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 existed for more than half a century. With such a long history and many old stores, merely taking a quick stroll through the street may leave one feeling regretful for missing out on its treasures. As you step into the old street, take the time to explore each traditional shop carefully, and don't forget to look up to appreciate the old architecture here. Although many of the first-floor stores have been renovated to create a modern shopping atmosphere, making it difficult to sense the nostalgic charm at first glance, if you shift your gaze to the second floor and above, the architectural scenery changes dramatically, showcasing classical window designs, traditional stone tiles, old Minnan-style buildings, and Baroque-style architecture, which is truly stunning with its mix of Western and Eastern styles. The charm of these old shops lies not only in their long history but also in their authentic flavors. For instance, a century-old traditional Chinese medicine shop features a medicine cabinet that is 300 years old, designed with ancient copper coins as fasteners, which has become very rare today. Through the passage of time, the surface of the cabinet has taken on a black sheen that cannot be imitated; a 1960s department store's goods are not displayed as clearly as those in modern department stores but are densely packed, making shopping feel like a treasure hunt, presenting a unique charm that is hard to find elsewhere. The key to these old shops' enduring appeal is their vintage character. Food hunting is the main intention of visiting the street, and if you are tired of Japanese, Italian, or American cuisine, you can try the local traditional snacks here, such as savory rice cakes, red round dumplings, green bean soup, big noodles, and duck meat with vermicelli. Once you taste them, you won’t stop praising them—hot or cold, sweet or savory, they are easily found without much effort. Counting the delicious snacks on Hengchun Old Street is no simple task; you really have to visit in person to appreciate that this place is indeed a paradise for traditional cuisine. In an effort to transform the ancient city of Hengchun into a town with more cultural characteristics, plans are in place to enhance the old street. The resources of the historic streetscape will be integrated, with improvements to pedestrian walkways, lighting, and signage in key areas, as well as extensive greenery, to provide a friendly space for visitors to stroll comfortably and enjoy their time.
