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Find the most beautiful and unique Taiwanese architecture - only in old town Daxi
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Be amazed by the historic and cultural stories behind the local wood art industry
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Learn about the fancy yet competitive lives of business workers in 19th century Taiwan
Description
Originally a territory of the native indigenous people, Daxi became an important trading post for Chinese settlers in the 19th century because of its significant location in river trading and transportation between Taipei and the south. Today, Daxi is praised as one of the most beautiful old towns in Taiwan - celebrated for its spectacular architecture and industry-turn-tourism transformation of wooden art. On this Daxi Free Walking Tour, we show you the urban legends, unique traditions, and heritages of Daxi left behind by past regimes - sign up today to find out more about Taoyuan’s golden age past!
Itinerary
Meet up with guide
Meeting point: Xinjiewei Bus Stop (intersection of Heping Road and Cihu Road in Daxi, Taoyuan)
Our guides are recognized with a green and white paper fan saying "Daxi Free Walking Tour".
1. Daxi Bridge
Daxi Bridge was originally built in 1934 as a simple means to cross over the Dahan River for the purpose of transportation, but was later reconstructed as a dual-bored cable suspension bridge with a total length of 280 meters. Influenced by the Japanese Colonization in Taiwan, the bridge is one of the most signature architectures of Daxi today - once you see the grandeur of the Daxi Bridge, you know you have arrived at the entrance of its famous old town!
2. Daqing Cave
Daqing Cave is recognized as another significant landmark when entering Daxi Town. Back in the days, all trade workers and vehicles had to go through the built-in tunnel if they hope to reach Daxi. Today, the almost twenty-eight meter long tunnel serves as a passage for tourists and pedestrians to stroll through. Make sure to check out the mural painted on the side by local artists, too - how many unique Daxi sceneries can you find?
3. Old Stone Trail
The Old Stone Trail was built in the mid 19th century under the rule of Qing China as the only path from Dahan River to the commercial center in downtown Daxi. For more than half a century, this trail was used by workers to transfer heavy cargo and goods between inland Taiwan and their exporting harbors - can you imagine our ancestors carrying weighty produces up and downhill here everyday?
4. Zhongzheng Park
Established in 1909 by the Japanese Colonization in Taiwan as a symbol of its ambitious city-planning, the park was renamed “Zhongzheng park” in 1975 under the Republic of China government. Now a prominent part of local life, the park displays themed plazas that represent important historic stages of Daxi - ranging from traditional entertainment Gyro, Sumo stage to ruins of Shinto shrine and a statue of Chiang Kai-Shek (Zhongzheng).
5. Daxi Wood Art Ecomuseum
Converted from private residence to a public space, Daxi Wood Art Ecomuseum was established with the renovation of local old buildings in the area. As a result, Japanese-style house from the 1920s such as the residence of the former principal of Daxi Elementary School, martial arts training center Butokuden, as well as assigned dormitory of local police officers were incorporated into the complex. As the idea of “ecomuseum” emphasizes on the integration between local communities and the preservation of cultural assets, Daxi Wood Art Ecomuseum serves as a unique attraction that combines local wood art industry with its historic past.
6. Xinan Old Street
During the government of both Qing China and Japanese Colonization, Xinan Street was the residential area of upper class businessmen, scholars and other local elites. Through repeatedly city-planning and renovation under different regimes, the buildings here have adopted a mixture of extravagant styles between traditional Southern Chinese, Baroque and Art Deco. Today, you can still find existing stores whose heritage and ancestral stories can be traced back to the golden age of Daxi Town!
7. Ken Sei Sho Co
Completed in 1921 by local businessman and local legend Jian A-Niou, Ken Sei Sho Co was designed to be the most elaborate and expensive mansion in Daxi Town. With a striking similarity to the Presidential Office, the building was the headquarters of Jian’s commercial empire beyond Daxi and witness to his successful trading as well as personal network. Now nearly a hundred years later, the remains of Ken Sei Sho Co still shows its original majesty that dominated Daxi in style, size and luxury.
8. Food Tasting: Dried Bean Curd
Try out the Daxi speciality: local dried bean curd during our midway break - this kind of traditional snack was said to be the favorite of former president Chiang Ching-Kuo!
9. Furen Temple
Known as the “Big temple” among locals, Furen Temple was built and funded in 1813 by Chinese immigrants from Zhangzhou to worship legendary hero, the “Sacred Prince of Zhangzhou”. During its later development, Furen Temple became refuge to many deities such as War Lord Guan Gong, Lords of the Three Mountains, legendary carpenter Lu Ban and Mazu - who are all worshipped by different ethnic groups and professions. Since the 1980s, Furen Temple has been the host of the National Giant Gyro competition. The champion Gyro is also on display in Furen Temple.
10. Maze Lane
Designed as the residential area for blue collar labor workers during Qing China rule, Maze Lane is situated between the commercial center and the harbor area - well hidden from the luxury and prosperity seen on the main streets. Most of the houses here in the Maze Lane were narrowly built and made from local found materials, making them unique remains of the once booming economy of Daxi Town.
11. Heping Old Street
Better known as “Daxi Old Street”, Heping Old Street was the commercial center of Daxi Town because of its location for camphor and tea trading, and was re-designed by the Japanese government as a part of its modernizing planning in the 1920s, resulting in its mixed use of Baroque style and traditional Chinese elements in architecture. Today, Heping Old Street is famous among travelers for its well-preserved old street houses, wood art industry and local food - which are often transformed into modern salons and cafes - so make sure to take your time to look around!
Schedule
Upon your request.
Duration
2.5 hrs
Meeting Point
Tour ends
1. From Taipei
Free shuttle provided! Please select the number of attendees and the pick-up points as shown below upon registration. No waiting for latecomers.
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8:40AM Exit 6 of MRT Zhongshan Station (on Nanjing West Road)
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8:50AM East Gate 3 of Taipei Main Station
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9:00AM Exit 6 of MRT Ximen Station (on Zhonghua Road)
2. From Taoyuan City
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From Taoyuan District: Bus 5096. 60-min ride. NT$40 one way. Get on at Taoyuan Bus Taoyuan Terminal Station, and get off at Xinjiewei (Heping Old Street) Bus Stop.
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From Zhongli District: Bus 5098. 60-min ride. NT$37 one way. Get on at Taoyuan Bus Zhongli Terminal Station, and get off at Xinjiewei (Heping Old Street) Bus Stop.
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10:00AM Meet up at Xinjiewei (Heping Old Street) Bus Stop (intersection of Heping Road and Cihu Road in Daxi, Taoyuan). No waiting for latecomers.
3. From Taoyuan Airport
Taoyuan Airport MRT + 501 Daxi Express Tourist Shuttle: NT$120 (one-way ticket from Taoyuan Airport to Taoyuan HSR Station + one-day pass of 501 Daxi Express Tourist Shuttle)
- Taoyuan Airport MRT: 20-min ride. Get off at A18 Taoyuan HSR Station.
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501 Daxi Express Tourist Shuttle: 40-min ride. Get on at exit 1 of A18 Taoyuan HSR Station, and get off at Xinjiewei (Heping Old Street) Bus Stop.
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10:00AM Meet up at Xinjiewei (Heping Old Street) Bus Stop (intersection of Heping Road and Cihu Road in Daxi, Taoyuan). No waiting for latecomers.
Recommended Transportation
Important Notice
1. Personal information provided during the booking process will be used for travel insurance.
2. The guide is recognized with a green and white paper fan saying “Like It Formosa”.
3. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a bottle of water.
4. This tour is wheelchair, stroller and kid-friendly.
5. This tour will take place rain or shine. However, if either the Taoyuan City Government or the Taipei City Government announces a day off because of natural disasters, the tour will be canceled and you will be notified via email one day in advance and receive a full refund.
6. In the event of emergency situations, please call the guide or message our Facebook Fanpage.
7. Anything not covered hereunder, the Organizer reserves the right of final modification.