Dihua Street

Modern day Dihua Street on a calm day

Dihua Street (Chinese: 迪化街; literally "Urumqi Street") is a street located in the Datong District (大同區) of Taipei winding from the south of the district to close to the north in the old village of Dalongdong (大龍峒). The street, then known as Centre Street (中街), was constructed during the 1850s, when many commercial entities belonging to Quanzhou-originating owners moved in from the nearby village of Bangka (艋舺). Since then and throughout the rest of the 19th century, Dihua Street has been an important centre for commerce in Taiwanese products and produce such as Chinese medicinal herbs, fabrics, incense materials, and for the post-processing of Taiwanese tea.^[1]

The name "Dihua" was given in 1947 by the Republic of China government, in reference to Urumqi, Xinjiang, and effectively joins a string of older streets in this area of Taipei existing prior to the Chinese Civil War. Locals living in the district refer to the portion of the street north of of the Minsheng West Road (民生西路) as Dihua North (北街), and the portion south as Dihua south (南街). Being the oldest street Taipei (with sections in existence since the rule of Dutch Formosa from 1624–1661), its architecture has been under preservation and conservation efforts by the city. Modern Dihua Street along with its surrounding neighborhood and streets, known as the Dihua Street commercial loop (迪化街商圈), remain one of the most commercially active in Taipei with transactions in excess of 3 billion US dollars.^[2]

New Year's Market

Although a relatively calm street during most times of the year Dihua street street bustles with people during the two weeks before Chinese New Year^[1]. The residents of Taipei flock to the street during these times to buy necessities for the festivities, while the tourist visit for the tradition Fujian decorations, atmosphere, and architecture^[1]. The street continues to be a major destination during Chinese New Year festivities, with 750,000 people visiting the street in the two weeks leading up to the holiday.^[3]

The hiring of clean-up crews and rental of store-fronts to seasonal merchants during the two weeks is an important source of revenue for many residents^[1].

Gallery

Dihua Street during the days before a Taiwanese holiday   An old storefront on Dihua Street in the process of renovations   A portion of Dihua Street South

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d} Freundl, Diana (2005-1-28), "Dihua bustles during Chinese New Year", The Taipei Times, http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/archives/2005/01/28/2003221307/1 
2. ^ "台島財富"第一街"--台北迪化街", 華夏經緯網, 2006-5-17  Sourced:南方網
3. ^ Caltonhill, Mark (2011-01-21), "A true taste of Taiwan", Global Times, http://www.globaltimes.cn/www/english/travel/themed-tours/2011-01/618482.html, retrieved 2011-01-30 

Coordinates: 25°04′00″N 121°30′36″E / 25.0665524°N 121.5099478°E / 25.0665524; 121.5099478