Qishan was once the largest banana-producing region in Taiwan, earning it the moniker 'Banana Kingdom'.
The street’s architecture features a mix of Western-style stone arches and traditional Chinese building techniques from the early 20th century.
The Qishan Station building was designated as a historic monument and now houses a railway history gallery.
Many of the red-brick buildings were constructed with materials sourced from the historic Qishan Sugar Refinery.
The street layout follows a colonial-era grid plan designed to support the transit of goods to the nearby river docks.
Qishan Old Street is defined by its well-preserved, red-brick baroque-style architecture dating back to the Japanese colonial period. The area was formerly known as 'Banshan' and served as a crucial hub for the local sugar industry. Visitors primarily frequent the thoroughfare for its diverse range of traditional Taiwanese snacks. The street is anchored by the historic Qishan Station, a wooden structure originally built in 1910. The red-brick arches along Zhongshan Road reflect the town's historical commercial prosperity. Local vendors specialize in banana-based products due to the district's reputation as the 'Banana Kingdom.'
The red-brick archways along Zhongshan Road, particularly with the afternoon sun hitting the masonry.
Sample the deep-fried banana fritters and banana egg rolls which are the area's signature snacks.
Visit the visitor information center located in the renovated railway station to view period artifacts.
Explore the narrow alleys branching off the main street for quieter architectural views and local artisan workshops.
Avoid eating only at the entrance of the street; the best food stalls are often further down toward the center and back alleys.
