Shiding Old Street Introduction
Shiding Old Street is the earliest developed area in Shiding District, divided into two streets, East and West, by the stone bridge known as Wanshou Bridge. The West Street developed earlier and was primarily focused on the production and trade of areca nuts and tea leaves, with stone houses built predominantly using local stones. East Street, on the other hand, was traditionally known as a gathering place for beggars, earning the nickname "Beggar's Lodge". However, the population ratio has gradually shifted, and East Street is now becoming more prosperous than West Street. Notable attractions here include a century-old tofu shop, unique stilt houses, and the skyless street, which are must-see spots for visitors. The century-old blacksmith shop in the old street, with the sound of hammering, adds a rustic charm to the area. Shiding East Street is currently one of the few remaining skyless streets in Taiwan, where houses hover above the riverbed supported only by columns. Upon closer inspection, it can be seen that the houses in Shiding are built using local river stones. East and West Streets best reflect the former prosperity of Shiding, with West Street extending westward from Wanshou Bridge over Shiding Creek and East Street built along the Linwutu Creek to the east. West Street was the earliest developed road, serving as a convenient route for transporting tea leaves, and is lined with many buildings made of earthen materials, reaching two to three stories, symbolizing the bustling wealth of the time. Currently, the Jishun Temple Square in front of Shiding Elementary School is where tea leaves were once wholesaled, and the area is home to numerous temples, making it the township with the most temples in Taiwan.
