Chishan Old Street Introduction
Chihshan has been an important commercial hub in southern Taiwan since the Qing Dynasty, thanks to its convenient transportation and abundant agricultural products, attracting numerous officials and merchants. During the Japanese colonial period, with the rise of the sugar and banana industries, the economy of Chiashan flourished, transforming the urban landscape. The economic prosperity brought by the sugar industry led to the rapid development of commercial districts, resulting in the construction of many uniquely styled buildings, making Chiashan a significant economic center along the Kaohsiung Mountain Line. The Baroque-style buildings along Chihshan Old Street were mostly built during the Japanese rule (around 1920 to 1930). The wealthy gentry, in line with the "street rectification" plan, began introducing the Baroque style and constructed numerous red-brick western-style houses along the streets. These houses feature elegant façade decorations and sandstone arcades, symbolizing the status of affluent merchants. Additionally, traditional Minnan-style courtyard houses and Japanese architectural styles can be seen, with the buildings from different eras interspersed throughout the street, creating a stage where history and culture intertwine. Chihshan Old Street encompasses Zhongshan Road, Fuxing Street, and Huazhong Street, with its starting point at Chihshan Station. During the Japanese period, the "Chihwei Line" sugar railway was constructed to develop the sugar industry, and Chihshan Station became a crucial transfer point for this railway. The station combines Victorian and Gothic architectural styles, featuring characteristic wooden structures with octagonal sloping roofs. As the sugar industry declined, Chihshan Station ceased to function as a transportation hub and has since transformed into the Sugar Railway Museum, showcasing the history of sugar and railways in Chihshan, making it an excellent base for travelers to understand the local industrial culture. Chihshan Station (Sugar Railway 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 half an hour before closing) FB Fan Page: Chihshan Station "Sugar Railway Museum" Chihshan was once a major production and sales center for bananas in Taiwan. In the 1950s and 1960s, bananas were exported in large quantities to Japan, bringing significant foreign exchange to Taiwan and establishing Chihshan’s position in the international market. Wu Zhengrui, known as the "Banana King of Chihshan," served as the chairman of the Kaohsiung Fruit Cooperative but was falsely accused of bribing officials and imprisoned, a historical incident known as the "Banana Peeling Case." Wu Zhengrui became one of the victims of the White Terror period. After being released, he went into hiding in Japan and only returned to Taiwan after being exonerated. This case also impacted Taiwan’s status as the "Banana Kingdom," which was subsequently replaced by the Philippines. Although Taiwan's banana industry is no longer thriving, Chihshan still retains a rich banana culture, integrating it into local delicacies. Strolling through the old street, one can find various banana-themed delicacies, such as banana egg rolls, ice cream, and cakes, which are not only local specialties that residents take pride in but also essential souvenirs for visitors to Chiashan. Today, Chihshan Old Street has transformed into a tourist district. In addition to its historical buildings and industrial culture, many young people choose to return to their hometowns to start businesses, opening dessert shops and specialty souvenir stores, creating a unique atmosphere that blends the old and the new. Whether walking among red-brick Western-style houses while savoring banana delicacies or exploring the history of the sugar and railway industries, Chihshan Old Street is a tourist destination rich in stories and charm.
