Shiding Old Street Introduction
Shihding Old Street is the earliest developed area in the Shihding region, divided into two streets, East and West, by the stone arch bridge known as Wanshou Bridge. The West Street developed earlier, primarily focused on the production and trade of large radishes and tea leaves, with houses built from local stones. The East Street is reputed to have been a gathering place for beggars, known as "Beggar's Lodge." However, the population ratio in East Street has gradually increased compared to West Street, which is now becoming the more prosperous area in Shihding. The century-old tofu shop, unique stilt houses, and the "No-Sky Street" are must-visit attractions for tourists. The century-old blacksmith shop in the old street, with the sounds of forging, adds to the rustic charm of the area. Shihding East Street is currently one of the last remaining "No-Sky Streets" in Taiwan, with houses suspended above the riverbed, supported only by pillars. Upon closer inspection, it's evident that the houses in Shihding are constructed using local river stones. The East and West Streets showcase the past prosperity of Shihding, with West Street extending west from Wanshou Bridge along the Shihding Creek, while East Street is built along the Lintutou Creek to the east. West Street was the first developed street, serving as a convenient route for transporting tea leaves, lined mostly with two- to three-story traditional houses, symbolizing the bustling wealth of that time. Today, the Jishun Temple square in front of Shihding Elementary School serves as a gathering place for the wholesale tea trade, and the area is home to over a hundred temples, making it one of the towns with the most temples in Taiwan.
