Chihshan Old Street Introduction
Qishan, since the Qing Dynasty, has been an important commercial hub in southern Taiwan, thanks to its convenient transportation and rich agricultural products, attracting many officials and merchants. During the Japanese occupation, with the rise of the sugar and banana industries, the economy of Qishan flourished and the urban landscape transformed accordingly. The 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 significant economic center along the Kaohsiung Mountain Line. The Baroque-style architecture along Qishan Old Street was mostly built during the Japanese rule (circa 1920s to 1930s). Wealthy gentry began to introduce Baroque-style buildings in accordance with the "street improvement" plan and built numerous red-brick Western-style houses along the streets. These buildings are characterized by elegant facades and sandstone arcades, symbolizing the status and identity of affluent merchants. Additionally, one can also find traditional Minnan-style courtyard houses and Japanese architectural styles on the old street; these varied buildings from different eras are distributed harmoniously, making the entire street feel like a stage interwoven with history and culture. Qishan Old Street encompasses Zhongshan Road, Fuxing Street, and Huazhong Street, starting from the Qishan Station. To promote the sugar industry during the Japanese period, the government built the "Qiwai Line" sugar railway, with Qishan Station serving as an important transfer point on this rail line. This station features a unique blend of Victorian and Gothic architectural styles, with wooden structures complemented by an octagonal sloped roof. As the sugar industry declined, Qishan Station ceased to serve its transport function and has since transformed into the Sugar Railway Story Museum, showcasing the history of sugar production and railroads in Qishan, serving as an excellent resource for travelers to understand local industrial culture. Address of Qishan Station (Sugar Railway Story Museum): No. 1, Zhongshan Rd, Qishan District, Kaohsiung City Opening hours: Weekdays 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Holidays 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (closed every Tuesday; ticket sales stop half an hour before closing) Facebook Page: Qishan Station "Sugar Railway Story Museum" Qishan was once a major production and sales center for bananas in Taiwan, especially during the 1950s and 1960s, when large quantities were exported to Japan, bringing substantial foreign exchange to Taiwan and establishing Qishan's position in the international market. Wu Zhenrui, known as the "King of Qishan Bananas," served as the chairman of the Kaohsiung Fruit Cooperative but was falsely accused of bribing officials and wrongfully imprisoned in a historical incident known as the "Banana Peel Incident," making him one of the victims of the White Terror period. After his release, he moved to Japan in seclusion and returned to Taiwan only after his name was cleared. This incident also impacted Taiwan's status as the "Banana Kingdom," which was eventually replaced by the Philippines. Although the banana industry in Taiwan is no longer prominent, Qishan still retains a strong banana culture and incorporates it into local specialty foods. Strolling through the old street, one can find numerous delicacies themed around bananas, such as banana egg rolls, ice cream, and cakes. These not only serve as prideful local specialties but are also must-have souvenirs for visitors to Qishan. Today, Qishan Old Street has transformed into a tourist district. In addition to its historical buildings and industrial culture, many young people have chosen to return home to start businesses, opening dessert and ice cream shops as well as specialty souvenir stores, giving the old street a unique atmosphere that blends the old and the new. Whether strolling among the red-brick Western-style buildings, savoring banana delicacies, or exploring the history of the sugar industry and railroads, Qishan Old Street is a captivating travel destination filled with stories and charm.
