1. Yung An Chu (永安居)
Life how it used to be 100 years ago, for the landowner at least, can be glimpsed at this traditional red brick and stone house. It is one of the 10 best preserved traditional domestic residences in Taiwan, according to the sign outside. It is built in the traditional "U" shape, with a walled courtyard leading to the family shrine in the center, and wings on either side. Clothes on the clothesline and other signs of habitation indicate that the house is still in private hands and that due respect should be shown when looking around. Visitors are supposed to buy tickets (NT$60), but this does not seem to be strictly enforced. The house is closed to the public during family events and it is better to phone before hand.
Located beside the 106 County Highway, tel: 0920912857
2. The tree
The big tree at the end of Shenkeng's old street has been standing for about 100 years, according to some old-timers, who say that it has brought the town luck. Whatever the truth of this, Shenkeng would not be the same without its landmark tree, which is the subject of paintings by many local and national artists and can be seen on virtually every promotional item for local businesses.
3. Under the Big Tree (大樹下)
(see review at restaurants of the week)
4. Hsiang-cun Mi-shih (鄉村米食)
The place to get all manner of sticky rice cakes, dumplings and other sweets flavored with green tea, taro and even red currant. The variety of color and taste is remarkable. Prices range from NT$30 for a sticky taro cake to NT$150 for jellied sweets similar to Turkish Delight. There is a display of earthenware and stoneware pots that are also for sale.
146 Shenkeng St., Shenkeng Township (深坑鄉深坑街146號), tel: (02) 2662-9033
5. Peanut Studio (土豆齋老鋪)
Peanut candies are cooked, rolled, cut into chunks and put into jars right in front of you. They are so fresh they are still warm. Offerings include peanut brittle, almonds coated in mustard and other concoctions made with nuts, pumpkin seeds and sesame. An absolute must is the ice cream brittle peanut and coriander rolled in a light rice pancake.
136-1 Shenkeng St., Shenkeng Township (深坑鄉深坑街136-1號), tel: (02) 2662-8719
6. Ko Cha Chu (古早厝)
(see review at restaurants of the week)
7. China Dragon Food Store (中國龍食品坊)
Teas from around the world can be found here. Hundreds of buds, branches, flowers, ground powders and seeds, all with their signature aroma: jasmine, rose, rosemary, larkspur, linden, oregano, apple, cinnamon, chamomile and peppermint. Prices are much lower than you can expect to find in Taipei. There are plenty of surprises, such as pu'er tea sold in hard packed bundles ranging in shape from conical to elliptical or square blocks. Pu'er tea has a bright red-yellowish color and a fine taste and is supposed to provide relief from indigestion, fatigue and intoxication.
106 Shenkeng St., Shenkeng Township (深坑鄉深坑街106號), tel: (02) 2451-7308
8. Song-tao Painting Studio (松濤畫室)
A great little shop with something for everyone and also the gallery of Shenkeng's greatest living artist. The shop is housed in an impressive old building on the old high street. Yen Sung-tao (顏松濤) has been drawing and painting for nearly 50 years. He paints with a bright, impressionist palette and his theme has always been Shenkeng. He offers a nostalgic look at life decades ago, as in his painting Under the Big Tree. Aside from Yen's paintings, the gallery has lots of reproductions and pottery, and even old bricks and toys. There is a wooden frog that sounds like the real thing when it is tapped or stroked with a wooden stick. Other toys include wooden chickens pecking at grain and spinning tops.
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