Dadaocheng District - Dihua Street Shops Introduction
In the past, there were no embankments along the Tamsui River, and Guizhi Street extended directly to the river. Goods from mainland China would be unloaded and displayed for sale on Dihua Street behind Guizhi Street. Many merchants in Dihua Street became wealthy due to trade, resulting in the construction of particularly beautiful houses. These houses featured arcades to adapt to Taiwan's rainy weather, but their exteriors were often decorated in a pseudo-Western architectural style, creating a unique blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles. The most distinctive feature of these old shops is their narrow and deep layout: the front serves as a store while the back functions as a factory or warehouse, exemplifying the characteristics of early clustered street houses. The most famous street in Dadaocheng is Dihua Street, where various shops sell an array of dried goods, Chinese herbal materials, woven products, and also serve as an important avenue for New Year goods during festive seasons. Additionally, there are several designated historical sites, such as the Taipei Xiahai City God Temple, Cisheng Temple, Gu Residence, and Xin Fang Chun Tea House, which preserve historical traces and are worth visiting. The Dadaocheng Wharf’s container market is home to a variety of delicious foods, allowing visitors to enjoy a meal while taking in beautiful views and sunsets, and it also hosts various activities and performances at different times. Today, Dadaocheng still retains traditional architecture, with red brick houses and vintage streets juxtaposed against newly constructed buildings, creating a scene that intertwines the old and the new. It’s a great idea to visit Dadaocheng on weekends, rent a set of traditional clothing, and immerse yourself in the historical atmosphere.
