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Welcome to Lukang
The Chinese 「一府、二鹿、三艋舺」 means Lukang is the second largest town
in Taiwan. The history of the town of Lukang has been characterized by rapid
change. In the 17th century, Dutch occupiers used Lukang as a major harbor for
exports; in 1784 it was designated as the Taiwan seaport for shipping links with
the Hanchiang harbor at Chuanchou on the coast of mainland China. Thereby
becoming the gateway to central Taiwan. At that time the town was crowded with
stores that covered their facing streets with awnings, creating the famous 「no sky」market areas. Early in the present century the conservative residents
refused to allow the passage of major northsouth railways and highways, and the
harbor silted up as well, reducing Lukang from the second largest city in Taiwan
to a small back water town. It is this conservatism,too, that has allowed the
preservation of the traditional face of Lukang.
Once you come to Lukang, you will soon realize what a charming town. Everyone in
Lukang, will extend to you our warmest hospitality.
Lukang town mayor, Wang Hui-Mei
Natural Environment （自然景觀）
Lukang is situated on the west-central coast of Taiwan , at the
edge of the coastal plain. Although once a harbor, severe silting of the sea and
the Lukang River have left it some distance from the shore.
The climate is temperate to tropical; summers are hot with occasional
thunderstorms, the spring and fall have moderate temperatures, and winters are
cool. From September to the following March strong northeasterly monsoons blow
in large amounts of sand and dust, forming what is known locally as the
【September winds.】
Folk Celebrations （民俗慶典）
The 23rd day of the 3rd lunar month is the birthday of Matsu, Goddess of the
Sea, and on this day the Tienhou Temple is the site of huge and intensely
exciting celebrations. The 5th day of the 5th lunar month is the Dragon Boat
Festival. In addition to Dragon Boat races held on this day, Lukang is the venue
of a national folk arts festival that lasts for several days before and after
the boat races themselves. At this time, the old town regains some of its former
glory as huge crowds of visitors pack its narrow streets.
Traditional Handicrafts（傳統手工業）
The high valuation given to Lukang’s handiwork is seen in the fact that in the
old days, the best dowry a bride could offer was considered to be Lukang
furniture. Shops exhibiting rare traditional handicrafts can still be found
along Chungshan Road, the best known of which are woodworking, fan making,
incense manufacture, tin sculpture, and lantern making. There are more
recipients of Living Heritage awards here than anywhere else in Taiwan. When you
are in Lukang, be sure not to miss the opportunity to see these highly skilled
artisans at work！
Tienhou Temple （天后宮）
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 go 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.
Old market Street （古市街）
This street s 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.
Half-side well（半邊井）
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
ofr 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.
Nine-turns Lane/Shih Yih Hall （九曲巷/十宜樓）
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.
Lukang
Folk Arts Museum （鹿港民俗文物館）
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 Hsien0jung, 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 Groups:NT$90（over 20 people） Student’s
groups: NT$40（over 20 people）
Hours: 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m.
Remembrance Hall （意樓）
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.
Lungshan
Temple（龍山寺）
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 best0preserved and most beautiful Ching dynasty
building in Taiwan today. It is foremost of all temples in its excellence of
construction and in its exquisiteness of carvings. Its beauties are readily
apparent in its large main gate, the architecture of its structures, its classic
paintings by master Kuo Hsin0lin, 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.
Wenkai
Academy
Civil Shrine Martial Temple（文開書院/文祠/武廟）
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 modern 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.
Transportation
※From Taipei:
（1）United Highway Bus----It takes about three hours to reach Lukang from Taipei.
Direct
buses leave every hour from Chengteh Road（north of the Taipei train
station）Tel.
（02）25550085
（2）Taiwan motor transport Co. Bus---Take direct bus to Changhua at Taipei west
Station;
depatures every 30minutes; trip takes about 3 hours. At Changhua, make
the transfer
to a bus in Changhua. The bus station is across the street from the
train station and
opposite the McDonalds. It’s a 40 minutes ride to Lukang,
which is the last stop.
Tel.（02）223123413
（3）By railroad-----Take train to Changhua ;make the transfer to Lukang.
Tel.（04）
7246111
※ From Taichung-----Take bus to Lukang at 179 Fuhsing Rd. Sec. 4,Taichung;
departures every 15 minutes; trip takes about 11/2 hours. Tel.（04）2256430
For your information
＊For accommodation: Tienhou Temple Hotel , at 475 Chungshan Road
（tel:04-
7752508）A twin is NT$700 and a triple is NT$1100.
＊Organization: Lukang Town Administration Office（tel 04-7772668）
Lukang Library （tel: 04-7784337,04-7751724 Grace Hsu）
Lukang Cultural Foundation （tel:04-7780096 Miss Hung）
＊Information:
www.lukang.gov.tw
www.lukang.net
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