【彰化縣 鹿港老街】Lukang Old Street in Changhua County
While visiting Taichung, my best friend suggested visiting Lukang (鹿港), an old port town renowned for its rich history and well-preserved traditional buildings.
Accompanied by her boyfriend, we drove to the city, where they both gave me a brief overview of its history. It turns out that Lukang is actually a very popular tourist destination in Changhua County and is fairly close to Taichung!
brief history
Lukang's name is derived from "deer port" (鹿 = deer + 港 = port) which came from its trading of deerskin during the Dutch period.
As one of the oldest towns in Taiwan, Lukang has a fascinating past that is still visible in its traditional architecture.
Unlike other ports such as Taipei and Tainan, Lukang has preserved many of its historic buildings, some of which are still inhabited by locals.
Lukang Old Street map
getting there
From Taichung
🚗 BY CAR OR PRIVATE DRIVER
Renting a car is a flexible option if you’re comfortable driving in Taiwan. Or, for a stress-free ride, hire an English-speaking private driver via Daytrip, who can also stop at scenic spots and share fun facts along the way!
🚌 BY BUS
Hop on the direct 9018 bus from Taichung Gancheng Station. It takes around 1 hour 40 minutes and drops you near Lukang Old Street — easy and budget-friendly!
Don’t forget to use your EasyCard to scan when you get on and off the bus!
🎫 BY GUIDED TOUR
Want a smooth, no-planning-needed experience? Book this Taichung to Lukang day tour that includes transportation and a guide who’ll walk you through the history and hidden gems of Lukang.
From Taipei
🚗 RENT A CAR
Driving from Taipei to Lukang takes about 2 hours 15 minutes without traffic—perfect if you want to explore central Taiwan at your own pace.
🚐 HIRE A PRIVATE DRIVER
Prefer to sit back and relax? Hire a private driver through Daytrip from Taipei to Lukang. Bonus: they speak English and can suggest scenic stops along the way.
🚄 BY TRAINS + BUS
Take the High Speed Rail (HSR) to Taichung, transfer to the MRT or local train, then take a bus to Lukang. It’s a bit more involved, but a great choice for those with a HSR pass or on a budget.
things to do
Lukang Tianhou Temple
The Lukang Mazu Temple, also known as Lukang Tianhou Temple, is one of the three historical sites in Lukang. It was first constructed in 1660 during the Qing Dynasty by General Shi Lang and was dedicated to the Chinese Goddess Mazu, who is associated with the sea. The temple's statue was imported from Meizhou, China.
Lukang Ancient House of Ding’s Family
One of the oldest preserved houses in Taiwan is over 200 years old. It has been converted into a free museum for visitors.
This Fujian-style house, founded in the Qing dynasty (1684 - 1895), is the last remaining home of the imperial scholar Ding Pushi in Lukang. Ding Pushi was believed to have an Arab bloodline due to the trading center in China. Many Arab and Persian merchant families traded during that time, and as Lukang was known for its trading ports, it attracted many merchants and settlers from the Fujian area to Taiwan.
Walk down old alleyways
We only explored a small portion (about 15%) of Lukang due to the crowds. It was super crowded during the weekend. Despite this, we still managed to see a lot.
One of my favorite highlights was walking along the narrow alleys. They made me feel like I was stepping back in time.
In one of the alleys, there was a qipao (旗袍) store, a traditional one-piece Chinese dress, where you can rent a qipao and accessories and stroll around town. I really wanted to rent one, but at the same time, my goal that day was to try and find a qipao to buy instead of renting one, hehe. 🙃
Try local street food
One of the highlights was the tanghulu (糖葫芦), a classic Taiwanese dessert consisting of hard sugar-coated fruit on a skewer. I learned the hard way to be cautious while eating it, as I accidentally punctured my gum while biting into the fruit too eagerly!
Additionally, we tried their freshly-made mini dorayakis with various fillings (such as chocolate, red bean, or vanilla).
Lastly, we visited a small shop known for their mianxian (麵線), a thin vermicelli noodle soup with pork. Thankfully, they had a vegetarian option available for me which you can request when ordering!
know before you go!
BEST TIME TO GO
Spring, Fall, or Winter has better weather for exploring. Note that some street vendors might be closed on Mondays.
DRESS CODE
Casual
PAYMENT
While some vendors might accept mobile payments, it's best to carry cash.
PERFECT FOR
Explore historical sites. Eat delicious street food. Find nostalgic items that bring back childhood memories.
PET POLICY
Leashed pets are welcome.
PUBLIC FACILITIES
Two public restrooms are located near the temples. Be prepared for a mix of squat toilets and regular toilets.
PRICING
$ Entrance to Lukang Old Street is free. However, expect to pay for food, shopping, and other activities.
FAQ
Q: Is Lukang Old Street worth visiting?
A: Yes! Lukang Old Street is a perfect stop to check out Taiwan’s unique history, traditional architecture, and mouthwatering street foods.
HOURS
Monday - Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
LOCATION
No. 3號, Butou St, Lukang Township,
Changhua County, Taiwan 505
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Epoch Times: Lukang Old Street is rich in history and culture
Life of Taiwan: Lukang
Taiwan: Lukang Tianhou Temple
Wikipedia: Lukang, Changhua
check out my Taichung travel vlog
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02282023 11:20
Last Updated: 05.22.2025
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