The Dayi Bridge: A Instagram hotspot stunning both day and night     Five must-visit spots in the Old Street drawing crowds

Text by / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department     Images sourced from / Taoyuan City Government

Dayi is one of the earliest developed areas in Taoyuan. Small sailboats on the Dahan River facilitated trade with the mainland via the Tamsui River, leading to a flourishing merchant scene. During the Taisho era of Japanese rule, when Baroque architecture was in vogue, the buildings around the Dayi Old Street area blend Baroque ornamentalism with traditional Minnan decorative motifs, creating a uniquely Dayi style. Strolling along the old street feels like stepping into a time tunnel, where well-preserved historic houses and a lively array of unique shops abound. Below are five must-visit spots in the Dayi Old Street to experience the authentic historical charm of Taiwan.

Dayi Bridge
 
The Dayi Bridge, which spans the Dahan River, connects to the left-bank bicycle path and is open to pedestrians and cyclists. Its appearance mimics the old suspension bridge of Dayi from the Japanese colonial period, featuring a retro arched entrance and a semi-circular carved canopy that gives it a castle-like grandeur. In addition to adopting a Baroque architectural style similar to that of the Dayi Old Street, the bridge also features cable lighting that illuminates the Dahan River riverside at night, beautifying the nighttime scenery. The gray-white carvings complement the surrounding streetscape, adding to the area’s classical elegance.

Dayi Zhongzheng Park
 
Originally named Jin Park, Dayi Zhongzheng Park is the first park in Dayi. It features four main plazas: the Sailboat Plaza with a view of the Dahan River, the Top Plaza symbolizing an important cultural product of Dayi—the spinning top, the Bronze Statue Plaza featuring Chiang Kai-shek on horseback, and the only remaining sumo wrestling ground for elementary school students from the Japanese colonial period in Taiwan. There is also the first Shinto shrine established in all of Taoyuan—Dayi Shrine.