Dihua Street, Dadaocheng District Introduction
In the past, there were no embankments along the Tamsui River, and Gued Street directly faced the river. Goods from the mainland, arriving by ferry, would be unloaded and displayed for sale on Dihua Street, located behind Gued Street. Many merchants on Dihua Street became immensely wealthy due to trade, and the houses they built were exceptionally beautiful. To adapt to Taiwan's rainy weather, these houses featured verandas, but the exterior walls often bore decorations resembling Western-style architecture, creating a unique blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles. The most notable feature of these old shop houses is their deep, narrow design, with the front serving as a shop and the back as a factory or warehouse, showcasing the characteristics of early clustered street houses. The most famous street in Dadaocheng is Dihua Street, where shops sell a variety of dry goods, Chinese herbs, and woven products, making it an important street for New Year goods during festive seasons. There are also many designated historic sites, such as the Xiahai City God Temple, Cisheng Temple, Gu Residence, and Xin Fang Chun Tea House, all preserving historical traces worth visiting. The cargo market at Dadaocheng Wharf offers a variety of delicacies, allowing visitors to enjoy food while taking in beautiful views and sunsets, with various events and performances held regularly. Today, Dadaocheng still retains its traditional architecture, with red-brick houses and retro streets, presenting a juxtaposition of the old and new alongside newly constructed buildings. On weekends, it's recommended to stroll through Dadaocheng and rent traditional costumes to immerse yourself in the historical atmosphere.
