Yingge Old Street Introduction
Yingge, known as the "Jingdezhen of Taiwan," is a major hub for ceramics in the country. The Yingge Ceramics Old Street was officially named in 2000, and with the guidance and planning of the New Taipei City Government, the old ceramic factories of Yingge have transformed into business shops and DIY spaces. "Turning earth into gold" perfectly describes the area, where a myriad of exquisite ceramic shops is gathered along the streets formed by Ceramic Street, Jianshanpu Road, Chongqing Street, and Yuying Street. Walking into Yingge Old Street, the street scene, intersection imagery, and traffic sign designs all embody a rich aesthetic of ceramics. As early as 200 years ago, residents in the Jianshanpu area began to develop a prosperous ceramic industry using its sticky clay, along with readily available firewood, weeds, coal resources, and convenient waterway transportation. During the Japanese colonial period, Yingge ceramics moved towards scale and corporatization, further solidifying Yingge's industrial position in ceramics and laying the foundation for ceramic culture. Strolling along the Old Street, visitors can see ceramic tableware specialty shops, ceramic artist studios, DIY classrooms, and factory direct sales stores. Various ceramic-themed shops sell antique porcelain, crystal glaze, Ming-Chi pottery, tea sets, tableware, and ceramic ocarinas, which combine both practical and artistic value. The railway bridge at the entrance of the Old Street is a must-visit spot for train enthusiasts. Standing on the bridge, one can not only overlook the scene of the Old Street but also enjoy the sight of various Taiwan Railways trains running on the Western Main Line.
