aeeble

Shishi Old Street is the earliest developed area in Shishi District. The street is divided into east and west sections by the Wan Shou Bridge, which is built with stone bridge piers. The west section developed earlier and was primarily involved in the production and sale of tobacco and tea. The houses in this area are made of local stone and are known as stone houses. The east section, on the other hand, is said to have been a gathering place for beggars and is often referred to as the Beggar's Lair. However, currently, the east section has a larger population and is gradually replacing the west section as the more prosperous area of Shishi District. The century-old tofu shops, unique hanging buildings, and Invisible Street are must-visit attractions for tourists. The old iron shop on the street, with its clanging sound of hammering, adds to the street's ancient charm. Shishi East Street is the only Invisible Street in Taiwan, where houses are suspended above the riverbed, supported only by columns. Upon closer inspection, it can be seen that the houses in Shishi are built using local river stones. Shishi East and West Streets are the most representative of Shishi's former prosperity. The west section, which was the earliest developed street, was used as a light railway for transporting tea. The street is lined with earth-and-tile buildings, some of which are two to three stories high, symbolizing the area's former prosperity and wealth. The current Shishi Elementary School's front square, which was once a tea wholesale market, is now home to a collection of temples, with over 100 temples in the district, making it one of the towns with the most temples in Taiwan.