Xindian Old Street Introduction
Xindian Old Street, located on the eastern bank of the Xindian Bitan Suspension Bridge, is based on historical records that trace its origins back to the Daoguang period. In its early days, it served as a distribution center for agricultural products and daily necessities from the areas of Wulai, Muzha, Ankeng, and Jingmei. The prosperous trade was facilitated by convenient transportation via river shipping, light roads, and suspension bridges. Xindian Old Street is lined with shops that once included pharmacies, herbal medicine stores, and pastry shops, making it a place where all essential goods for life could be found. The back alleys of the shops lead directly to the Xindian River, prompting the merchants to jointly fund the construction of a Tudi Gong (Earth God) temple, named Changxing Temple. According to Mr. Lin Wen-liang, the temple's manager, "This temple has been here for over 150 years. The original Earth God statue was washed away by flooding, and now only the old Earth Goddess remains." The ancient temple has been expanded to two floors, protecting the safety and prosperity of the merchants along Xindian Road. The original charm of Taipei's Xindian Old Street remains, with the sounds of morning market vendors resounding, while the afternoons are nearly tranquil. Strolling through Xindian Old Street in the glow of the setting sun, one feels as if they have stepped into history.
