Tongxing Old Street & Guogang Tunnel

Travel Date: 2023/09/09

Finally, the weather improved after nearly two months of almost constant rain (with a few typhoons in between), clouds, and wind. Even though we only had half a day to go out, we still didn't want to waste the time, because who knows how long the good weather will last. It's funny, but usually, weekends are rainy, while weekdays have nice weather. Then, when the weekend comes again, the weather gets bad. It's super annoying, but it has happened 90% of the time this year.

I feel like there aren't really that many places to see in Miaoli. It's mostly mountains, and there aren't many historical sites. I found an old street nearby called Tongxing Old Street, but unlike many other old streets we've visited, this one looks very empty. So, apart from a few old houses, there's nothing else to see. The old street is actually in Houlong Township, so we also went to see a popular tunnel in the area and dined in Houlong Town. I found a Japanese shrine, but it's further south, and we didn't have more time that day. Such a pity, but maybe next time.

Tongxing Old Street (同興老街)

Tongxing Old Street stands as an important historical landmark, not only within Houlong but in all of Taiwan. It holds the distinction of being the earliest street in Houlong, serving as a gathering point where both Han and Pingpu people converged to exchange local products. Over time, as the Houlong River gradually silted up, Han settlers began reclaiming land beside the stream. This led to the gradual expansion of the population and the formation of what is now known as Houlong Street, which serves as the current city center.

A small ditch to the east of Tongguang Elementary School, known as "Fanpozaigou," was once crystal clear and used by Pingpu women for washing clothes. Today, it serves as a reminder of the area's rich cultural heritage. The old street, once bustling with commerce, has retained its ancient charm and remains the most lively street in the area. It offers a glimpse into Houlong's history as a trading hub, with early business buildings along the street testifying to its role in facilitating trade.

There are still several families residing in Tongxing Old Street.

Tongxing Old Street is distinguished as the shortest old street in Taiwan, spanning only about 100 meters. The street showcases well-preserved century-old commercial buildings, representing the quintessential architectural style of the Qing Dynasty. This attests to Tongxing Old Street's historical importance as a trading center in the Miaoli area. While the passage of time has seen its decline, remnants of its past prosperity still echo in the old buildings that stand today.

At the end of the street, a right turn (around the elementary school) will lead you to a bookstore. In a commendable effort to promote reading, the Maoli Organic Bookstore operates on an exchange-only basis and does not sell books. The bookstore is housed within an old structure, providing visitors with a sense of traveling through time while enjoying their reading. Occasionally, friendly feline companions make appearances, adding to the cozy atmosphere and enhancing the overall reading experience.

Guogang Tunnel (過港隧道)

While there is a parking lot available, there are very limited parking spaces in the area. If you find the parking lot full, there are alternative options for parking. You can park your car on the other side of the tunnel on the side of the road or at Houlong Qinghai Palace.

The tunnel was officially opened in 1922 during the Japanese colonial era. There are three tunnels in total, and their construction was a testament to the increasing prosperity of Taiwan's economy at that time and the growing need for improved north-south transportation. The older mountain railway line faced transportation bottlenecks, prompting the Governor-General to initiate the construction of a coastal railway connecting Zhunan and Changhua. During the excavation for the railway construction, an intriguing discovery was made—a layer of fossilized shellfish dating back a million years. An inscription was erected to commemorate this find.

Inside the train tunnel, the entire inner wall is constructed using red bricks. These bricks are meticulously stacked layer by layer to create a beautiful horseshoe arch shape. Interestingly, it's said that no beams or columns were used for support during the excavation, and the entire structure was engineered using the principles of round arch mechanics. The black marks on the red bricks along the curved tunnel ceiling are remnants of coal burning in the trains, forming a historical trace and a testament to the countless travelers who passed through over the years.

There are three tunnels in close proximity. Tunnel No. 1 stretches 279 meters, Tunnel No. 2 measures 162 meters, and Tunnel No. 3 is 56 meters long. While walking through Tunnel No. 1, there is a sightseeing section. The view does not extend all the way to the exit due to the curvature of the tunnel itself.

Within the tunnel, you'll find a train image and a rest platform. You can directly view the interiors of Tunnels No. 2 and No. 3, and the entire route is designed as a barrier-free trail, making it suitable for visitors of all ages.

From the other end of the parking lot, you can take a stroll to the Cape of Good Hope Cultural Park, which stands at the highest point and offers breathtaking scenery.

Additionally, nearby attractions include the Mazu Palace on the mountainside and Gongtian Temple in Baishatun. It's worth noting that when Mazu in Baishatun participates in incense ceremonies, both Mazu temples go together, creating a unique cultural experience.

Guogang Shell Fossils (過港貝化石層)

Geologically, this layer is part of the larger Toukeshan Formation (頭嵙山層), which dates back to the Pleistocene era. The fossils within this layer are estimated to be between 1,030,000 to 460,000 years old and are preserved within shale rock. It's believed that these shells were originally situated approximately 20 meters (66 feet) to 50 meters (160 feet) beneath the water's surface before becoming buried. A total of 135 different species of fossils have been identified, with the majority belonging to the Pecten genus. However, shells from various other genera, including Chlamys, Anadara, Arca, Eucrassatella, Nassarius, Niotha, Bursa, Turritella, and Murex, have also been discovered. Some researchers speculate that the high density of fossils in this area is a result of repeated storms that pushed shellfish into this location.

The discovery of this fossil bed dates back to 1921 when Japanese railway construction workers, engaged in building the Coastal line, stumbled upon it. In 1935, during the Japanese colonial period, the Government-General of Taiwan designated the area as a natural monument. The Miaoli County Government placed a plaque in 1955 to protect the fossils, forbidding any disturbance. Subsequently, between 1995 and 1999, the Forestry Bureau conducted a survey of the site and designated it as a provincial-level protected area.

Regrettably, due to its proximity to a road, many of the fossils have been removed or vandalized by tourists. A report by the Liberty Times revealed that a significant number of fossils within easy reach have been taken or damaged.

Address:

Tongxing Old Street: 356台灣苗栗縣後龍鎮舊後汶公路121號

Guogang Tunnel: 苗栗縣後龍鎮南港里過港隧道