Wenshui Old Street Introduction
Wenshui is located upstream of the Houlong River, where the Wenshui River and its tributary, the Dahukeng River, converge. The geological strata through which the Wenshui River flows include sections of soft shale. Due to frequent floods, the river water often remains murky, leading the residents to name it Wenshui. (In Hakka: "Wen" refers to turbid water.) In the early days, mountain products from the southern area of Shitan, the northern five villages of Tai'an, and the Dahu area were transported to Wenshui Old Street and then distributed to Miaoli City by trolley. This area served as a major goods hub and a distribution center in its early years. During the 50s and 60s of the Republic of China, due to a shortage of materials, straw was used to create the then effective insulation device known as "Chashou." This "Chashou" has become a significant characteristic left by our ancestors in this area. Today, after the current village chief vigorously fought for funding to reconstruct it, Wenshui Old Street presents a different appearance, reflecting the simple and practical style of our Hakka people. It is also poised to drive the development of local cultural industries in Shitan. We welcome you to come here, take a walk, have a cup of tea, and enjoy some Hakka cuisine, experiencing a different kind of Hakka charm. In recent years, this place has become the gateway for tourists entering "Shei-Pa National Park" and the "Tai'an Hot Spring Scenic Area," transforming the previously old and cluttered settlement into a new face. The early traditional wooden buildings have undergone comprehensive planning, equipped with new signs and newly renovated brick walkways, creating a tidy yet nostalgically faint atmosphere that transports visitors to a time of bustling trade and chatter, reminiscent of the past's splendor... Although it may not be as prosperous as before, the current serene scenery has its own unique flavor! Besides "Chashou," the favorable location near Dahu allows strawberries to be found everywhere. Strawberry wine, strawberry sausages, and strawberry ice cream have already become part of this area. In addition to the existing shops, during weekends, local residents set up stalls in front of their homes, displaying Hakka rice noodles, vegetable buns, pickled vegetable soup, and other Hakka snacks, inviting passing tourists to stop and enjoy them. Delicious food fills the stomach, while Hakka hospitality enriches the soul of every traveler. Take a trip to Wenshui Old Street on your holiday and personally experience the unique charm of this place!
