Xichang Street - Qingcao Alley Introduction
Walking along Xichang Street near Longshan Temple in Taipei, you will catch a strong fragrance of fresh herbs, indicating that you are in the famous Grass Lane (Qingcao Xiang) of Taipei. In Alley 224, there are more than ten herbal shops clustered together, showcasing a wide variety of Chinese medicinal herbs. It is said that in the early days of the Monga area's development, various diseases were prevalent, but licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioners were scarce. Herbal shops became the main institutions for public treatment, with many people drinking herbal brews to cure ailments. Many ancient remedies are hidden within these shops, which were then referred to as "The Street of Salvation." Later, due to the cancellation of prescription slips at Longshan Temple and the implementation of health insurance, herbal products transitioned into natural health foods. There are over 100 types of herbs here, all authentic Taiwanese varieties brought from the south and processed through drying. The renowned herbal tea is a perfect remedy for cooling down in the scorching summer, and many come here to buy a few packs to brew at home. Under the planning of the Taipei City Government, the Grass Lane and Guangzhou Street Alley 209 neighboring Longshan Temple are home to a garden of medicinal plants, showcasing live specimens such as aloe vera, red mountain seven, saxifraga, and lavender, making it an excellent outdoor teaching venue.
