The Zushi Temple is known as a temple of 'oriental art' due to its long-term reconstruction involving multiple generations of traditional master carvers.
The street facades feature carved house numbers and family crests that symbolize the businesses or surnames of the original residents.
The decorative motifs on the building fronts include symbols of luck and prosperity, such as lotus flowers and bats.
The town of Sanxia was historically a key center for the indigo dye trade during the Qing Dynasty.
The structure of the street follows an 'arcade' design, which allowed residents to conduct business protected from Taiwan’s frequent rainfall.
Sanxia Old Street features one of the longest rows of preserved red-brick arcade buildings in Taiwan, dating back to the Japanese colonial period. The architecture displays a mix of Baroque-inspired facades and traditional Fujianese motifs. At the center lies the Zushi Temple, renowned for its intricate stone and wood carvings created by master craftsman Li Mei-shu. The street remains a commercial hub, specializing in artisanal handicrafts and local food products. The site is a primary example of 1920s urban planning and historic restoration in New Taipei City.
The mid-section of the street where the perspective captures the long line of red-brick arches.
Try the local Sanxia golden croissant, a buttery pastry iconic to this street.
Look up at the building facades to spot unique family symbols and intricate clay sculptures.
Visit the Zushi Temple first, as it serves as the spiritual and cultural anchor of the district.
Avoid visiting on public holidays if you prefer to experience the architecture without extreme pedestrian congestion.
The street and temple are open daily, though individual shop hours may vary significantly.
Maintain a respectful silence when entering the Zushi Temple, and refrain from using flash photography inside the prayer halls.
