Xizhi Old Street Introduction
Xizhi Old Street is a short stretch of Zhongzheng Road, approximately 1,000 meters from Xizhi Railway Station to Limen Street. Formerly known as "Shuifanjiao Street," it was an important cargo transfer station along the Keelung River, earning the title "First Street of Xizhi." The past prosperity has left many historical relics, with some buildings along the street still preserving traditional red brick walls and Baroque-style Western buildings. The glory of the past is reflected in numerous historical sites, such as the Niu Chou Tou Pier, public market, granaries, churches, and the site of the Aimen Gate. There are also many long-established stores run by three generations, including rice shops, fabric merchants, pharmacies, and incense shops. The buildings along the street still maintain the traditional style of long row houses. The narrow entrance to Zhongzheng Old Street is right across from the railway station, and the uniqueness of the old street lies in the fact that some streets still retain the traditional architecture and lifestyle from the Qing Dynasty and the Japanese occupation period. The prosperity of the past has left behind many remarkable historical spaces, including Jide Temple (Mazu Temple), Zhongshun Temple (site of the Nōkyū Prince Shrine), the public market (site of the Japanese-era Qixing District market), the torii gate in Xizhi Park, Jian Shun Tea House, the Baroque-style Chen Wanqi Ancestral Hall and Cai Ding Gong Hall, along with buildings from the Taisho period such as the Su House and the brick arch column-shaped Yu House. These landmark buildings with traces of their era ensure that Zhongzheng Old Street still retains the distinctive features of a bygone era, making it a valuable cultural asset of Xizhi.
