Qishan Old Street | Kaohsiung Attraction

Qishan Old Street stretches 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.

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

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Walk slowly and look up at the facadesStrolling under the arcade, remember to look up at the gable reliefs — each building has different details, making it an ideal place to practice architectural observation.

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Try Qishan banana pastries and sweetsSeveral shops along the old street offer banana-themed pastries and souvenirs. Sample before you buy to appreciate how local agricultural produce has been transformed.

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Golden light at duskWhen the sun angles in at sunset, the shadows in the Baroque facade reliefs take on their richest depth — the ideal time to photograph the old street.

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Connect to the Qishan Station stone arch bridgeAbout a five-minute walk from the old street, the ruins of a Japanese-era stone arch bridge offer a fuller picture of Qishan's agricultural railway history.

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.

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