Shih Tsu Jien Introduction
Shihsan-Jien Old Street was once the most bustling street in Nanzhuang and served as a major transportation route at that time. However, in 1963, it was flooded due to heavy rains brought by Typhoon Gloria, which led to the relocation of residents and the street's decline. In recent years, young people have returned to their hometown and worked with the township office to secure funding for redevelopment, allowing the old street to gradually revive. There are multiple explanations for the name "Shihsan-Jien," with the two more common ones being that an old man once passed by and counted 13 shops, hence the name, and another theory suggests that there were exactly 13 connected houses in the old street, leading the residents to name it accordingly. Shihsan-Jien Old Street stretches from No. 60 to No. 144 Zhongshan Road, with red brick pillars marking the entrances and exits. Additionally, there are distinctive streetlights modeled after kerosene lamps along the street, reflecting the coal mining theme of the past. A wall is adorned with charming illustrations of people mining and logging, perfect for tourists to take photos. Beyond its coal mining theme, the street's design features wooden nameplates for each shop, adding to its rustic charm. Each wooden nameplate displays special patterns such as scissors, combs, iron plates, and yin-yang symbols, representing the respective businesses of the past, including barbershops, blacksmiths, and fortune-telling shops. These delicate and unique signs are a hallmark of local identity. Unlike the more famous Guihua Alley, Shihsan-Jien attracts fewer tourists, making it a tranquil place that enhances the historical atmosphere of the old street. Although it is still in the development stage, there is a concerted effort by like-minded individuals to promote local ingredients and culture, leading to the establishment of various specialty shops such as soap shops, wood-fired bread, and health-oriented buns. The introduction of new concepts is believed to add freshness and vitality to the old street.
