Qishan Old Street is a historic street in Kaohsiung's Qishan District that runs along Zhongshan Road, preserving Baroque-style facades and covered arcade walkways (qiziajiao) from the Japanese colonial era. It is one of the few places in Taiwan where a colonial commercial streetscape has survived in such continuity. Walking this street is like stepping into a historical cross-section defined by bananas — the height of southern Taiwan's agricultural trade.
The Baroque-style shophouses on Qishan Old Street were built between 1925 and 1930 (Taisho 14 to Showa 5), initiated by street chief Chen Shun-he and others. A total of 19 buildings were constructed, each about 4.5 meters wide. The 'Qishan Arcade (Stone Arch)' section was registered as a historic building on July 19, 2005.
Highlights of Qishan Old Street
Qishan prospered during the Japanese colonial period through banana exports to Japan. Merchants adorned their shophouses with Baroque-inspired facades, creating a grand continuous arcade. The main buildings are concentrated along Zhongshan Road and are now designated as a group of historic structures by the City of Kaohsiung. The ornate gable reliefs — columns, scrolls, and floral motifs — can be studied in detail; the architectural vocabulary blends European decorative styles with the craftsmanship of local Taiwanese builders.
The connected qiziajiao arcade space sheltered pedestrians from sun and rain and served as a social hub for commerce in earlier times. Today, the ground-floor shops sell snacks and local gifts, but the real architectural treasures lie above — on the upper-floor facades. The old sugar mill stone arch bridge near Qishan Station is also worth a detour to experience infrastructure from the era of agricultural industrialization.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Timing
- Driving via Provincial Highway 28 into central Qishan is the most convenient option. Parking is limited on weekends — park on the outskirts and walk in.
- The street facades can be viewed at any time of day; individual shop hours vary. Some shops are closed on weekdays, while weekends tend to be busier. Check on arrival.
- Buses from central Kaohsiung to Qishan take approximately 50–70 minutes. For schedules, check the Kaohsiung Bus Company or the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle official website.
Nearby Connections
- Qishan Sugar Factory and the Qishan Old Market area can be combined into a satisfying half-day itinerary.
- About 20 minutes south by car lies the Meinong Hakka settlement — pairing Qishan and Meinong for a day trip is a classic Kaohsiung township cultural route.
Sources: Kaohsiung City Cultural Affairs Bureau historic building records; Wikipedia entry on Qishan Old Street. Photos pending Dio's own photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
When were the Baroque shophouses on Qishan Old Street built?
They were built between 1925 and 1930, initiated by street chief Chen Shun-he and others, totaling 19 buildings.
Why is Qishan known for bananas?
Qishan prospered during the Japanese colonial era through large-scale banana exports to Japan, and merchants decorated their shophouses with Baroque facades, leaving behind today's old street.
What else is near Qishan Old Street?
A five-minute walk leads to the ruins of a Japanese-era stone arch bridge, and Meinong Hakka settlement is about 20 minutes away by car.
Sources
- 旗山老街 - 維基百科 — Wikipedia條目，含建造年代與歷史建築登錄資訊