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, gold mines were discovered in Jiufen, attracting crowds of gold miners. The shops near the ferry terminal were named Ruifang, and those heading to and from the mines often passed by these shops, leading to the establishment of "Ruifang" as a place name. Ruifang Street and Fengjia Road, which are located behind the Ruifang Railway Station, make up the Old Street. Once prosperous, it has now declined, and remnants of old houses reveal a sense of solitude left by the passage of time. Not many old houses remain, with the Ruifang Inn's walls showing signs of wear; it was once the largest inn in Ruifang. Along Ruifang Street, there are also two historic buildings from the Japanese occupation era, featuring Western-style architecture. The Liao Jianfang Old House on Fengjia Road is considered the best-preserved old house on Ruifang Old Street, with a brick arcade and a Western-style pebbled sculpture featuring the "Liao Jianfang" business, a reflection of past glory. Ruifang Railway Station serves as a transportation hub, whether transferring to trains heading to Pingxi or buses to Jiufen. There are also many well-known snack restaurants in front of the station. Be sure to stroll through the Old Street in Ruifang next time you visit to enjoy the serene ambiance and local delicacies.
