Thirteen Caverns Introduction
Thirteen Houses Old Street was once the most bustling street in Nanzhuang and served as a major transportation route at that time. Until the year 1963, it was struck by heavy rains from Typhoon Gloria, which flooded the old street, leading residents to relocate and causing it to decline. In recent years, with young people returning to their hometown and the local government securing funding for redevelopment, the old street has gradually revitalized under these dual efforts. There are various theories regarding the origin of the street's name. Two of the more common explanations are: one, an old man passed by and counted the shops, finding there were 13 in total, hence the name; and the other is that there are exactly 13 connected houses along the street, which led the residents to name it Thirteen Houses. Thirteen Houses Old Street extends from No. 60 to No. 144 Zhongshan Road, marked at both entrances by red brick pillars and features characteristic street lamps shaped like oil lamps, reflecting the coal theme of the time. There is also a wall adorned with illustrations of people engaging in mining and lumbering, which creates a charming backdrop for tourists to take photos. Besides the coal mining theme, the design of the street, complemented by wooden nameplates on each shop, adds to the quaint charm of the old street. The wooden nameplates feature unique symbols like scissors, combs, iron pieces, and the Tai Chi symbol, representing the types of services offered by the shops at the time, such as barbershops, blacksmiths, and fortune-telling houses. These delicately crafted signs serve as a distinguishing feature of the local businesses. Thirteen Houses is less famous than Guihua Lane, resulting in slightly fewer tourists. This tranquility enhances the historical atmosphere of the old street. Although it is still in the development stage, like-minded individuals are working together to promote Nanzhuang's local ingredients and culture. Currently, there are various distinctive shops such as soap stores, artisanal bread shops, and health-focused steamed bun shops, which have introduced new concepts that will surely bring fresh ideas to the old street.
