Yuanling Shopping Street_Shoe Street

Walking near the intersection of Yuanling Street, close to Taipei Main Station, you'll spot a large black leather shoe art installation. This street is known as the Leather Shoe Street. The area enclosed by Zhonghua Road, Zhongxiao West Road, Zhongshan South Road, and Aiguo West Road was Taipei City during the Qing Dynasty, and it has always been the political, economic, and cultural center of Taiwan. Even though the city walls are long gone, people still refer to this area as the 'Chengzhong District' (City Center District). Yuanling Shopping Street is located 'within the city walls'. From ancient times to the present, it has been a place of flourishing culture and rich historical and cultural resources. Many of the shops here are long-established businesses, upholding integrity in their trade. With the development of Taiwan's economy, Chengzhong Market and Yuanling Shopping Street became a hub for clothing stores and leather shoe shops, with Yuanling Shopping Street particularly renowned for its shoe stores. Most of the leather shoes on Yuanling Shopping Street are masterpieces hand-stitched by master craftsmen. Many older generations would bring their worn-out leather shoes here for repair. With societal progress and the rise of department stores, Yuanling Shopping Street lost many customers. However, due to its emphasis on unique characteristics and excellent quality, the shopping district remains bustling and vibrant.