Xichang Street - Qingcao Lane Introduction
Walking along Xichang Street near the Longshan Temple in Taipei, you will catch a strong fragrance of herbal grass. The sweet and fragrant aroma indicates that you are in the famous Herb Alley of Taipei. In Alley 224, there are over ten herbal shops gathered together, showcasing a variety of Chinese herbal materials. It is said that at the beginning of the development of Wanhua, many diseases were rampant, but there were very few licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. Thus, herbal shops became the main institutions for folk treatments, and people relied on herbal soups to cure ailments. Many ancient remedies were hidden within, and it was then known as "Lifesaving Street." Later, due to the cancellation of prescription fees and the implementation of National Health Insurance at Longshan Temple, herbal products transformed into natural health foods. There are over 100 kinds of herbs here, all locally sourced from Taiwan, transported from the south and processed by drying. The famous herbal tea is a cooling beverage for hot summer days, and many people come here to buy a few bags to brew at home. Under the planning of the Taipei City Government, the Herb Alley, along with Lane 209 of Guangzhou Street adjacent to Longshan Temple, has planted living samples of herbal medicines such as aloe vera, red river grass, lewisia, and lavender, establishing a medicinal plant garden, making it a great place for outdoor teaching.
