Xinmin Old Street Introduction
Cats lazily nap on motorcycle seats, the rich aroma of coffee wafts through the streets, and shopkeepers greet each other with soft exchanges… The hustle and bustle of Zhongzheng Road fades away as time seems to slow down on Xinyimin Old Street. Located less than 300 meters away, Xinyimin Old Street quietly hides in the Damao shopping district. The once thriving glory of being "the first street in Taoyuan" has gradually faded with the shift of the commercial center in the city. Divided from Zhongzheng Road, the western section of Xinyimin Old Street near Wenchang Park still retains traditional shops such as rice stores and dowry shops. When the Xinyimin Market existed, this area gathered numerous livelihood shops and vendors where one could find hardware, rice, and cloth, among others. Thus, during holidays, Xinyimin Street was always filled with crowds. The old days of the old street are gone, but trying the corner rice noodle soup from a long-established shop, the fragrant "Guokai Rice," and the sweet and salty "Sweet Rice with Bits" served with side dishes offers a different sense of nostalgia. After a period of quiet, the opportunity for Xinyimin Old Street to regain attention came with the emergence of creative cafes in the eastern section where the century-old Yang Family Temple is located. Currently, Xinyimin Street has become an important base for local creators to promote Taoyuan culture. “Not just a café!” is the business philosophy of the shops on Xinyimin Street; the "Just Xinyimin Meal" on the menu features delicious items from old shops like peanut butter, pudding cake, fried dough sticks, and malt sugar. Integrating artistic spaces into old residences, the area hosts exhibitions, lectures, concerts, and book clubs, allowing the charm of the old street to continue. In 2015, the first "Return to Taoyuan Art Festival," initiated by dozens of artistic creators, showcased 20 pieces of installation art throughout the shops on Xinyimin Street, blending the old spaces with new creativity in a delightful manner.
