Located near the No. 5 Water Gate on the banks of the Tamsui River, Dadaocheng Wharf thrived in earlier years as an entrepot for trade along the river. Tea, cotton and silk textiles were among the main products bought and sold here, attracting trading companies from across the western world. Dadaocheng's fortunes as a trading center went into decline during the Japanese colonial era. In recent years, however, this area has experienced a revival as a tourism destination, bicycling spot, and departure point for boat tours along the Tamsui River.