【文／Discover Taipei】
Route
MRT Jingmei Station → Jingmei Jiying Temple → Hengmao Pharmacy → Ruitai Sesame Oil → Jingmei Bridge → Yixing Pavilion (lunch) → Wenshan Public Assembly Hall → Wenshan Park → Liu Xiechang Noodle Factory → Muzha Jiying Temple → Jin Yixiang Pastry Shop → San Lao Cun (dinner) → Jingmei Riverside Walk
Though hard to believe today, the Jingmei River (景美溪), which runs through the Wenshan District, was once deep enough for boats to navigate, and contributed to the area's prosperity through trade. Boats no longer ply these waters, but some of the associated historical sites exist still, and make for an intriguing, educational tour.
In Search of Jingmei's Century-old Elegance
Jingmei (景美), located in the south of Taipei city, was originally called Jianwei (梘尾) or“water facility tail,”then Jingwei (景尾) or“scenic tail.”The more elegant Jingmei or“scenic beauty”was adopted. It is indeed a place of scenic beauty. In its early days local travel was primarily by boat on the Jingmei River, and there was just one short street, Jingmei Street (景美街). As boat transport flourished, more people moved in, and today's thriving tourist and commercial district (including Jingmei Night Market ; 景美夜市) has its roots in this era. There are also many buildings from the 1960s and 1970s tucked away amidst the shining newer high-rises. A section of yesteryear's Liugong Canal (瑠公圳) ran on the site of today's Jingwen Street (景文街), and though the waterway was filled over to make way for road traffic, there are still century-old buildings on either side, giving a glimpse into Jingmei's cultural history. Ride the Taipei Metro to MRT Jingmei Station, and turn right when you emerge from Exit No. 2. Immediately outside is the Jingmei Street tourist/commercial district. As you enter the narrow old street you'll see it is lined on both sides with myriad snack sellers, apparel shops, and vegetable stalls. Keep left at a fork to reach Jingmei Jiying Temple (景美集應廟). This is the only temple with Historical Relic of the Third Rank status in Wenshan District. It is built in the mid-sized temple style of the Qing Dynasty. The major exterior feature is the striking oversized bright-red fencing; inside are many wall decorations and exquisite stone carvings, and the air is thick with a sense of history and nostalgia.
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