Xizhi Old Street Introduction
Xizhi Old Street is a short stretch of Zhongzheng Road, approximately 1,000 meters long, from Xizhi Train Station to Limen Street. Formerly known as "Shuifanjiao Street," it was an important cargo transshipment station along the Keelung River, earning the nickname "Xizhi's First Street." The area's past prosperity has left behind many historical relics, with some of the street's architecture still preserving traditional red brick walls and Baroque-style buildings. Significant historical sites from its glorious past include the Niuchuotou Wharf, public market, agricultural warehouse, church, and the remains of the Aimen Fort, as well as numerous long-standing shops run by families for generations, including rice shops, fabric merchants, pharmacies, and incense stores. The traditional style of long-shape street houses is still evident in the street's architecture. The narrow entrance to Zhongzheng Old Street is conveniently located across from the train station. A distinctive feature of the old street is that part of it retains traditional buildings and lifestyles from the Qing Dynasty and the Japanese colonial period. The remnants of past prosperity include several remarkable historical sites, such as Jide Temple (Mazu Temple), Zhongshun Temple (remains of the Prince Nengjiu Shrine), the public market (remains of the Qixing District market during Japanese rule), the torii gate in Xizhi Park, Jianxun Tea Shop, the Baroque architectural Chen Wanjing ancient house and Cai Ding Hall, the Su House from the Taisho period, and the Yucuo with its brick arch columns. Collectively, these landmarks tell the story of different historical eras, allowing Zhongzheng Old Street to maintain the unique characteristics of a bygone era, making it a valuable cultural asset in Xizhi.
