Hengchun Old Street Introduction
Hengchun Old Street, formed by the intersection of Zhongshan Road and Fude Road, has a history of over a hundred years since the establishment of Hengchun. Most of the buildings and shops in the old street have been around for more than half a century. With such a long history and many old stores, if you merely take a quick look, you might leave with regrets akin to returning empty-handed after entering a treasure street. From the moment you step onto the old street, besides thoroughly exploring each old shop, don’t forget to look up at the old buildings. Although many first-floor shops have been remodeled to create a modern commercial atmosphere, making it hard to feel the nostalgia at first glance, once you shift your gaze to the second floor and above, the architectural landscape changes. The classical window designs, traditional washed stone bricks and tiles, old Minnan-style buildings, and neo-Baroque architectural styles merge to create a truly stunning aesthetic. The charm of old shops lies in their long-standing history and vintage flavors. For example, a century-old Chinese medicine store features a medicinal cabinet with a history of 300 years, designed with ancient copper coins as clasps, which is now quite rare. Over the years, the cabinet's surface has developed a sheen, showcasing a unique character that cannot be replicated; a department store from the 1960s presents goods not as clearly laid out as modern department stores, but rather in dense clusters, making shopping feel like a treasure hunt and offering an elusive flavor. The charm of traditional shops is the secret to their lasting appeal. Seeking food is the primary goal while strolling here. If you’re tired of Japanese, Italian, or American cuisine, you should try the traditional snacks here—salty rice cakes, red round pastries, mung bean soups, large noodles, and duck meat winter noodles. Once you’ve tasted them, you’ll be singing their praises. Whether hot or cold, sweet or salty, they are easily accessible without the need to search. Counting the delicious snacks on Hengchun Old Street is not a simple task; only by visiting in person can you truly experience that this place is a paradise for traditional cuisine. In order to transform Hengchun Ancient Town into a culturally distinctive small town, starting from Hengchun Old Street and integrating historical streetscape resources, the main pedestrian paths, lighting facilities, and guided tour installations will be enhanced on important thoroughfares, along with extensive green landscaping, to provide a friendly space for tourists to stroll comfortably and relax.
