Located at the intersection of Xiaoyi Road and Zhongsi Road in Keelung City, this street, known as "Cowboy Street," is a unique alleyway under the overpass, specializing in denim clothing. After being redeveloped by the city government, it presents a different look. You can find any style of denim clothing you're looking for here, making it a must-visit for denim enthusiasts who love denim, follow trends, and find bargains. In addition, there are specialty shops selling military-issue items and kits; tourists who enjoy buying military uniforms and supplies should definitely check it out.
Actually, Cowboy Street and consignment shops were originally places where sailors or American soldiers would bring foreign goods to sell after disembarking at Keelung Harbor. Before tourism opened up, these imported goods were the most fashionable items. Denim clothing was concentrated in the Zilai Street area. Since Cowboy Street was right next to the harbor, the surrounding area was inhabited by sailors or laborers. Due to the demands of their work environment, they needed to wear durable work pants to avoid having to buy new ones every few days. Jeans perfectly met these requirements, making them very popular among sailors and laborers. As a result, shops specializing in jeans opened one after another, and the area enjoyed a period of prosperity. However, after tourism opened up and various imported brands entered the market, Cowboy Street gradually declined.
The original Cowboy Street mainly sold secondhand goods, but now it's more about wholesale. You can find everything from jeans and denim jackets to one or two military supply stores, offering everything from retro chunky sneakers to trendy US military jackets – you can find military gear from head to toe. Many of the shops here have been passed down through generations. Through government and private cooperation, in 1997, the street was completely renovated, with trees planted along both sides and a scenic walkway created. The street is very well maintained, and currently about ten shops are still open. Interested tourists can still visit and find jeans they like.