The street’s prosperity was historically tied to the Wushi Harbor, which was once the most important port in northern Taiwan for trade with mainland China.
The street features the 'New' and 'Old' residences of the Chen family, which are recognized for their historical architectural preservation.
Local architecture often incorporates 'Rong-long' (banyan tree) roots integrated into stone walls, a distinctive feature of the area's aging buildings.
The street is famously narrow, built to be only as wide as the merchant carts that were used to transport goods from the harbor.
It is considered one of the few places in Taiwan where one can see a continuous row of Qing-era merchant houses in their original context.
Toucheng Old Street, known locally as Heping Street, served as the primary commercial hub of Yilan during the Qing Dynasty. The street features a preserved collection of colonial-era architecture, including residences built in the traditional Southern Min style and later Japanese-influenced structures. The street’s layout retains its original historical configuration, reflecting its importance as a former maritime trading center. Visitors can observe the 'Thirteen Shops' area, which historically housed the most prosperous merchant warehouses in the township. Many buildings utilize local materials, such as volcanic rock from the nearby Guishan Island area. Architectural elements include distinctive brick arches, intricate wooden carvings, and narrow frontages typical of early 19th-century merchant homes. The street is currently a residential area with several adaptive reuse projects housing small cultural galleries and local food vendors.
The brick-arched entrance of the old merchant houses near the intersection of Heping Street and Minfeng Road.
Walk the full length of Heping Street to see both the northern and southern sections, as the architectural styles shift slightly.
Look for the smaller, unmarked alleyways branching off the main street to see preserved interior courtyards of the traditional houses.
Check local signage for current rotating art exhibitions, as several merchant houses now function as small, community-run galleries.
Do not mistake the modern tourist-focused shops near the station for the actual historic Old Street; ensure you walk to Heping Street.
Respect that these are private residences; do not enter open doorways without explicit invitation or unless a building is marked as public.
