Cijin Old Street Introduction
Qishan has been an important commercial hub in southern Taiwan since the Qing Dynasty due to its convenient transportation and rich agricultural products, attracting many officials and merchants. During the Japanese occupation period, with the rise of the sugar and banana industries, Qishan's economy flourished, leading to significant changes in the cityscape. The economic prosperity brought about by the sugar industry led to the rapid development of commercial districts and the construction of many uniquely styled buildings, establishing Qishan as an economic stronghold along the Kaohsiung Mountain Line. The Baroque-style buildings on Qishan Old Street were mostly built during the Japanese occupation (around 1920 to 1930). The wealthy families at that time began to introduce the Baroque style in accordance with the "street improvement" plan, leading to the construction of numerous red-brick Western-style buildings along the streets. These buildings are characterized by their elegant façade decorations and sandstone arcades, becoming symbols for wealthy merchants to showcase their identity and status. Moreover, traditional Minnan courtyard houses and Japanese architectural styles can also be seen on the old street. The buildings from different eras are interspersed, making the entire street feel like a stage woven with history and culture. Qishan Old Street covers Zhongshan Road, Fuxing Street, and Huazhong Street, with its starting point at Qishan Station. During the Japanese occupation, the government built the "Qiwailian" sugar railway to promote the sugar industry, making Qishan Station an important transit point for this railway. This station combines Victorian and Gothic architectural styles, featuring a wooden structure with an octagonal sloped roof, which is quite distinctive. As the sugar industry declined, Qishan Station ceased its transportation function and has since transformed into the Sugar Railway Story Museum, showcasing the history of sugar and railways in Qishan, making it the best place for travelers to understand local industrial culture. Qishan Station (Sugar Railway Story Museum) address: No. 1, Zhongshan Road, Qishan District, Kaohsiung City. 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 critical production and marketing hub for bananas in Taiwan. During the 1950s and 1960s, bananas were exported in large quantities to Japan, bringing substantial foreign exchange to Taiwan and establishing Qishan's position in the international market. The man known as the "Banana King of Qishan," Wu Zhenrui, served as the president of the Kaohsiung Fruit Cooperative but was falsely accused of bribing officials and wrongfully imprisoned. This historical incident is referred to as the "Banana Peel Case," and Wu became one of the victims during the period of White Terror. After being released from prison, he went into hiding in Japan, returning to Taiwan only after being vindicated. This case also impacted Taiwan's status as the "Banana Kingdom," which was eventually replaced by the Philippines. Although Taiwan's banana industry is no longer flourishing, Qishan still retains a rich banana culture, integrating it into the local specialty cuisine. Strolling through the old street, one can find delicious dishes themed around bananas, such as banana egg rolls, ice cream, and cakes. These are not only proud local specialties but also must-try souvenirs for visitors to Qishan. Today, Qishan Old Street has transformed into a tourist district. Besides historical buildings and industrial culture, many young people have chosen to return home to start businesses, opening dessert and specialty gift shops, creating a unique atmosphere that blends the old and the new. Whether strolling among red-brick Western-style buildings, tasting banana delicacies, or exploring the history of sugar and railways, Qishan Old Street is a tourist destination full of stories and charm.
