Lugang, Taiwan

Lugang is located on the west coast of Taiwan. It was an important seaport in the 18th and 19th century and was the most populous city in central Taiwan until the 20th century. After that, the harbor silted and the city refused to allow railroads to pass through the city, leading to its decline. The town remained lost in time and didn't modernize. Today, the town is a tourist attraction and it is well worth a visit to see life in old Taiwan. Most of the sights can be seen in a day.

 

Longshan Temple--the oldest Buddhist temple in Lugang.

 

The temple has the most famous carved dragons in all of Taiwan. One dragon is climbing up the column while the other is climbing down.

 

Mo-Ru Alley (Breast Touching Alley). This is one of many narrow streets in Lugang. The street is so narrow that when two people try to pass in the street, their breasts touch. These streets existed as a fire lane.

 

 

Wall of Jars--Giant wine bottles were placed inside ships to stabilize them as they traveled from China to Taiwan. Once the bottles arrived, they were used to decorate walls. There is only a small section that has been preserved.

 

Folk Art Museum of Lugang. The Koo family was a wealthy family who built this French Baroque mansion in 1913. This served as their residence until they donated it and established the Folk Art Museum in 1973.

 

Old Market Street. This was my favorite attraction in Lugang. The windy road leads past many old residences that have been turned into shops and art galleries. Many old masters still create their ware here.

 

One of the old masters on Old Market Street is a woodcarver. Look at the intricate details.

 

Half-sided well. In the past, only the rich could afford a well. Reflecting the generosity of the Taiwanese, the wealthy would build a well and allow the public to access it from the street while the other half was for their private use on the other side of the wall.

Matsu Temple--the other great temple in Lugang. This is located at the north end of the town and pays homage to the black-faced Matsu, goddess of the sea. People now pray to her regarding health, career, farming and relationship issues.

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