New Taipei City Travel

With its history of more than 300 years, Xinzhuang Old Street is a microcosm of Taiwan's contemporary history. Behind the bustling tourist night market, there are so many historic temples, quaint old shops, and alleys with historical traces hidden in them.Xinzhuang Dizang Temple, an important religious center filled with strong incense, was founded in the Qing Dynasty, so the temple has been around for a long time. It has not only held annual religious events in Xinzhuang but has also served as an important meeting point for all Xinzhuang people, where youth make new memories and the elderly look back at shared memories.From Zhongzheng Road it is about eight-minute minute walk to Xiangrenhe Bell and Drum Factory. With a history of more than half a century, this factory’s products are praised for their quality. Besides exhibiting various drums from other countries in the museum, the factory also displays the rare drum-making process, allowing visitors to experience the master's dedication to this traditional craft.You may also pay visits to Guangfu Temple, Fude Temple, Wenchang Temple, Ciyou Temple, Chaojiang Temple and other shrines and temples along the way. The name of Mishixiang stems from the dockworkers carrying bags of rice. The last step is the iron forging workshop, an old shop inside the Xinzhuang Temple Street, where knives are made the traditional way to this day. The store will also teach customers the correct way to use and maintain them!

Some people say that Jiufen became popular because of the movie “A City of Sadness”, but that is just what they might think because they have not experienced the wonder of Jiufen itself. Jiufen has not only preserved the old-style buildings from the Japanese Ruling Era, but most importantly it has the atmosphere of mountain city. Although the old street of today is always packed with crowds, but it is only in Jiufen that one may enjoy the fun of unique trails leading to the tranquil sceneries. One must have a bowl of taro tapioca balls when visiting here, but there are actually many other nostalgic snack food options here, forming a real-life story house with the three streets including Jinshan Street, Shuci Road and Cingbian Road, one may explore the splendid stories of Jiufen here, and may also enjoy delicacies while strolling around. If you have the time, take a trip to the Gold Museum, and you may further have a glimpse of the glorious gold refining days of the past.