Every shopping and business district has its own story. In this section, we will bring you to view the three stages of the history of Sanduo Shopping and Business District.

The early stage—the birth of the shopping and business district

Before the Japanese colonial rule period, due to the unstable political situation, Sanduo area was basically an agricultural society. Naturally, no city plan was carried out in this area.

In 1936, the later period of Japanese colonial rule, Japanese government came up with a “Big Kaohsiung” project. This project offered a thorough plan for city development, including infrastructure along Chung-shan Rd. This served as a start for Sanduo shopping and business district.

In 1940, Mr. Ron Tan built the first iron factory in Kaohsiung, which was an indication of Kaohsiung turning into an industrial society. This breakthrough also turned a new page for Sanduo shopping and business district.

The middle stage—the dawn of business

During the post-war period, further development was made along the southern part of Chung-shan Rd. Shops and businesses of different types started to appear in Sanduo area.

In the 1970s, as more businesses moved into Sanduo area, mainly second-hand goods in the east side of this area, a shopping and business district came into form. The expansion of second-hand goods market spurred more business activities in this area. Sanduo Rd. was then dubbed “Kaohsiung second-hand goods street”.

Current stage—multi-functional business

In the 1980s, the Hong-zong Department Store located in the center of Sanduo area started another market for department stores. In 1986, the Far-east Department Store was built at the intersection of Chung-shan Rd. and Sanduo Rd. Gradually, more department stores and shops were built in this area. Sanduo shopping and business district was then formed.

In 1993, the first department store, Shin-Kuang Department Store, invested by a Japanese company was built in Sanduo shopping district. The success of Shin-Kuang Department Store later drew in SOGO department store which is invested by another Japanese company.

These two department stores kicked off the development of Sanduo Shopping District. The neighboring area was soon covered with all sorts of shops because of the prosperous business brought in by the department stores.

Sanduo Shopping District grew rapidly in 10 years. In 1994, the Tuntex Co. started building the 85-floor Tuntex Sky Tower in Sanduo area. When it was finished in 1997, it was then the highest building in Taiwan. The Tuntex Sky Tower was a business building with a department store and a hotel. It was expected to help boost real estate and business in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, due to some financial problems, the Tuntex Sky Tower did not continue to bring in more business.

Business in Sanduo Shopping District keeps changing in the past ten years. The increasing competition and development bring in more business activities in this area.

Realizing the essential role played by Sanduo Shopping District, the city government becomes more active in improving the environment in this area. More infrastructure and convenient transportation are offered in this area in order to build a new image for Sanduo Shopping District.

The cooperation between the government and the public brought out a brand new Sanduo Shopping District, a new impression of Kaohsiung.