Dadaocheng

Dadaocheng (Chinese: 大稻埕; pinyin: Dàdàochéng; Wade–Giles: Ta-tao-ch'eng; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Tōa-tiū-tiâⁿ; literally "big rice-drying field"), spelled Twatutia before Japanese rule, is an area in the Datong District, part of the Taipei Basin and a historic section of Taipei City. It was known as Daitotei by the Japanese and Tataocheng during the Kuomintang era. Dadaocheng was an important trading port in the 19th century, and is still a major historical tourist attraction and shopping area.

When the export of tea became important in northern Taiwan in the mid-19th century, many businessmen came to Dadaocheng. The first store was Linyishun (林益順) in 1851. Two years later, many people moved from Bangka following a serious fight. In the early 20th century, Dadaocheng was one of the most populous cities in Taiwan. In 1920, it became part of the newly-incorporated Taipei City.

The district is known for the local Taiwanese cuisine, the Chien-Cheng Circle (圓環), and also being the epicenter of the 228 incident.

The most famous street in Dadaocheng was named Dihua Street (迪化街; wg: Tihua) after World War II. There are many stores selling dried goods and snacks, especially before the Lunar New Year. Xiahai Chenghuang Temple (霞海城隍廟) is also on Dihua Street. There is a festival to celebrate the birthday of Xiahai Chenghuang (a city god) on the 13th day of the 5th lunar month every year.

There was a TRA Dadaocheng Station located in Dadaocheng which opened in 1901 under Japanese rule as part of the then TRA Tamsui Line but was closed to passenger service in 1916 and continued to operate as a freight-only station until its eventual closure in 1937.

Coordinates: 25°03′26″N 121°30′42″E / 25.05722°N 121.51167°E / 25.05722; 121.51167