Sansia 三峽老街

Perfectly restored Japanese-era township
Popular plate: Try the croissants shaped like cow's horns sold in bakeries throughout Sansia's Old Street.

Word to the wise: Pair with a trip to the nearby Yingge township, the heart of the ceramics industry in Taiwan since the 1800s.
During the Japanese rule, Sansia was a thriving business district and centre of the dye trade. Now, almost 100-years later they've perfectly restored many of the Qing- and Japanese era buildings and temples, which have put it back on the map.

Most notable is the fastidiously reconstructed Tzushr or Zushi Temple, a museum piece of architecture with 156 dragon pillars, stunning animal carvings and temple reliefs. It is still an active part of local religious life here, and one of the most impressive and intricately-designed in Taiwan. Afterwards head down Minquan Old Street, featuring Taiwanese art, ceramics and local food, to the Historical Relic Hall, home to cultural and artistic artefacts from Sansia’s past.