Xin Nan Old Street Introduction
If Peace Old Street is like a mainstream song that continues to be sung today, then New South Old Street is the independent music of Daxi, not overly bustling or noisy, but spreading a unique artistic atmosphere with a fascinating charm that leaves a lasting impression on those who experience it. The beauty of the old alley, reserved for the artsy youth, and the heart-stirring moments of days gone by await your visit and listening. New South Old Street, also known as Zhongshan Old Street, is just 500 meters away from Peace Old Street. Unlike the numerous shops on Peace Old Street, New South Old Street has been a prime area for politics, economics, and education since the late Qing dynasty and during the Japanese colonial period, featuring luxurious mansions. Government offices such as the Qing Dynasty Development Commission, the county office during the Japanese era, post offices, elementary schools, public halls, and martial arts halls all gathered here, akin to today’s Taipei “Boai Special Zone.” Residents in this area were either wealthy or prominent; notable families included the businessman Jian A-Niu, Kato Hitosuke, and scholar Lu Ying-Yang, who were well-known figures of that time. The odd-numbered side of the old street was home to the wealthy, while the even-numbered side housed workers’ quarters, warehouses, and residences, showcasing a stark contrast between affluence and poverty. In contrast to Peace Old Street, the street facades of New South Old Street appear even more grand and luxurious, showcasing a Baroque style that blends Western and Eastern influences. Each archway seems to compete with one another in its bold display. The most eye-catching building on the old street, the "Jian Cheng Commercial House," was the residence of the wealthy Jian A-Niu, featuring a foreign shop name in Romanized characters, a central dome covered in brass, symmetrical gables, Western-style columns, and a façade three times larger than typical shops, highlighting the financial strength of the Jian family. The adjacent archways of "Yong Chun" and "Xian Ji" represent the luxurious residences of the Lu clan. The majestic peacock displays on the gables, the decorative Chinese auspicious motifs such as the arowana, qilin, and designs of musical instruments, chess, calligraphy, and painting all exhibit great craftsmanship. It is said that during construction, the buildings were covered with canvas to prevent their styles from being copied. Additionally, New South Old Street has notable family names such as "Wu Yi Old Clan" and "Long Tang Clan," reflecting a sense of nostalgia for their hometown after moving to Daxi. Today, as the affluent families have declined and their descendants have moved away from Daxi, the luxurious street houses remain only as facades, continuing to witness the passage of time and lost grandeur. The next time you visit Daxi, consider taking a turn into Zhongshan Road, where each building tells a story, allowing you to encounter the former splendor of Daxi.
