Sanxia Old Street, technically just over the border into New Taipei City, is often paired with a Taoyuan day trip because it is easily reached and arguably has the finest Japanese-era commercial streetscape in northern Taiwan. The redbrick arcade architecture is consistently well preserved, and the street is less overrun with souvenir shops than Jiufen or some other heritage towns.
The Zushi Temple at the end of the street is extraordinary — a Taiwanese temple rebuilt over seventy years (and still being elaborated) with almost every surface covered in intricate stone carving, bronze relief, and painted woodwork. It is one of the most lavishly decorated temples in the country.