Yingge Old Street Introduction
Yingge, known as the Jingdezhen of Taiwan, is a major hub for ceramic craftsmanship in the country. The Yingge Ceramic Old Street was officially named in 2000 and, with the guidance and planning of the New Taipei City Government, the old ceramic factories in Yingge have been transformed into retail shops and DIY spaces. The phrase "turning clay into gold" perfectly describes this area, where a dazzling array of ceramic boutiques are gathered along the streets formed by Ceramic Street, Jianshanpu Road, Chongqing Street, and Yuying Street. Walking into the Yingge Old Street, one can find that the street scenery, intersection imagery, and transportation sign designs are all imbued with a strong ceramic aesthetic. As early as 200 years ago, residents in the Jianshanpu area of Yingge began to develop a thriving ceramic industry utilizing sticky clay, readily available firewood, grasses, and coal resources, alongside convenient waterway transportation. During the Japanese colonial period, Yingge ceramics moved towards scaling and corporatization, further solidifying Yingge’s position in the ceramic industry and laying the foundation for ceramic culture. Strolling down the Old Street and following the train, visitors can see a variety of ceramic tableware shops, ceramic artists' studios, DIY classrooms, and factory direct stores, with a variety of "ceramic" themed shops showcasing antique porcelain, crystalline glaze, Dongshi pottery, teapots, tableware, ocarinas, and other ceramic pieces that combine practicality and artistic value. At the entrance of the Old Street, the railway overpass is a must-visit for railway enthusiasts. Standing on the overpass offers not only a view of the Old Street's scenery but also the chance to appreciate the various trains of Taiwan Railways racing along the western trunk line.
