Ruifang Old Street Introduction
Ruifang Old Street, located in Ruifang District, New Taipei City, has a history that predates Jiufen. During the late Qing Dynasty, the discovery of gold mines in Jiufen attracted people to prospect, and the shops near the ferry dock were named Ruifang. Those who dug for gold often passed by these shops, which became a rest stop for travelers heading to and from Yilan, leading to the place being named "Ruifang." Ruifang Old Street runs along Ruifang Street and Fengjia Road, behind Ruifang Railway Station. Once prosperous, it has now fallen into decline, and remnants of old houses can be seen, reflecting the solitude left by the passage of time. There are not many old buildings left; the walls of the Ruifang Hotel, which was the largest hotel in Ruifang, are worn and damaged. Along Ruifang Street, there are also two Western-style buildings from the Japanese colonial period. The Liao Jianfang Ancient House on Fengjia Road is considered the best-preserved old house in Ruifang Old Street, featuring a brick arcade paired with Western-style pebble sculptures of the "Liao Jianfang" business, a once-grand establishment. Ruifang Railway Station serves as a transport hub, whether transferring to trains for Pingxi or buses for Jiufen. There are also many famous eateries in front of the station. The next time you visit Ruifang, be sure to take a walk down the old street to experience its tranquil beauty and enjoy the local cuisine.
