Touring Historic Lukang

Tourist Sites

1.Tienhou Temple

　Today's temple is the result of a renovation in 1936. The host deity here is Matsu, Goddess of the Sea, who is said to have helped the Ching dynasty forces take Taiwan from holdout Ming loyalists in the 17th century. The Matsu image that the Ching officials brought with them was then left to be worshipped in Lukang, where her temple became extremely popular because of the close connection of Lukang's people to the sea. The opulently beautiful temple as it appears today was built by masters who were all especially chosen for their skills. Its Tachuan Hall, especially, is the masterpiece of famous masters, and the rear hall houses the admission-free Matsu Culture Museum.

2.Handicraft Shops on Chungshan Road

　Chungshan Road is Lukang's busiest street, with traditional handicraft shops standing closely shoulder to shoulder. In shops that carve palanquins for the gods you can see how the chairs that transport the deities on their processions are made with meticulous woodworking techniques and carving skills. Shops that produce the religious images themselves continue to practice carving in the traditional Chuanchou style of Fuchien province. Makers of traditional wooden furniture still use the materials and exquisite handwork of former times to turn out sacrificial offering tables and other items. Other handicrafts produced on this street include fans, incense, tin sculptures, and ornamental lanterns,among other things.

3.Old Market Street

　This street is made up of the curved, red-tiled lanes of today's Putou, Yaolin, and Tayu streets. Both sides of the streets are lined with newly renovated old-style shop buildings that feature intensely interesting internal room layouts and old-style exteriors. Here you can feel some of the atmosphere of old Lukang.

4.Wu Tun-hou Lantern Shop

　The old master, a recipient of the Living Heritage award and a national treasure, concentrates his white eyebrows as he focuses his attention on weaving the frames and painting the cotton gauze that covers his lanterns. In his shop you can see a collection of gorgeous lanterns and observe the entire process of their production. This is an aspect of Lukang that you will not want to miss.

5.Half-side Well

　In olden times it was only the wealthy who could afford to dig a well. Out of concern for those less fortunate, the owner of this well kept only half of it for his own use and offered the other half as a water supply for those who could not afford their own wells. The well is unused now, and all that is left is its mud-filled mouth. Still, it is a poignant reminder of the magnanimous spirit of Lukang's people.

6.Shih Chin-yu Incense Shop

　You are immediately aware of a strong aroma of sandalwood as you enter this old shop, which has been in business for more than 200 years. The ancestral blend of ingredients and meticulous hand-production methods, together with the numerous temples in the vicinity that bring a steady stream of customers, have combined to create the centuries-old reputation of Shih Chin-yu's "Lukang incense ." 



7.Nine-turns Lane/Shih Yih Hall

　Also known as Chinsheng Lane, this lane was built with many turns and curves to prevent the entry of bandits and avoid damage from the "September winds." In today's modernized Nine-turns Lane you can still feel a highly unusual sense of space.  At one place an elevated corridor connects buildings on the two sides of the lane, giving access to Shih Yi Hall; according to legend, this was a meeting place for the literati.  Beside it is the Gun Tower, which in early times was used for defense.



8.Wan-neng Tin Shop

　In the old days, tin utensils were essential items for weddings and religious purposes.  The proprietor of this shop is Living Heritage awardee Chen Wan-neng, who is the fourth-generation practitioner of his craft.  His glass display cases exhibit all kinds of silvery bright tin items; if you're lucky, you might see Chen Wan-neng himself, creating another masterpiece.


9.Lukang Folk Arts Museum 

　The European-style structure that houses this museum appears somewhat out of place amid the traditional buildings of Lukang. Originally the residence of a wealthy local landholder named Ku Hsien-jung, it was later donated as a place to exhibit a large collection of artifacts, many of them articles of daily use in ancient times.  Observation of this museum should cover three aspects: the external appearance of the opulent building, the complicated layout of its rooms, and the collection of folk artifacts within.


Ticket price：

Full ticket, NT$130

military personnel, children, groups, and senior citizens over 65, NT$70


Hours：AM 9:00∼PM 5:00


10.Remembrance Hall 

　The round window of Remembrance Hall is made of tiles in patterns of calabash gourds and ancient Chinese coins, symbolizing good fortune and wealth.  Unusual window designs are a common sight in the lanes and alleys of Lukang.



11.Lungshan Temple

　Originally established in the 17th century, moved to its present location in 1786, and rebuilt several times, Lungshan Temple is a large and imposing structure that is recognized as the best-preserved and most beautiful Ching dynasty building in Taiwan today.  It is foremost of all temples in its excellence of construction and in its exquiteness of carvings.  Its beauties are readily apparent in its large main gate, the architecture of its structures, its classic paintings by master Kuo Hsin-lin, its uniquely ornate opera stage, its carved windows, its stone sculptures, and much more.  Equally attractive is the expansive tranquillity of its courtyards and halls, which provide an ideal spot for worship and for quiet contemplation.  It is different from all other temples in Taiwan that are oriented primarily toward the needs of worshippers alone.  For its history, its enchanting layout, and its architectural art alike, Lungshan Temple is worthy of careful study and enjoyment.



12.Wenkai Academy/Civil Shrine/Martial Temple

　This structure serves the functions of temple, shrine, and school in a combination rarely seen elsewhere in Taiwan--a combination of education and religious worship.  Before the establishment of a school system, the Wenkai Academy nurtured a large number of Lukang's cultural elite.  The Civil Shrine once housed Lukang's first literary group, and its two walls contain the works of prominent modem Lukang calligraphers.  The main deity in the Martial Temple is Kuan Kung, the God of War, a symbol of uprightness and bravery.  Since Kuan Kung was good at accounting and the management of finances as well, he is also worshipped by business people as the God of Commerce.





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