Guanxi Old Street is a historic strip on Zhongzheng Road in Guanxi Township, Hsinchu County, also known as Shidianzi Old Street; lined with Baroque-style red-brick arcade shophouses from the Japanese colonial era, it runs just about 200 meters — one of Taiwan's shortest old streets.
The Baroque-facade core of Guanxi Old Street, known as Shidianzi Old Street, runs about 200 meters along Zhongzheng Road and is often called Taiwan's shortest old street, its shophouse facades decorated with Baroque gables and Majolica tiles dating to the Japanese-era street renovation. Guanxi Township grows grass jelly on about 55 hectares, producing over 300,000 kilograms a year — more than 80% of Taiwan's total output — and its Grass Jelly Festival is usually held in late November to early December (not the seventh lunar month), now paired with a flower-field event.
What to see at Guanxi Old Street
Guanxi, formerly known as Xiancaiweng (Salted Vegetable Jar), was an important agricultural and commercial settlement during the Qing dynasty. The street layout of present-day Zhongshan Road took shape after urban renovation during the Japanese colonial period. The shophouse facades retain Baroque decorative gables and continuous arcades; some buildings still house operating businesses, presenting the living face of a historic district rather than a museum-style preservation.
Guanxi grass jelly is primarily made from the local Black Diamond variety. It is processed into grass jelly tea, grass jelly pudding, and grass jelly powder — rich in flavor and the most recognizable local agricultural product. Persimmon cake, alongside Xinpu, positions Guanxi as one of Hsinchu County's two major persimmon cake centers. Traditional sun-drying scenes can be seen in autumn and winter (roughly October–December). The Grass Jelly Festival in the lunar seventh month draws large numbers of visitors; check local government announcements for dates.
Tips for making the most of your visit
Practical information
Getting there and timing
- By car, exit at Guanxi Interchange on National Freeway 3; Zhongshan Road Old Street is about 5 minutes away. Roadside parking is available along the street.
- Bus service is available from Zhubei or Hsinchu Station toward Guanxi; check the Hsinchu County bus timetable for schedules.
- The old street can be visited all day. Some shops may be closed on Mondays or weekdays. Grass Jelly Festival activity dates follow local government announcements.
Nearby connections
- Extend to Mawudu Exploration Forest (about 15 minutes by car) for a nature trail experience.
- Head north to Longtan Old Street or south to Emei Lake or Beipu to plan a Hakka township trail.
Source: Text compiled from the Wikipedia articles on Guanxi Old Street and Guanxi Township. Grass Jelly Festival activity dates follow official local government announcements. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Guanxi Old Street also called 'Shidianzi Old Street'?
Because the street sits on a steep slope, and 'steep' (陡) sounds close to 'shidian' in Hakka, giving rise to the nickname Shidianzi.
What are the Baroque features of the shophouses?
The facades retain Baroque decorative gables, pilasters, and Majolica tiles, architectural heritage from the Japanese-era street renovation.
When is the Guanxi Grass Jelly Festival usually held?
Usually in late November to early December, not in the seventh lunar month, often paired with a grass jelly flower field event.
How much of Taiwan's grass jelly does Guanxi Township produce?
Guanxi grows grass jelly on about 55 hectares, yielding over 300,000 kilograms a year — more than 80% of Taiwan's total production.
Sources
- 關西老街｜交通部觀光署 觀光多媒體開放資料 — 官方景點資料
- 關西仙草節共下來享仙 邀民眾欣賞超過1公頃的浪漫花海｜新竹縣政府 — 官方新聞，仙草節舉辦時間
- 新竹縣關西鎮～仙草的故鄉｜農糧署北區分署 — 官方資料，仙草耕作面積與產量