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 businesses in the old street have been around for more than half a century. With its long history and many old shops, if you simply take a cursory glance, you might regret leaving empty-handed. From the moment you step into the old street, besides taking the time to explore each old shop carefully, don't forget to look up and admire the old architecture. Although many ground-floor storefronts have been renovated to create a modern commercial atmosphere, making it hard to sense the nostalgic ambiance, if you shift your gaze to the second floor and above, the architectural scenery changes. You can find classical window lattice designs, traditional granite tiles, old Minnan-style buildings, and pseudo-Baroque architecture, which combine East and West in stunning styles. The charm of the old shops lies in their longevity and the flavors that have stood the test of time. For instance, a century-old traditional Chinese medicine shop has a medicinal cabinet that is 300 years old, designed with ancient copper coins as fasteners—an increasingly rare sight. After years of wear, the cabinet has developed a polished black sheen that can't be replicated. A department store from the 1960s doesn't display its products as clearly as modern department stores; instead, items are densely packed, making shopping feel like a treasure hunt and offering the distinctive flavors that are hard to find elsewhere. The old-fashioned charm is the secret to the enduring appeal of these shops. Tasting food is the main purpose of strolling through the area. If you're tired of Japanese, Italian, or American cuisines, try the traditional snacks here, such as salty rice cakes, red balls, mung bean soup, large noodles, and duck meat with vermicelli. Once you try them, you’ll be singing their praises. Whether hot or cold, sweet or savory, these snacks are easily available without having to search hard. Listing all the delicious snacks on Hengchun Old Street is not simple; one must visit in person to truly appreciate how this place is a paradise for traditional cuisine. To enhance the cultural character of Hengchun Ancient City, the local government is working to develop Hengchun Old Street into a town with more cultural features. Starting from Hengchun Old Street, they are integrating historical street scene resources, improving pedestrian walkways, lighting, and guiding facilities in key areas, and planting more greenery to provide a friendly space for visitors to stroll comfortably.
