Tamsui Old Street Introduction
Walking out of Tamsui MRT Station and turning right, you'll reach the renowned Tamsui Old Street along Zhongzheng Road and the extended Jiujin Street and Qingshui Street. Tamsui Old Street has long been a famous attraction in Taiwan, drawing many foreign visitors. The streets are lined with bustling shops, featuring traditional snack shops and general stores with a nostalgic vibe, as well as trendy clothing and toy shops. A must-try delicacy when in Tamsui is "A-Gei," which is derived from the Japanese word for fried tofu. It is made by hollowing out fried tofu, filling it with stir-fried vermicelli, soaking it in braising sauce, sealing the top with fish paste, and then steaming it. It is finally topped with sweet chili sauce or the store's secret sauce. Popular snacks include fish balls, A-Po's iron eggs, and fish crisp, among others, along with numerous historical sites to visit, ensuring endless enjoyment. Tamsui Old Street is divided into an inner and outer side. The outer side features the golden riverside path along the Tamsui River, while the inner side is the traditional old street, bustling with shops that blend nostalgic charm with contemporary merchandise. In the evening, visitors can admire the beautiful sunset over the sea from the golden riverside path. Jiujin Street, located on the hillside, developed earlier, so you'll find many old wooden and brick houses along the way. At the end of the street, you can enjoy a distant view of the Tamsui River estuary. Later, due to commercial development, another parallel street formed, primarily consisting of rice shops and milling businesses, leading to it being called "Rice Street" (now the northern section of Qingshui Street), which was renamed after the construction of Qingshui Temple. Continuing down Zhongzheng Road towards the old street, you'll see the statue park of Dr. George Leslie Mackay, who greatly influenced Tamsui, as well as historical sites such as Qingshui Temple, Fuyou Temple, Huwei Mackay Memorial Hospital, and Tamsui Chapel. Besides exploring the scenic spots, the unique shops within the old street are perfect for shopping and enjoying delicious foods.
