Tamsui Old Street: Food, Sunset, and Historical Sites

Tamsui Dist., New Taipei City
Sightseeing

Tamsui Old Street is a well-known tourist spot in Taiwan, easily accessible by taking the Tamsui MRT line.

In recent years, the Old Street has been continuously updated, widening the riverside streets to make the environment more comfortable and enhance the leisurely experience of strolling.

As you exit the MRT station, you can see street performers imitating statues and portrait painters, showcasing the Old Street's vitality and artistic atmosphere.


Heading towards the Old Street, the spacious streets make you feel refreshed. Whether it's a holiday or a weekday, it's a great place to take a walk. Zhongzheng Road and the extending Rejian Street and Qingshui Street area are the famous Tamsui Old Street.
In the late 19th century, Tamsui opened up to trade, and Tamsui Port became the largest import and export port in Taiwan, driving the prosperity of the Old Street.


Tamsui Old Street is divided into inner and outer sides. The outer side is the Golden Waterfront Bikeway along the Tamsui River, gathering various snacks, trendy clothes, and toy stores. Sour plum soup, grilled squid, Agei, fish ball soup, shrimp rolls, and old-fashioned baked cakes are all must-try delicacies. In addition, there are antique art shops where you can hunt for treasures, and many other delicious snacks have been added in recent years, which are worth trying.


Dongrong No. 6 is a must-try delicacy for many tourists, with fresh, freshly cooked baby squid that is fresh and delicious. Compared to the past, the Old Street is now more spacious and comfortable, suitable for couples dating and family fun.








From 1864 to 1894, Tamsui's total trade volume accounted for 57% of Taiwan's total, and the main exports were tea, sugar, and camphor. Tamsui Old Street, also known as Hwei Street, is located next to Tamsui Port, the first stop for sailors after landing and the import and export of goods. The street is lined with Tamsui's government offices and various merchants, which is bustling and prosperous. It has been the economic lifeline of Tamsui since the Dutch period.

During the Japanese occupation, the port of Tamsui silted up, making it increasingly difficult for trading vessels to enter the port, which affected trade activities. The Governor-General of Taiwan then shifted the focus of port affairs to Keelung Port. By 1910, the status of Tamsui Port was gradually replaced by Keelung Port, and the prosperity of Zhongzheng Road gradually declined.
After the war, in order to preserve the historical value of Hwei Street and the beautiful scenery of Tamsui, the government rebuilt Hwei Street, developing the beautiful scenery of Tamsui and the Old Street as tourist attractions.


In the evening, watching the beautiful sunset falling into the sea on the Golden Waterfront Bikeway is refreshing.


If you don't think Tamsui Old Street is enough, you can take a ferry to Bali Old Street or Fisherman's Wharf on the opposite side to continue enjoying the food and scenery.



The back section of the trail has interesting street performers, as well as distinctive international cuisine restaurants and cafes.





The riverside trail can be turned into the traditional Old Street on the inner side. The streets are lined with lively shops, including old-fashioned bakeries, grocery stores, and snack bars.




This is another Old Street full of food, good shopping and fun.




This time-honored bakery is a must-buy souvenir for many tourists. Although prices have changed with the times, it still attracts a large crowd.



When you come to Tamsui Old Street, you can easily spend a wonderful time from afternoon to night. At dusk, stroll to the end of the riverside trail, admire the beautiful sunset, and all your fatigue and stress will be swept away.

Tamsui Old Street
Traffic Information:
Public transportation
- MRT: Take the Tamsui Line of the MRT to Tamsui MRT Station and head west to Zhongzheng Road to reach it.
- Bus: Guiding Bus Red 26, 836, and Sanchong Bus-Danhai-Banqiao Line can be reached.
Published in 2021