It's hard to imagine one can still find such a history-laden area in a modern city like Taipei. If you have already had your fill of glitz and glam in the metropolis and crave something quaint and classical, you must come to Dadaocheng.
The major street of Dadaocheng is lined with hundreds of old houses. The facades of the buildings reflect the architectural trends of different eras. Some of them suggest the influence of Qing dynasty (the last imperial dynasty of China), while others give way to a marriage with European styles or modernism. Despite the diversity in style, they are all long and narrow, and can be divided into three sections. The first section is used to run businesses, showcasing goods including herbs for Chinese medicine, dried foods, bamboo wares, and lanterns. The second section behind the first section is, in its capacity, a living room; a walk through the houses brings the life of olden days to mind.
In the southern part of the street sits a small yet extremely popular temple, Taipei Xiahai City-God Temple. Every year, tourists from all over the world fly here for praying. Inside the temple, a silver-haired god (God of Relationships) scratches his head for making a match. Next to the temple is Yong-le Market, the largest textile market in Taipei, with fabrics of all shapes and sizes in stock. You will never be bored when walking in this vibrant neighborhood.