Qishan was developed as early as the reign of Qing emperor Kangxi (1662-1722). In histories from that time it was known as Fanshuliao. During the Japanese occupation, it was renamed Qishan Street after the highest mountain in the region, Qiwei Mountain. It was part of the Takao (Kaohsiung) Prefecture. From 1953-1970, it was a large producer and exporter of bananas, earning it the epithet “Banana Kingdom.”
After the golden age of Qishan ended, it was left with many historical buildings. The neo-Baroque buildings on its old street, Zhongshan Road, were built in the 1920s and 1930s. Since there are sixteen connected buildings on both sides of the street, it has a uniform and elegant look, which has attracted many scholars researching old buildings in Taiwan.
The utility poles that are blocking the view in the picture have already been moved underground now, revealing the complete majesty of these old buildings.
A View of Zhongshan Road in Qishan
- NCL Special Collection / Liu Ling-ling / 1936 / 12.7×8.3cm / 《Visual Feast》