Dali Old Street Introduction
After the Wu River silted up and changed course, along with the fact that during the Japanese colonial period, Keelung and Kaohsiung became Taiwan's main trading ports, the political and economic focus shifted to the current Taichung Station, leading to Dali, which once thrived, entering a decline. Today, the only remnants of the past are the Dali Station, where people once gathered from the south and north, and the Dali Old Street paved with approximately two hundred meters of red bricks. On the old street, only a few old houses remain, mainly the Qingyuan Hall, which was originally built with a wooden structure, while the traces of the past prosperity have vanished. It is recommended to understand the story of Dali Old Street before visiting; it helps to imagine its once thriving scene and slowly appreciate the history of the old street. Although the wharf site is preserved at the end of the old street, the architectural landscape of the past is no longer there. If you get the chance to visit, pay close attention and you will find that the shops are narrow and long, mainly because land was extremely valuable back then, and rent was very expensive. It is easy to imagine the prosperity of the past. Through historical stories and ruins, one can understand the changes over time and how the transportation hub created prosperity, gaining insights into Taichung's modern development. Additionally, a distinctive feature worth seeing is the "TingzaiJiao," where the arcade and the eaves of the houses are separated.
