Tamsui Old Street
Tamsui Old Street is located in Tamsui District, New Taipei City, and is one of the most iconic historic districts in northern Taiwan as well as the most vibrant tourist center in Tamsui. The old street primarily stretches along Zhongzheng Road, extending from Gongguan Lane in the west to Chongjian Street in the east for approximately one kilometer. Combining river-port history, cultural heritage, local cuisine, and commercial activity, it showcases the unique character of Tamsui as a historic harbor town.
What is commonly referred to today as Tamsui Old Street mainly encompasses the Zhongzheng Road area. Historically known as “Huwei Street,” it has been the most prosperous commercial district of Tamsui Port since the Qing Dynasty. Many traditional narrow-fronted shop houses still line the street, preserving a strong sense of historical atmosphere. Following urban improvement projects after 2000, the original red-brick sidewalks were replaced with granite paving, while public art installations and landscape enhancements were introduced. These improvements allowed the street to retain its historic character while providing a more comfortable environment for visitors. At the entrance, the “Artistic Voyage of Huwei” ceramic mural serves as a landmark introducing travelers to the cultural heritage of Tamsui.
After the opening of the Taipei Metro Tamsui Line, Gongming Street, once a relatively inconspicuous road, gradually transformed into an important pedestrian route linking Taipei Metro Tamsui–Xinyi Line and the old street. Formerly characterized by factories and workshops, the area is now filled with restaurants, specialty shops, and souvenir stores, creating another lively section of the old town and allowing visitors to experience the bustling atmosphere immediately upon leaving the station.
Located on the hillside east of Fuyou Temple, Chongjian Street is one of the oldest streets in Tamsui. Stretching approximately 600 meters, it was already home to local gentry and merchants during the Qing Dynasty. Its winding stone stairways and traditional buildings preserve the appearance of the early Huwei settlement. Although the street once faced the threat of road-widening projects, efforts by residents and cultural preservation advocates helped protect many valuable historic structures, making Chongjian Street an important place for understanding the early development of Tamsui.
Another historically significant road is Mackay Street. During the Qing period, the area housed customs offices, and after Tamsui became an open treaty port, it developed into a center for the import and distribution of foreign goods. Historic relics such as old wells remain visible today, bearing witness to Tamsui’s prosperity as an international trading port. The street is also closely associated with the legacy of George Leslie Mackay, who made significant contributions to medical care, education, and missionary work in the region.
A stroll through Tamsui Old Street offers more than historic architecture and cultural landmarks. Visitors can sample famous local specialties such as A-gei, Fish Crisps, and Iron Eggs, while enjoying views of the Tamsui River, Guanyin Mountain, and the river estuary. As the sun sets, golden light reflects across the water, illuminating the old street and ferry piers and creating one of Tamsui’s most enchanting harbor scenes. More than simply a tourist destination, Tamsui Old Street is a living cultural landscape that preserves centuries of history, memories, and stories from one of Taiwan’s most important port towns.
