Scenic Beauty of Yanshui

　　Once known as "Yuejin" in ancient times, Yanshui earned its name from being surrounded by rivers on three sides, giving it a crescent-like shape. Few people know that over 100 years ago, Yanshui was once the fourth most prosperous town in Taiwan. A Qing dynasty proverb goes: “First Tainan, second Lukang, third Monga,” with Yuejin right after.

　　Today, the quiet town of Yanshui has a population of less than 30,000. Its former glory can only be glimpsed through remnants such as old city walls, traditional houses, and historic streets that echo its past splendor.

　　In the past, Yanshui was a thriving river port. To the north was the mouth of the Bazhang River, and to the south was the tributary mouth of the Jishui River. The convergence of seawater formed a natural inland harbor, and because the water was salty, it came to be called Yanshui.

　　On Yanshui’s main streets—Zhongzheng Road and Zhongshan Road—traditional Taiwanese houses from the early days can still be found, particularly around Lane 3 of Zhongshan Road, which retains the most old-world charm. Many buildings here feature distinctive scissor-shaped or S-shaped iron braces on their roof ridges, locally called “iron scissors.” Legend has it these were introduced by the Dutch to reinforce beams and walls. The Octagonal Building in the town center also marks Yanshui’s prosperous past. Built in the 27th year of the Daoguang Emperor’s reign during the Qing dynasty (1847), it was constructed by the Ye family, sugar merchants from Quanzhou. Premium materials like fine Fujian fir and stone bricks were imported from the mainland. The front façade features intricate wooden carvings, while the northern side is built with red bricks, showcasing another facet of architectural beauty.

　　Once hailed as the “Number One Street of Yanshui,” Qiaonan Street was bustling with commerce in its heyday. After the town declined, the first street became Qiaonan Old Street, where a few aged buildings remain. Hidden in its alleys are fading traditional trades, including the century-old Quanli Blacksmith Shop located at the street entrance, which has witnessed Yanshui’s rise and fall over the past hundred years.

　　Wu Temple

　　Established during the Kangxi era of the Qing dynasty, Wu Temple is dedicated to Guan Yu, the God of War. The main hall houses ancient artifacts such as an old incense burner, an imperial plaque, and a stone tablet commemorating the temple’s renovation. Wu Temple is an important place of worship for the locals of Yanshui. The internationally renowned Lantern Festival Beehive Fireworks event is also held here. Next to the temple, a cultural relics museum is under preparation and will showcase Yanshui’s old photos, historical artifacts, bee hive fireworks production processes, and photo records.

　　Address: No. 87, Wumiao Road

　　Phone: (06) 652-1264

　　Octagonal Building

　　Named for its slightly upturned octagonal rooftop, the building was originally a grand three-section compound with a majestic and elegant design. Today, only one-third of its original scale remains. The main structure is supported by 12 large Fujian fir pillars that run through both the first and second floors. The beams and columns are entirely constructed using mortise-and-tenon techniques without any iron nails, earning recognition as a rare example of ingenious craftsmanship in Taiwan. The corridors, window lattices, and carved openwork details are also exquisitely refined.

　　Zhongzheng Road Historic Western-Style Building

　　Zhongzheng Road, adjacent to the Qielan Temple, was once the busiest commercial area in Yanshui. Even today, two-story Western-style houses built during the Japanese colonial period can still be seen along the street. Influenced by Art Deco style, the buildings feature facades adorned with simple or elaborate patterns and shapes, reflecting a strong decorative flair and serving as prime evidence of the town’s former prosperity.

　　Quanli Blacksmith Shop

　　As the town’s oldest shop, the Quanli Blacksmith Shop has been in business for five generations. This weathered wooden shop still practices traditional handmade blacksmithing and preserves an antique-grade fan blower.

　　Address: No. 8, Qiaonan Street

　　Phone: 0800-2100