The Fascinating History of Taiwan's Common Qilou
Join Niche Tours as we explore how different places around the world ingeniously use architectural design to address local climate challenges. This time, we turn our attention to one of the most common architectural features on Taiwan's streets: the Qilou, often described as a storefront arcade or overhang.
The Qilou is Not Exclusively Taiwanese
Many consider the Qilou to be the most representative architectural feature of Taiwan, but in fact, it is not unique to the island.
Origin and Spread of the Qilou
- Birthplace: This architectural style can be traced back to South China (such as Guangzhou and Xiamen). The local hot and rainy climate inspired the design, where the ground floor of a building is set back to create a sheltered pedestrian passage, embodying a distinct Lingnan style.
- Widespread Distribution: With the growth of commerce and urban development, the Qilou style spread across Asia, especially in tropical and subtropical cities. You can find similar structures in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Macau.
What Makes the Qilou a Signature Feature of Taiwan?
Although not exclusive, the systematic integration of the Qilou in Taiwan is highly distinctive.
During the Japanese colonial period, the Qilou was incorporated into urban planning and building regulations, resulting in a uniform, island-wide planning feature. This gives Taiwan's Qilou unparalleled consistency in terms of width, continuity, and scale, making them unique compared to other regions.
Climate Intelligence: The Four Main Functions of the Qilou
The Qilou's design is a clever response to Taiwan’s climate—characterized by hot, humid summers with convectional rainfall and northeasterly monsoon winds in winter. It is more than just a covered walkway; it is a crucial semi-outdoor space in the urban streetscape.
Shelter from Sun and Rain (Climate Regulation): This is the core function of the Qilou's environmental adaptation. It provides a buffer zone for pedestrians, ensuring safe and comfortable passage in both sunny and rainy conditions, minimizing the impact of extreme weather on daily life.Public Thoroughfare (Urban Design): Although privately owned, the Qilou is legally defined as part of the public road system. It ensures that in densely built areas, pedestrians still enjoy a continuous and uninterrupted walking path.
Commercial Activity (Economic Function): The Qilou traditionally serves as a commercial frontage. It protects both goods and customers, allowing shops to display products while creating a vibrant business façade for the city.
Pedestrian-Vehicle Separation (Traffic Safety): In early urban planning, the Qilou separated pedestrians from busy roads, providing a semi-public space that effectively reduced conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles.
Global Climate Architecture: The Qilou's International Cousins
In response to similar climatic conditions or urban needs, many regions worldwide feature characteristic architecture that serves a similar purpose. These structures showcase the universal wisdom of humanity in adapting to environmental challenges:
| Region | Similar Architecture | Feature and Environmental Response |
|---|---|---|
| South China (e.g., Guangzhou, Xiamen) | Qilou | Classic Lingnan style, featuring arched roofs and ornate decorations, designed for a hot and humid climate. |
| Southeast Asia (e.g., Malaysia, Singapore) | Kaki Lima (Five-Foot Way) | Influenced by the tropical climate and colonial heritage, often seen in historic shophouses. The name refers to a "five-foot wide walkway." |
| Italy (e.g., Bologna) | Portico | Historic arcade streets designed to shelter pedestrians. Unlike Asian Qilou, these are typically part of heritage building complexes rather than modern urban planning systems. |
Challenges and Future: The Controversies Surrounding the Qilou
As a model of sustainable architecture, the functionality of the Qilou is undeniable, yet its practical management faces challenges:
- Encroachment Issues: Qilou are often obstructed by private belongings, business facilities, or even illegal parking, undermining their function as a public thoroughfare.
- Accessibility Issues: The uneven height and surface of Qilou lack barrier-free design, posing difficulties for wheelchair users and parents with strollers.
Directions for the Future
To enhance the cultural value and practicality of the Qilou, Taiwan must continue to: optimize management regulations, strengthen enforcement of clear pathways, and improve accessibility design. This will allow this climate-responsive structure to truly serve all citizens.
The Qilou is not exclusive to Taiwan, but its systematic urban planning and brilliant adaptation to the tropical climate make it an indispensable asset in Taiwan's environmental and cultural landscape. By comparing it with similar structures worldwide, we can better appreciate the shared architectural intelligence humanity demonstrates in the pursuit of comfort and sustainability across diverse environments.
Does your city have any architectural features that cleverly adapt to the local climate?
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Easter Egg
On October 1, 2025, a hamster was out walking when suddenly a dark cloud drifted over,
followed by a heavy downpour. Startled,
hamster thought: "Good thing I was walking under the Qilou!"