There are many sides to New Taipei City and Sanxia Old Street takes you back to the days of the Japanese occupation. Come to this historical treasure of a village to explore its little lanes and red-brick buildings from about a century ago.
Sanxia is short for “San Jiao Yong,” or “Three Gorges.” The name refers to its strategic location on the confluence of three rivers at the foot of the mountain, an ideal meeting spot for trade. Merchants brought in fabric dyes and materials from all over the globe and returned with the local teas, camphor and other products from this fertile area. Building materials were imported from as far as England to build up the town.
Because of its well-preserved charm, Sanxia is now all about tourism. Enter the town through its large Chinese gate, then stroll across the Zhangfu Bridge to reach the heart of Sanxia Old Street at the southern end of Minquan (Minsheng) Street. Also walk along Zhongshan Road and Heping and Ren’ai streets, which are considered to be part of the Sanxia Old Street area as well.
Look closely, because the characters carved into the arched hallways of each building represent either the names of the original occupants or the purpose of the building.
Visit the carefully reconstructed Qingshui Zushi Temple, which means the “Temple of the Divine Ancestor.” It’s a beautiful temple complex where almost as much attention was given to arts and architecture as to its religious function.
If you feel like a break from all that exploring, order one of the delicious treats offered in the bakeries and desert shops or sit down for a meal in a Taiwanese or Chinese restaurant.
Don’t forget to buy local tea as a souvenir before you go. In nearby Yingge, you can purchase traditional ceramic tea sets in its “Pottery Street.” Visit the town’s museum dedicated to ceramics and take fun pictures in its parkland full of huge ceramic plates.
Yingge has a railway connection to the Taipei Main Station, so many visitors who depend on public transportation actually visit the two towns in reverse. To get to Sanxia from Yingge, simply flag down a taxi.
