Ruifang Old Street Introduction
Ruifang Old Street, located in Ruifang District, New Taipei City, has a history that predates that of Jiufen. In the late Qing Dynasty, the discovery of gold mines in Jiufen attracted many people to mine for gold, leading to the establishment of shops near the ferry landing, which were collectively named Ruifang. Miners would often pass by these shops, and the area served as a rest stop for travelers heading to and from Yilan, frequently calling out as they went, "to Ruifang" or "back from Ruifang," solidifying the name as a geographic identifier. Ruifang Old Street is situated on Ruifang Street and Fengjia Road, behind Ruifang Train Station, and while it once flourished, it has now declined. The old street features a few scattered old houses, embodying a sense of solitude shaped by the passage of time and deterioration. There are not many remaining old houses; the Ruifang Inn, once the largest hotel in Ruifang, displays weathered walls and damage. Along Ruifang Street, two Western-style buildings from the Japanese colonial period still stand. Among them, the Liao Jianfang Old House on Fengjia Road is considered the best-preserved historic residence in Ruifang Old Street, featuring a brick archway decorated with a Western-style sculpture of the "Liao Jianfang" business name, a reminder of its former glory. Ruifang Train Station also serves as a transportation hub, connecting to Pingxi by train and Jiufen by bus. In front of the station, there are many well-known local eateries. Be sure to visit the old street next time you come to Ruifang to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and savor the local cuisine.
