Tshian-tshiu-ke Shophouses, Heritage shophouse in Taipei, Taiwan
Tshian-tshiu-ke Shophouses are heritage buildings with narrow front facades, multiple stories, and retail space at street level. Residential areas occupy the upper floors, following the traditional Southeast Asian design for merchant properties.
These buildings were built during the late Qing Dynasty when Taipei was a major trading port. They emerged from the needs of merchants who required combined living and working spaces in a growing city.
These buildings reflect the trading practices of old Taipei, where merchants lived above or beside their shops. The layout shows how commerce and family life were closely connected in this community.
You can view the ground floor shops during regular business hours, though access to upper areas may be limited. Daylight visits work best for seeing the architectural details and understanding how the spaces are organized.
The buildings retain original wooden beam structures and stone foundations that display 19th-century construction methods. An inner courtyard provided private family space separate from the bustling commercial activity below.
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