Dadaocheng District - Dihua Street Shops Introduction
In the past, along the Tamsui River, there were no embankments, and Guo De Street was directly beside the river. Goods from mainland China would be unloaded here and displayed for sale on Dihua Street, located behind Guo De Street. Many merchants on Dihua Street became immensely wealthy through trade, building particularly beautiful houses. These houses feature covered walkways to adapt to Taiwan's rainy weather, while the outer walls often exhibit Western-style decorations, creating a unique blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles. The most distinctive characteristic of these old shops is their narrow depth, with the front serving as a store and the back as a factory or warehouse, reflecting the features of early clustered street houses. The most famous street in Dadaocheng is Dihua Street, where shops sell a variety of dried goods, traditional Chinese medicine materials, weaving products, and serve as an important street for New Year's goods during the festive season. There are also many designated historic sites, such as the Xiahai City God Temple, Cisheng Temple, Gu Family Mansion, and Xin Fang Chun Tea House, all retaining traces of history worth visiting. Additionally, the Dadaocheng Wharf has a container market featuring diverse cuisines, allowing visitors to enjoy delicious food while taking in the beautiful scenery and sunsets, along with various events and performances held periodically. Today, Dadaocheng still preserves traditional architecture, with red brick houses and vintage streets that present a scene of old and new intermingling with newly constructed buildings. On weekends, it's a good idea to take a stroll around Dadaocheng, rent traditional costumes, and immerse yourself in the historical atmosphere.
