Shisan Cave Introduction
Shirteen Jian Old Street was once the busiest street in Nanzhuang and served as a major transportation artery at that time. Until 1963, the area was hit by heavy rains from Typhoon Gloria, causing flooding that led residents to relocate, resulting in the decline of the street. In recent years, with young people returning to their hometown and the township office securing related funding for re-planning, the old street has gradually seen a resurgence. There are various theories regarding the origin of the street's name, with two common explanations: one states that an old man passing by counted a total of 13 shops, hence the name. The other explanation is that there are exactly 13 connected houses in the old street, leading residents to name it Shirteen Jian. Shirteen Jian Old Street runs from No. 60 to No. 144 Zhongshan Road, with red brick columns marking both entrances. There are also unique street lamps in the shape of oil lamps standing along the street, in line with the coal imagery of that time. Additionally, there is a wall featuring cartoonish illustrations of characters mining and logging, which makes for a great photo spot for visitors. Besides the coal mine theme, the wooden nameplates of each shop add an old-fashioned charm to the street. Each wooden nameplate features special designs such as scissors, combs, iron pieces, and Taijitu, representing the respective businesses that once operated, including barber shops, blacksmiths, and fortune-telling services. These delicately crafted signs are distinctive markers of the local industry and are a notable feature of the address plates. Shirteen Jian may not be as famous as Guihua Alley, attracting slightly fewer tourists, which adds a sense of tranquility that enhances the street's historical atmosphere. Although still in the development stage, like-minded individuals are working together to promote local ingredients and culture, leading to the establishment of various unique shops such as a soap shop, wood-fired bread bakery, and health-focused steamed bun store. The introduction of new concepts is believed to bring fresh vitality to the old street.
