Thirteen Rooms Introduction
Shih San Chien Old Street used to be the most bustling street in Nan Juang and served as a major transportation route at that time. However, in 1963, it was hit by heavy rain from Typhoon Gloria, causing flooding that led to the relocation of residents and the street's decline. In recent years, thanks to the return of young people to their hometown and the local government's efforts to secure funding for redevelopment, the old street has gradually come back to life. There are various theories about the origin of the street's name, with the two most common being: one story mentions an elderly man passing by who counted 13 shops, thus the name; another story claims there were exactly 13 houses connected in the old street, leading the residents to name it Shih San Chien. Shih San Chien Old Street runs from No. 60 to No. 144 Zhongshan Road, with red brick pillars marking both entrances, and vintage lanterns in the shape of oil lamps lining the street, reflecting the coal mining theme of that era. There is also a wall featuring cute illustrations of people mining and chopping wood, which makes for great photo opportunities for visitors. Aside from the coal mining theme, the design is complemented by wooden nameplates of the shops, which enhance the old-fashioned charm of the street. The wooden nameplates also have unique designs such as scissors, combs, iron pieces, and the Tai Chi symbol, representing the various businesses that once thrived there, including barbershops, blacksmiths, and fortune-telling shops. These delicate and compact signs serve as identifiers for the industries, making the address signs a notable feature. Shih San Chien may not be as famous as Guihua Lane, resulting in fewer tourists and a quieter ambiance that adds to the nostalgic atmosphere of the old street. Although it is still in the development stage, the collaborative efforts of like-minded individuals to promote local ingredients and culture have led to the opening of various unique shops such as a soap store, a wood-fired bakery, and health-conscious steamed buns. The introduction of new concepts is believed to bring fresh ideas to the old street.
