Chichan Old Street Introduction
Qishan has been an important commercial hub in southern Taiwan since the Qing Dynasty, thanks to its convenient transportation and abundant agricultural products, attracting many officials and merchants. During the Japanese colonial period, with the rise of the sugar and banana industries, Qishan's economy flourished and the urban landscape underwent significant changes. The economic prosperity brought by the sugar industry led to the rapid development of local commercial districts and the construction of many uniquely styled buildings, making Qishan a major economic center in the Kaohsiung mountain line. The Baroque-style buildings along Qishan Old Street were mostly constructed during the Japanese occupation (around 1920 to 1930). Wealthy local elites introduced the Baroque style in line with the "street renovation" plan, building numerous red-brick Western-style houses along the streets. These buildings are characterized by elegant façade decorations and sandstone arcades, symbolizing the status and identity of rich merchants. Additionally, traditional Minnan courtyard houses and Japanese architectural styles can also be seen on the old street. The various architectural styles from different eras blend harmoniously, making the entire street a stage interwoven with history and culture. Qishan Old Street encompasses Zhongshan Road, Fuxing Street, and Huazhong Street, with its starting point being Qishan Station. During the Japanese colonial period, the government built the "Qiweilian" sugar railway to develop the sugar industry, and Qishan Station became a vital transfer point for this railway. The station combines Victorian and Gothic architectural styles, featuring a wooden structure with an octagonal sloped roof, making it quite distinctive. As the sugar industry declined, Qishan Station ceased its transportation functions and has now transformed into the Sugar Railway Story Museum, showcasing the history of sugar and railways in Qishan, becoming the best base for travelers to understand the local industrial culture. Qishan Station (Sugar Railway Story Museum) Address: No. 1, Zhongshan Road, Qishan District, Kaohsiung City Hours: Weekdays 10:00-18:00, Holidays 10:00-19:00 (Closed every Tuesday; tickets stop being sold half an hour before closing) FB page: Qishan Station "Sugar Railway Story Museum" Qishan was once a major production and sales center for bananas in Taiwan. In the 1950s to 1960s, bananas were massively exported to Japan, bringing substantial foreign exchange to Taiwan and establishing Qishan's status in the international market. Wu Zhenrui, known as the "Banana King of Qishan", served as the chairman of the Kaohsiung Fruit and Vegetable Cooperative but was wrongfully imprisoned on charges of bribing officials in a scandal referred to as the "Banana Peel Case". Wu became one of the victims of the White Terror period. After his release, he went to live in Japan and only returned to Taiwan after being exonerated. This incident affected Taiwan's status as the "Banana Kingdom", which was eventually replaced by the Philippines. Although Taiwan's banana industry is no longer thriving, Qishan still retains a rich banana culture, integrating it into local specialty cuisine. Strolling through the old street, one can find numerous delicious treats featuring bananas, such as banana egg rolls, ice cream, and cakes. These not only serve as a source of pride for the locals but also as must-buy souvenirs for tourists visiting Qishan. Today, Qishan Old Street has transformed into a tourist area, and in addition to its historical buildings and industrial culture, many young people choose to return home to start businesses, opening dessert stores and specialty souvenir shops, giving the old street a unique atmosphere that blends the old and the new. Whether wandering among the red-brick Western-style buildings, savoring banana delicacies, or exploring the history of sugar and railways, Qishan Old Street is truly a travel destination rich in stories and charm.
