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Lukang is a town in Changhua County, Taiwan Province. It borders the Taiwan Strait to the west and is adjacent to Xiushui Township to the east, Fuxing Township to the south, Xianxi Township to the north, and Hemei Township to the south. It covers an area of 39.46 square kilometers and has a population of 85,000.
One theory is that the name of Lugang came from the fact that this port exported a large amount of deerskin during the Dutch era.
Lukang boasts eight scenic spots and twelve unique attractions, including Winding Alleys on a Clear Winter Day, Carriage Behind the Ai Gate, Moon-Catching at Yi Tower, Setting Sun on the Wall, Reading Stele at the New Palace, Deep Spring at Yi Tower, Carved Railings at the Well, Thinking of the Source at Half the Well, and Viewing the Stone at Rimao. Each of these attractions has an interesting story or a distinctive architectural style.
Behind Zhongshan Road, in Jinsheng Lane, lies the scenic Jiuqu Alley and Shiyi Tower. The winding alley was designed to shield Lukang from the strong winter sea breezes, hence the phrase "Quanxiang Dongqing." Shiyi Tower, also known as the "Paomalou," is elegant and beautiful, a unique ancient building in Taiwan. Smaller jar walls exist near Shiyi Tower, but the best-preserved example is the Xie Residence, located approximately 100 meters from the Folk Cultural Heritage Museum. It boasts 120 wine jars, a unique display in Taiwan.
Among the twelve scenic spots, the most famous is "Yi Lou Chun Shen". Yi Lou, now called "Tian Yi Shi", is a Fujian-style attic located in the ancient Qingchang House on the side alley of Jiuqu Alley. There is a round window on the upstairs with gourds and ancient coins interlaced in the pattern, which is full of ancient charm and attracts the attention of tourists.
Lukang boasts a subtropical monsoon climate and boasts eight scenic spots and twelve scenic highlights, including Winding Alleys in Clear Winter, Carriage Behind the Ai Gate, Moon-Watching at Yi Tower, Setting Sun on the Wall, Reading Stele at New Palace, Spring in Yi Tower, Carved Railings at the Well, Thinking of the Source at Half the Well, and Viewing the Stone at Rimao. Each of these places has interesting stories or distinctive architectural forms, making it a suitable destination for travel in all seasons.
Tianhou Temple, Longshan Temple, Wenci Temple
It is recommended to visit for 2-3 days
Free and open
Open all day
Lukang, in Changhua County, Taiwan, is one of the oldest towns on the island. It has a rich cultural heritage, known for traditional temples, folk arts, and historic streets. Lukang was an important port in the Qing Dynasty, and its well-preserved architecture reflects Taiwan’s historical development.
Lukang is located in Changhua County, western Taiwan. It is accessible by bus from Taichung, Changhua, or Taipei. Local taxis are available for short distances, and walking is ideal for exploring the town center and old streets.
Temples and attractions are typically open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are spring and autumn for comfortable weather and local festivals, particularly the Mazu Festival.
Most temples and streets are free to enter. Some cultural centers or museums may charge a small fee, usually payable on-site. Online booking is generally not required.
Advance booking is not necessary for general visits. For guided tours or special events, booking a few days in advance is recommended.
Half a day to one full day is sufficient to explore Lukang’s main attractions, old streets, and temples. Two days allow for a more relaxed experience and cultural immersion.
Guided tours may be available in Chinese and occasionally English. Audio guides are limited; using a translation app or hiring a local guide is recommended for non-Chinese speakers.
Most attractions close by early evening. Special events or temple festivals may offer evening activities, particularly during Mazu celebrations.
Lukang can be crowded during weekends, holidays, and festival days. Weekdays and non-festival periods are the least crowded times to visit.
Facilities include public toilets, food stalls, souvenir shops, and small rest areas. Some temples provide water or seating areas for visitors.
Main streets and cultural centers are generally accessible, but some temples and older buildings have stairs and uneven surfaces. Elderly and disabled visitors should plan accordingly.
Cash is recommended for small shops, street food, and temple donations. Some larger cultural centers or restaurants accept cards or mobile payments.
Local eateries offer traditional Taiwanese cuisine, snacks, and drinks. Small cafes are available near Old Street for tea and desserts.
Vegetarian options are available at some temples and local restaurants. Halal options are limited, so planning ahead is advised.
Lukang offers boutique hotels, guesthouses, and homestays near the town center. Larger hotels are available in nearby Changhua City.
Souvenir shops sell traditional crafts, miniature temple models, Lukang-style paper lanterns, local snacks, and folk art items.
Travelers can take buses or taxis to Changhua City, Taichung, or other nearby towns. Renting a scooter or car is also popular for exploring the surrounding areas at your own pace.
