Lugang Township 鹿港 literally means “Deer Harbor”. This name comes from a time when wild deer roamed the area and the town was actually on the coast. Today, however, runoff and silt has moved the coast quite a distance away and there are almost no deer to be seen.
The Lugang Taiwan of today is still a bustling little place. The preserved architecture and alleyways have attracted visitors to the town for many years and it has become a popular destination to see bits and pieces of old Taiwan and enjoy some traditional foods.
Lugang Taiwan Deer
The symbol of Lugang is the deer and can be seen all over town including here on top of street signs.
Lugang Taiwan Old Street
Visiting Lugang Taiwan now consists of a few attractions. The Old Street is a collection of streets and alleyways full of vendors and food set among old Taiwanese houses and storefronts.
Vendors are always eager to let you try their merchandise.
There are great snacks and foods available all over Lugang. Here is our page on What to eat in Lugang.
Getting to Lugang, Taiwan
Getting to Lugang is easy by car. Just follow Route 142 West from the city of Chang Hua all the way to its end. There are also plenty of direct buses from Chang Hua to Lugang. The trip takes about 35 minutes.
A map of Lugang and where the old street and Tian Hou Gong temple are situated.
Funky Things to See in Lugang Taiwan
There are pleny of signs around Lugang in English and Chinese showing the various spots of the town.The Jiuqu Lane is an interesting place to walk through.
The Old Street of Lugang is also bustling and busy.
As you wander around the alleys of Lugang near the old street, you will notice up kept and refinished old Taiwanese style houses.
Wander Lugang’s Alleys
The houses and alleys give you a sense of life in old Taiwan.
Today, many of the houses are still used as residences and some have been turned into shops or restaurants for visitors.
A shop selling old Taiwan souvenirs.
A shop selling traditional signs and trinkets from the old days of Taiwan.
Wandering the alleys of Lugang is fun and there are great angles for photographers to capture unique images.
A vendor hangs colorful scarves along an alley in Lugang.
More signs for visitors to explore different alleys and houses of Lugang.
Old Taiwan Structures
A residence along an old alley of Lugang.
Some houses still have water pumps direct to the wells. In the old days, wells, were scattered all over the town for villagers to use.
The famous “Half Well” was actually a private well located in the foyer of a household. The Wang family, who owned the well, decided to open half the well to the alley so the less fortunate could use it as well.
The Nine Turns Alley is a famous place in Lugang. The houses were built in a T shape instead of a square configuration. This was to limit the effects of the strong September winds that blew through the town. In the winter, these houses have more moderate temperatures.
More interesting houses and brickwork in Lugang.
There are several small temples peppered across Lugang. Many are found within the small alleyways.
A small Tibetan temple with prayer wheels sits near the Lugang Old Street.
High story buildings are rare in Lugang, however, this one stands at 3 stories and is very unique.
Tour maps can be found in English around the towns and alleyways.
At nightfall, the day visitors leave and the old street becomes quiet again. Many vendors begin to pack up for the day so not much happens at night in Lugang.
Other Sites Related to Lugang:
7 Thing You Must Eat in Lugang
