Thirteen Rooms Introduction
Shihsan Jiān Old Street was once the most bustling street in Nanzhuang and served as a major transportation route at that time. However, in 1963, the road was flooded due to heavy rains caused by Typhoon Gloria, leading residents to relocate and resulting in its decline. In recent years, revitalization efforts have been made as young people return to their hometowns and local officials secure funding for redevelopment, allowing the old street to gradually come back to life. There are various theories regarding the origin of the name "Shihsan Jiān." The more common ones suggest that an old man counted the number of shops along the street and found there to be 13, which resulted in the name. Another theory states that the street is named for the 13 houses that are connected along it. Shihsan Jiān Old Street stretches from No. 60 to No. 144 Zhongshan Road, with entrances marked by red brick pillars. In addition, there are distinctive streetlights shaped like kerosene lamps that stand along the street, aligning with the coal mining theme from the past. There is also a wall featuring cute illustrations of people mining and logging, which is perfect for tourists to take photos. The street design incorporates coal mining elements along with the wooden plaques on shops, adding to the old-fashioned charm of the area. Each wooden plaque features unique symbols such as scissors, combs, iron pieces, and Taiji, which represent the businesses that once operated there, including barbershops, blacksmiths, and fortune-telling shops. These delicate signs serve as identifiers for the local industries and are a key characteristic of the address. Though Shihsan Jiān is not as famous as Guihua Lane and sees fewer tourists, its tranquility adds to the historic atmosphere of the old street. While still in the development phase, like-minded individuals are working hard to promote Nanzhuang's ingredients and culture, and there are now a variety of specialty shops here, such as soap stores, wood-fired bread, and health-conscious buns. The introduction of these new concepts is sure to bring fresh ideas to the old street.
