Exploring the Well-Preserved Century-Old Sanxia Old Street in Taiwan

After arriving at Taoyuan International Airport from Hong Kong, you can take a taxi for about 20 minutes to transition from a bustling city to the historic Sanxia Old Street, experiencing the vibrant commercial streets of the Japanese occupation era.

The century-old Sanxia Old Street, with buildings like Baroque-style facades preserved to this day. (Image by New Taipei City Government)

Sanxia Old Street: A Journey Back in Time

"Sanxia Old Street" primarily encompasses Minquan Street, Heping Street, Ren'ai Street, and Zhongshan Road. The southern section of Minquan Street, about 200 meters long, has retained its original features since 1911. Walking into Sanxia Old Street feels like stepping through a time tunnel back to a century ago, with red brick arches, antique buildings, and Baroque-style facades making it a hotspot for cultural enthusiasts.

The old street features arched red brick corridors, making it a hotspot for cultural enthusiasts. The most common engraving on old houses is the character " 染 " (dye), with vase decorations symbolizing "peace."

The old street not only preserves historical architecture but is also filled with shops selling camphor, dyed fabrics, tea, and groceries, all of which were significant industries in the Sanxia region during the Qing Dynasty and the Japanese occupation. The merchants of that time were affluent, and their homes were exquisitely designed, even hiring architects from England. If you look closely, you will notice engravings on the old houses representing surnames, names, professions, or store names, with dye shops having the most engravings of the character " 染 " (dye). Most signboards are engraved with the store's name, used for advertising in the past. The decorative images on the walls, like vases, symbolize "peace."

Most signboards are engraved with store names, previously used for advertising.

The Most Beautiful Office Building in Taiwan: Sanxia Historical Museum

To learn more about the history of the old street, head to the Sanxia Historical Museum. Built in 1929, it was originally the town hall during the Japanese occupation and is known as the "most beautiful office building in Taiwan," showcasing a blend of Japanese and Western architectural styles. In 1995, it was transformed into a historical museum, which consists of two floors. The first floor hosts regular exchange exhibitions and themed displays, while the second floor showcases the cultural and historical artifacts of Sanxia, including materials on the once-thriving industries of dyeing, tea, and camphor.

The Sanxia Historical Museum, once the most beautiful office building in Taiwan.

Sanxia Historical Museum Address: 18 Zhongshan Road, Sanxia District, New Taipei City Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:00 (Closed on Mondays)

DIY Indigo Dyeing Experience

Participating in a DIY indigo dyeing session with elementary school students.

When it comes to dyeing, there is an indigo dyeing demonstration center next to the museum, offering indigo dyeing lessons, DIY experiences, and indigo products. On the day of my visit, a group of elementary school students was engaged in a DIY indigo dyeing session. I took the opportunity to personally experience the charm of this representative folk craft from the Sanxia area, but be careful—it's easy to get covered in blue dye! Some kids even left handprints on my clothes. The typical experience lasts 1 to 2 hours and includes an introduction to Sanxia indigo dyeing, dyeing techniques, and the dyeing of scarves.

Indigo Dyeing Demonstration Center Address: Lane 3, Zhongshan Road, Sanxia District, New Taipei City (next to the Historical Museum) Opening Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (Closed on Mondays)

Sanxia Qingshui Zushi Temple ( 三峽清水祖師廟 )

While exploring the old street, a visit to the famous Qingshui Zushi Temple is a must. Built in 1769, this 255-year-old temple has undergone multiple renovations and was aided by renowned artist Li Meishu, showcasing artistic brilliance. It is acclaimed as the "Hall of Eastern Carving Art" and is a trendy spot for cultural enthusiasts to capture stunning photos! Pay attention to the exquisite craftsmanship displayed in the stone reliefs and pillars.

The Qingshui Zushi Temple, with its 255-year history and renowned for its artistic craftsmanship. The exquisite craftsmanship displayed in the intricately carved pillars and halls.

Qingshui Zushi Temple Address: 1 Changfu Street, Sanxia District, New Taipei City Opening Hours: 05:00 – 22:00

Tasting the Authentic Flavors of the Old Street

After admiring the old street's architecture, don’t forget to indulge in the authentic flavours of Sanxia. Must-try items include the Sanxia golden croissant and handmade tofu products! There are many shops selling golden croissants on the old street, and I bought one to taste. The outer layer was crispy, while the inside was filled with rich milk flavour. Besides the original flavour, there are also other innovative options available.

Don’t forget to taste the authentic flavours of Sanxia, including the golden croissant. The golden croissant has a crispy outer layer and a rich milky filling. After enjoying the croissant, I visited the He Na Chuan Tofu Factory, converted from an old surgical clinic into a trendy cultural shop selling handmade tofu products. This place serves as a vocational training site for local underprivileged and high-care students, as well as a tourist factory. While many shops in Taiwan use imported soybeans for their soy milk, He Na Chuan insists on using locally grown non-GMO soybeans, allowing customers to enjoy healthful, traditional flavours while supporting local farmers. Entering the shop, you can see the tofu-making process and taste their best-sellers, such as soybean milk, miso soybean milk ice cream, and soybean milk jelly roll. Indeed, it was filled with the strong aroma of natural soybeans and a sense of happiness.

One of their best-selling items, miso soybean milk ice cream. The soybean milk made from locally grown non-GMO soybeans provides a healthy and traditional taste experience.

He Na Chuan Tofu Factory Address: Lane 12, No. 84, Minquan Street, Sanxia District, New Taipei City (next to the Sanxia Old Street Police Station) Opening Hours: Weekdays 09:00 – 18:00; Weekends 09:00 – 19:00

Travel Information

Getting to Sanxia Old Street : From the airport, you can take a taxi to Sanxia Old Street, which takes about 20 minutes. Alternatively, take the Da-Yo Bus 1968 from the airport to En Chu Kong Hospital Station, then transfer to Taipei Bus 702/981 to Sanxia Old Street, which takes about 35 minutes.