clan" and "Long Tang Clan," who moved to Daxi, expressing nostalgia for their hometown. Today, as the wealthy families have declined and their descendants have moved away from Daxi, the luxurious street houses have only their facades and archways remaining to witness the passage of time. The next time you visit Daxi, consider turning into Zhongshan Road to walk through each house and uncover a story, encountering the former prosperity of Daxi.
