Dali Old Street Introduction
Due to sedimentation and river diversion, along with the period of Japanese rule when Keelung and Kaohsiung became the main ports for Taiwan's foreign trade, the political and economic center shifted to the current Taichung Station, leading to a decline in Dali, which was once prosperous. Today, only the Dali Yih Station, which still serves as a hub for travel north and south, and the Dali Old Street, a red brick-paved street approximately 200 meters long, remain. On the old street, the only remaining structure is the Qingyuantang, a traditional wooden building, while other signs of past prosperity have disappeared. It is recommended to explore the story of Dali Old Street before visiting, as this will help you imagine the area’s glorious past and savor the history of the old street; although the pier location remains at the end of the old street, the architectural landscape of the past no longer exists. If you have the opportunity to come here, pay close attention to the narrow, elongated shop fronts, as this was once a premium location and rent was very high, making it easy to envision the past prosperity. Through historical stories and remnants, one can understand the changes brought by a transportation hub and the prosperity it created, gaining insights into Taichung’s modern development. Furthermore, a particularly unique aspect worth observing is the “Tingzai Jiao,” where the arcade and the eaves of the buildings are separated.
