Xinhua Old Street is a row of Japanese-colonial-era shophouses along Zhongzheng Road in Xinhua District, Tainan. The earliest Baroque-style building dates to 1921, with the west side fully rebuilt in the same style by around 1926, while the east side was demolished and reconstructed in 1937 — leaving two distinct architectural eras side by side, making it one of Taiwan's better-preserved rows of connected shophouses.
The earliest Baroque-style buildings on Xinhua Old Street appeared in 1921, funded by cloth merchant Lin Maoji along Zhongzheng Road. Neighboring shops soon followed suit, and by around 1926 the shophouses on the west side of Zhongzheng Road had all been rebuilt in the same pseudo-Baroque style. The east-side shophouses, by contrast, were demolished and rebuilt in 1937 when the road was widened and drainage ditches were installed — about 17 years after the west side — so the old street today displays two distinct architectural periods on its two sides.
What to see at Xinhua Old Street
The Zhongzheng Road shophouse row was built around 1921 as part of the Japanese colonial urban improvement plan. The buildings feature connected arcaded storefronts — known locally as qilou — with Baroque-style decorative facades, preserving arches, pediments, and molding elements to this day in a coherent, visually unified streetscape. Unlike some old streets in Taiwan that have been heavily commercialized, Xinhua Old Street still hosts local shops and residents going about daily life, giving it a relatively unassuming atmosphere.
The Xinhua Old Street Story Hall is an exhibition space converted from a Japanese-era shophouse, displaying historical photographs of the Xinhua area, documentation of the street's evolution, and explanations of its architectural features. Traditional rice snacks, pastries, and street food stalls line the street, and some vendors have been operating here for decades. The nearby Xinhua Market also preserves a traditional market format and is a natural extension for those wanting to experience local daily life.
Tips for getting the most out of your visit
Practical information
Getting there and time needed
- The old street along Zhongzheng Road in Xinhua District is easily explored on foot. Driving and parking in nearby spots before walking is the most convenient approach.
- The street is open all day. For the Story Hall's opening hours, check the Tainan City Government Bureau of Cultural Affairs website for the latest information.
Nearby connections
- Hutoupi Scenic Area is close by, about a 10-minute drive, and can be combined into a half-day itinerary.
- Zuojhen Fossil Park is also in the nearby hills of Xinhua. Visitors interested in natural history may wish to continue there.
Source: Wikipedia entry on Xinhua Old Street and Tainan City Bureau of Cultural Affairs data. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year were the Xinhua Old Street buildings constructed?
The earliest Baroque-style building dates to 1921; west-side shophouses were all rebuilt in the same style by around 1926, while the east side was demolished and rebuilt in 1937.
Why do the two sides of the street look different?
The west side was rebuilt around 1926, while the east side was reconstructed in 1937 due to road widening — a roughly 17-year gap that left two distinct architectural periods.
Are there still shops operating on Xinhua Old Street?
Yes, some shops have operated here for decades, and the street still functions as part of local daily life alongside tourism.
What can visitors learn at the Xinhua Old Street Story Hall?
It displays historical photographs of the Xinhua area and documents the street's evolution — a good starting point before walking the street.
Sources
- 新化老街 - 維基百科 — 1921年首棟洋樓、1926西側改建、1937東側重建