Toucheng Old Street is a historic district along Heping Street in Toucheng Township, Yilan County, preserving shophouses spanning the Qing dynasty through the Japanese colonial period; its old name was 'Touwei Street,' known as the 'first street of Yilan settlement.' In the first year of the Qing Jiaqing reign (1796), Wu Sha led settlers into Yilan and established Toucheng as the first base. The Lu Zuanxiang Residence on the street was built in 1928 and designated a county-protected historic monument in 2001, making it one of Toucheng's most representative historic buildings.
Toucheng was formerly called 'Touwei'; in the first year of the Qing Jiaqing reign (1796), Wu Sha led settlers into Yilan and established Toucheng as the first base, making it the earliest place in Yilan's history to develop into a market town. The Lu Zuanxiang Residence on the street, built in 1928, was the home of Lu Zuanxiang, Yilan's first popularly elected magistrate; it was designated a county-protected historic monument on December 18, 2001. The building blends Taiwanese, Japanese, and Western architectural styles, its interior floor tiles were imported from Java, and the residence covers roughly 500 ping (about 1,653 square meters).
Highlights of Toucheng Old Street
The shophouse architecture along Heping Street reflects the traditional Taiwanese Han merchant street layout with arcade walkways ('tingzijiao'); some buildings still retain their gable walls, brick details, and timber structures. Among these, 'Jinshi Di' is the residence of the Lu Zuanxiang family — a Qing dynasty Yilan jinshi — and its architectural form is relatively well preserved, allowing visitors to discern the courtyard layout of an official household. The street is not long; walking the main section takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
There is a temple at each end — north and south — of Heping Street, marking the boundary of the market town, which is a common feature of traditional Taiwanese market-street planning. The old street still has some residents living in it and is not a purely commercial tourist strip. If you encounter private buildings that are clearly in use, please be mindful not to disturb the occupants. There are a few local shops on the street, but dining options are limited; it is recommended to arrange a meal elsewhere.
How to make the most of your visit
Practical information
Getting there and travel time
- Take the Taiwan Railways to Toucheng Station and walk about 10 minutes to Heping Street — the most convenient way to reach Toucheng Old Street.
- By car, take the North-South Freeway to the Toucheng Interchange and look for roadside parking in the Toucheng town area; parking is harder on weekends.
Nearby connections
- Wushi Harbor is about 5 km from Toucheng Old Street; whale-watching boats and Guishan Island landing reservations all depart from Wushi Harbor pier.
- Heading south along the coast connects to Zhuangwei Sand Dune Tourism Service Park; a half-day Toucheng-to-Zhuangwei coastal itinerary can be planned.
Sources: Cultural Heritage Bureau, Ministry of Culture; Wikipedia entry on 'Toucheng Old Street.' Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Toucheng Old Street formerly called?
Toucheng Old Street was formerly called 'Touwei Street,' known as the 'first street of Yilan settlement.'
Whose residence is the Lu Zuanxiang Residence?
The Lu Zuanxiang Residence was the home of Lu Zuanxiang, Yilan's first popularly elected magistrate; it was built in 1928 and designated a county-protected historic monument in 2001.
Why was Toucheng the earliest developed market town in Yilan?
In 1796, Wu Sha led settlers into Yilan and established Toucheng as the first base, making it the earliest place in Yilan's history to develop into a market town.
Sources
- 盧纘祥故宅－國家文化資產網 — 盧纘祥故宅2001年12月18日公告縣定古蹟登錄資料
- 盧纘祥故宅－維基百科 — 建造年代1928年、設計者宋祖平、建築特色細節