The prosperous history of Sanxia District is present in its streets.
Sanxia District in northern Taiwan’s New Taipei City is best known for two cultural landmarks: Sanxia Old Street and Zushi Temple. The streets exude nostalgia, and the temple embodies some of the most refined examples of local devotional art.
Originally a trade center at the confluence of three rivers, Sanxia declined along with river commerce. It was, however, perennially famous for its Zushi Temple restoration, the third phase of which was undertaken by respected oil painter Li Mei-shu (李梅樹) from 1947. Visitors flocked to see the temple transform magnificently over the decades and enjoyed the beautiful facades of the surrounding shop houses in the old streets.
The 2004 government renovation project of the area was in part a reaction to the public’s continued enthusiasm for strolling in the picturesque lanes. It focused on careful restoration of a 260-meter-long section of historic buildings, using near-original materials and referencing old photos. The project won several architectural and cultural preservation awards after its 2007 completion, raising Sanxia’s profile among history buffs and day trippers alike.
Opulent and intricate, Zushi Temple rises up from the end of the old main street. The iconic religious edifice built in 1767 has undergone many restorations due to climate, natural disasters and wars. When Li took charge of the third major restoration project, he recruited Taiwan’s most accomplished temple artisans. Zushi Temple today is a testament to Taiwan’s master craftsmen, many of whom spent decades of their lives working there fashioning a tangible example of art and religion.
Sanxia is a destination where visitors experience how artists, cultural heritage and religion can come together to revitalize a cherished town.
—by Jim Hwang
The characters above the arches and the embellished facades denote the names of the original owners and the wares they traded such as tea or fine cloth.
Fascinating patterns and detail abound in Sanxia.
In daily use by the faithful and prized by sightseers, the restored Zushi Temple manifests a perfect harmony of art and religion.