Qishan Old Street Introduction
Chihshan has been an important commercial hub in southern Taiwan since the Qing Dynasty, thanks to its convenient transportation and rich agricultural production. During the Japanese occupation, with the rise of the sugar and banana industries, the economy of Chihshan flourished, and the city layout transformed. The economic prosperity brought by the sugar industry led to the rapid development of local commercial streets and the construction of many uniquely styled buildings, making Chihshan an economic center along the Kaohsiung Mountain Line. The Baroque-style buildings on Chihshan Old Street were mostly built during the Japanese occupation (around 1920 to 1930). At that time, local elites began introducing the Baroque style to coincide with the "urban renewal" plan, constructing numerous red-brick Western-style buildings along the streets. These buildings feature elegant facade decorations and sandstone arcades, symbolizing the identity and status of wealthy merchants. Additionally, traditional Minnan courtyard houses and Japanese-style architecture can also be seen on the old street, resulting in a harmonious blend of different era buildings that make the whole street seem like a stage woven with history and culture. The area of Chihshan Old Street encompasses Zhongshan Road, Fuxing Street, and Huazhong Street, with its starting point being Chihshan Station. During the Japanese occupation, the government constructed the "Chiwei Line" sugar railway to develop the sugar industry, making Chihshan Station an important transfer point for this railway. This 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, Chihshan Station ceased to operate in transportation and has now transformed into the Sugar Railway Story Museum, showcasing the history of Chihshan's sugar industry and railway, making it the best point for travelers to understand the local industrial culture. Chihshan Station (Sugar Railway Story Museum) Address: No. 1, Zhongshan Road, Chihshan District, Kaohsiung City Opening Hours: Weekdays 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Weekends 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Closed every Tuesday; ticket sales stop 30 minutes before closing) FB Page: Chihshan Station "Sugar Railway Story Museum" Chihshan was once the main production and marketing center for bananas in Taiwan. In the 1950s and 1960s, bananas were exported in large quantities to Japan, bringing substantial foreign exchange to Taiwan and establishing Chihshan's position in the international market. Wu Zhenrui, known as the "King of Chihshan Bananas," served as the chairman of the Taipei Fruit Cooperative but was wrongfully imprisoned on false bribery charges during this period, a historical episode known as the "Banana Case." Wu Zhenrui became one of the victims during the White Terror period. After being released from prison, he moved to Japan for a secluded life and returned to Taiwan only after being vindicated. This incident also affected Taiwan's status as the "Banana Kingdom," which was replaced by the Philippines. Although Taiwan’s banana industry is no longer thriving, Chihshan still retains a strong banana culture, which has been integrated into local gourmet delicacies. Strolling through the old street, one can find numerous delicious dishes themed around bananas, such as banana egg rolls, ice cream, and cakes. These are not only local specialties but also must-try souvenirs for visitors to Chihshan. Today, Chihshan Old Street has transformed into a tourist area, where many young people choose to return home to start businesses, opening dessert shops and specialty gift stores, creating a unique atmosphere that blends the old and new. Whether walking among red-brick Western-style buildings, tasting banana delicacies, or exploring the history of the sugar industry and railways, Chihshan Old Street is a travel destination full of stories and charm.
