Lukang
Nowadays Lukang is a small, sleepy town, for most of the year Yet, until the end of the 19th century, Lugang was an important commercial center, second only to Tainan. Junks laden with rice, sugar and camphor sailed from Lukang to the coast of China. On the way back they carried finished goods such as clothing and pottery and, also, settlers. Granite slabs, used as ballast on the ships, often ended their journey as part of the mansions of the rich merchants of Lukang. The end of Lukang arrives when the harbor, which had never been deep and suitable for the larger vessels, silted completely – now the sea is more than 2 kms away. The coup de grace was given by the Japanese invasion, that shut down most of the trade with mainland China, and by the stubborn conservatorism of the elders of the city, that persuaded the Japanese to build the new railway as far as possible from Lukang. The development of Lukang stopped. The city still does not exceed 30,000 inhabitants. The only activities that remained, up until now, were the numerous temples and handicrafts, which are mostly just focused to serve the needs of temples and religious followers. The city became simply too poor. Several old buildings, instead of being demolished to make room for new ones, as happened in the rest of Taiwan, have remained until today. Nowadays Lukang offers a look at lifestyles, traditions and rituals typical of old China. And, above all, two or three of the most beautiful and interesting Chinese temples throughout Taiwan. You will find that, on some guides and road signs, Lukang is also written as Lugang. Lukang is the oldest and most well-known “romanization”, Lugang is the new official spelling that follows the rules of Hanyu Pinyin, the system that is also in use in mainland China and recently became official also in Taiwan. The name Lukang means “Deers Harbour”. For sure deers abounded around Lukang 200 years ago and deer skins were one of the main products exported by the city – especially to Japan. It seems anyway that the city’s name comes from the corruption of a former Aboriginal name. Source: www.taichung.guide
Nowadays Lukang is a small, sleepy town, for most of the year Yet, until the end of the 19th century, Lugang was an important commercial center, second only to Tainan. Junks laden with rice, sugar and camphor sailed from Lukang to the coast of China. On the way back they carried finished goods such as clothing and pottery and, also, settlers. Granite slabs, used as ballast on the ships, often ended their journey as part of the mansions of the rich merchants of Lukang. The end of Lukang arrives when the harbor, which had never been deep and suitable for the larger vessels, silted completely – now the sea is more than 2 kms away. The coup de grace was given by the Japanese invasion, that shut down most of the trade with mainland China, and by the stubborn conservatorism of the elders of the city, that persuaded the Japanese to build the new railway as far as possible from Lukang. The development of Lukang stopped. The city still does not exceed 30,000 inhabitants. The only activities that remained, up until now, were the numerous temples and handicrafts, which are mostly just focused to serve the needs of temples and religious followers. The city became simply too poor. Several old buildings, instead of being demolished to make room for new ones, as happened in the rest of Taiwan, have remained until today. Nowadays Lukang offers a look at lifestyles, traditions and rituals typical of old China. And, above all, two or three of the most beautiful and interesting Chinese temples throughout Taiwan. You will find that, on some guides and road signs, Lukang is also written as Lugang. Lukang is the oldest and most well-known “romanization”, Lugang is the new official spelling that follows the rules of Hanyu Pinyin, the system that is also in use in mainland China and recently became official also in Taiwan. The name Lukang means “Deers Harbour”. For sure deers abounded around Lukang 200 years ago and deer skins were one of the main products exported by the city – especially to Japan. It seems anyway that the city’s name comes from the corruption of a former Aboriginal name. Source: www.taichung.guide
Sanshan Guowang Temple
was built in the 2nd year of Emperor Qianlong in Qing Dynasty (1737). The establishment of this temple proves that there were Chaozhou opening ground in this place in early days. Lukang Sanshan Guowang Temple enshrines gods from three mountains, Jin-shan, Ming-shan and Du-shan, in Guangdong Jieyang County; it was a temple built by Chaozhou and Hakka people. The initial temple located at street corner of today’s Zhongshan Road and Minchuan Road. It was situated at the north-east and faced the south-west direction. In the back, it was Lukang Sanshan Guowang Temple’s public graves. Sanshan Guowang Temple once was renovated in the 24th year of Emperor Daoguang in Qing Dynasty (1844). In the 15th year of Dazheng (1926), Japanese moved Sanshan Guowang Temple to current location (No.276, Zhongshan Road). In 1985, Sanshan Guowang Temple was appointed as the third-class historic site. In 2003, a back hall was added to enshrine wives of the Sanshan Guowang gods. Sanshan Guowang Temple initially had the construction layout of “single shop width and one structure”; however, in recent years the structure expands to be having “three structures and two yards”. The appointed historic site area at present is the building of Sanchuan Hall. Door plank at both sides of Sanchuan Hall has delicate engravings; on the roof it is flower and bird pattern and the wall blocks have refined engravings of “Bai-Ren-Tang” and “Fen-Yang-Fu” respectively. Door gods on the front door are Qin-Shu-Bao and Wei-Chi-Gong; those are works by Lukang’s color painting master Wang, Xi-He. Source: http://tourism.chcg.gov.tw
was built in the 2nd year of Emperor Qianlong in Qing Dynasty (1737). The establishment of this temple proves that there were Chaozhou opening ground in this place in early days. Lukang Sanshan Guowang Temple enshrines gods from three mountains, Jin-shan, Ming-shan and Du-shan, in Guangdong Jieyang County; it was a temple built by Chaozhou and Hakka people. The initial temple located at street corner of today’s Zhongshan Road and Minchuan Road. It was situated at the north-east and faced the south-west direction. In the back, it was Lukang Sanshan Guowang Temple’s public graves. Sanshan Guowang Temple once was renovated in the 24th year of Emperor Daoguang in Qing Dynasty (1844). In the 15th year of Dazheng (1926), Japanese moved Sanshan Guowang Temple to current location (No.276, Zhongshan Road). In 1985, Sanshan Guowang Temple was appointed as the third-class historic site. In 2003, a back hall was added to enshrine wives of the Sanshan Guowang gods. Sanshan Guowang Temple initially had the construction layout of “single shop width and one structure”; however, in recent years the structure expands to be having “three structures and two yards”. The appointed historic site area at present is the building of Sanchuan Hall. Door plank at both sides of Sanchuan Hall has delicate engravings; on the roof it is flower and bird pattern and the wall blocks have refined engravings of “Bai-Ren-Tang” and “Fen-Yang-Fu” respectively. Door gods on the front door are Qin-Shu-Bao and Wei-Chi-Gong; those are works by Lukang’s color painting master Wang, Xi-He. Source: http://tourism.chcg.gov.tw
Chang Huang Temple
In the 19th year of Emperor Daoguang in Qing Dynasty (1839), Lin Family of the Rimaohang and local gentry sincerely invited Chenghuang from Quanzhou Yongning (Ao-Cheng) to Lukang. Because the Chenghuang Temple in Yongning was called “Aoting Temple”, Lukang Chenghuang Temple also continued using the ancient temple’s name, Aoting Temple, as the name. The Main Hall enshrines Chenghuang, who was conferred the title of “Zhong-You-Hou”. The tablet of “Xie Li Yin Yang” above the shrine tells that Chenghuang-Ye is in charge of the administration of both Yin and Yang circles. In the 28th year of Emperor Daoguang in Qing Dynasty (1848), there was an earthquake in Changhua and Lukang areas, causing severe damages to Chenghuang Temple. Thus, local gentry suggested renovating the temple. The renovation work was finished in the 30th year of Emperor Daoguang (1850). Today the gold edge tablet of “Lukang Chenghuang Temple Renovation” was contributed by officers, boatmen, shops, and trade associations at the time of renovation. It was Chenghuang Temple’s important historical source. In the 8th year of Emperor Showa (1933), Lukang implemented urban correction plan; Lukang Bujiantian St. was dismantled and Lukang Chenghuang Temple’s courtyard and Sanchuan Hall were all demolished. Only the Sacrificial Hall, Main Hall, and Back Hall left. After restoration, the temple was once renovated in 1958. In 1985, it was appointed as the third-class historic site. In 1995, the Government put up capital to renovate the temple and rebuilt the building of Sanchuan Hall. The renovation work was completed in 1997. During the renovation, the engravings of the wooden door screen’s window block of the Sanchuan Hall were works by Heritage Award’s Shih, Zheng Yang; thus, those are having great artistic values. Chenghuang Temple is an architecture of two structures and one yard; it has Sanchuan Hall, Main Hall, and Back Hall. In the Chenghuang Temple, there is an abacus and copper mirror, symbolizing that Chenghuang-Ye uses abacus to calculate people’s merits and demerits when they were alive. Copper mirror has the meaning of “knowing precisely good and evil.” Source: http://tourism.chcg.gov.tw
In the 19th year of Emperor Daoguang in Qing Dynasty (1839), Lin Family of the Rimaohang and local gentry sincerely invited Chenghuang from Quanzhou Yongning (Ao-Cheng) to Lukang. Because the Chenghuang Temple in Yongning was called “Aoting Temple”, Lukang Chenghuang Temple also continued using the ancient temple’s name, Aoting Temple, as the name. The Main Hall enshrines Chenghuang, who was conferred the title of “Zhong-You-Hou”. The tablet of “Xie Li Yin Yang” above the shrine tells that Chenghuang-Ye is in charge of the administration of both Yin and Yang circles. In the 28th year of Emperor Daoguang in Qing Dynasty (1848), there was an earthquake in Changhua and Lukang areas, causing severe damages to Chenghuang Temple. Thus, local gentry suggested renovating the temple. The renovation work was finished in the 30th year of Emperor Daoguang (1850). Today the gold edge tablet of “Lukang Chenghuang Temple Renovation” was contributed by officers, boatmen, shops, and trade associations at the time of renovation. It was Chenghuang Temple’s important historical source. In the 8th year of Emperor Showa (1933), Lukang implemented urban correction plan; Lukang Bujiantian St. was dismantled and Lukang Chenghuang Temple’s courtyard and Sanchuan Hall were all demolished. Only the Sacrificial Hall, Main Hall, and Back Hall left. After restoration, the temple was once renovated in 1958. In 1985, it was appointed as the third-class historic site. In 1995, the Government put up capital to renovate the temple and rebuilt the building of Sanchuan Hall. The renovation work was completed in 1997. During the renovation, the engravings of the wooden door screen’s window block of the Sanchuan Hall were works by Heritage Award’s Shih, Zheng Yang; thus, those are having great artistic values. Chenghuang Temple is an architecture of two structures and one yard; it has Sanchuan Hall, Main Hall, and Back Hall. In the Chenghuang Temple, there is an abacus and copper mirror, symbolizing that Chenghuang-Ye uses abacus to calculate people’s merits and demerits when they were alive. Copper mirror has the meaning of “knowing precisely good and evil.” Source: http://tourism.chcg.gov.tw
Tianhou Temple
was built in the end of Ming Dynasty and the beginning of Qing Dynasty; the temple enshrines Goddess Mazu, which was one of tutelary gods for people in Minnan area in early days. In the 3rd year of Emperor Yongzheng in Qing Dynasty (1725), Shi, Shi-bang contributed the place and relocated the Mazu Temple to current location in today. The Tianhou Temple was renovated in the 13th year of Emperor Tongzhi in Qing Dynasty (1874) and the 11th year of Emperor Showa (1936) in succession. Today’s temple appearance is the pattern and layout from the renovation in the 11th year of Emperor Showa. The temple was appointed as the third-class historic site in 1985 and a Mazu Folk Art Hall was established in 1992. Tianhou Temple still preserves the “Shen Zhao Hai Biao” horizontal inscribed board bestowed by Emperor Yongzheng, the “Shen Zhao Hai Biao” horizontal inscribed board bestowed by Emperor Qianlong, the “Yu Tian Tong Gong” horizontal inscribed board bestowed by Emperor Guangxu, and horizontal inscribed boards presented by Fujian Governor Shao-Lan Wang, Lukang officers Lan-Pei Wang and Shou-Ming Sun, and Fujian Land Route Prefect Wen-Mo Xu. All are Lukang Tianhou Temple’s very important cultural assets. The temple has the layout of three structures and two yards; it has front Hall (Sanchuan Hall), main Hall, and back Hall. Sanchuan Hall has five shop widths' structure pattern; it has Eight Trigrams Door at both sides. Main door’s space extends inward and forms an “Au-Shou” pattern, creating a gradational space aesthetic for Sanchuan Hall. The stone carvings and wood carvings in Sanchuan Hall were made of exquisite carving skills; those are hailed as one of the most delicate works in Taiwan by the academic circles. Tianhou Temple’s splendid stone window carvings, protruding dragon and tiger stone carvings, and delicate color drawing and woodcarvings on building frames are great master’s crafts that worth you to taste slowly. Source: http://tourism.chcg.gov.tw
was built in the end of Ming Dynasty and the beginning of Qing Dynasty; the temple enshrines Goddess Mazu, which was one of tutelary gods for people in Minnan area in early days. In the 3rd year of Emperor Yongzheng in Qing Dynasty (1725), Shi, Shi-bang contributed the place and relocated the Mazu Temple to current location in today. The Tianhou Temple was renovated in the 13th year of Emperor Tongzhi in Qing Dynasty (1874) and the 11th year of Emperor Showa (1936) in succession. Today’s temple appearance is the pattern and layout from the renovation in the 11th year of Emperor Showa. The temple was appointed as the third-class historic site in 1985 and a Mazu Folk Art Hall was established in 1992. Tianhou Temple still preserves the “Shen Zhao Hai Biao” horizontal inscribed board bestowed by Emperor Yongzheng, the “Shen Zhao Hai Biao” horizontal inscribed board bestowed by Emperor Qianlong, the “Yu Tian Tong Gong” horizontal inscribed board bestowed by Emperor Guangxu, and horizontal inscribed boards presented by Fujian Governor Shao-Lan Wang, Lukang officers Lan-Pei Wang and Shou-Ming Sun, and Fujian Land Route Prefect Wen-Mo Xu. All are Lukang Tianhou Temple’s very important cultural assets. The temple has the layout of three structures and two yards; it has front Hall (Sanchuan Hall), main Hall, and back Hall. Sanchuan Hall has five shop widths' structure pattern; it has Eight Trigrams Door at both sides. Main door’s space extends inward and forms an “Au-Shou” pattern, creating a gradational space aesthetic for Sanchuan Hall. The stone carvings and wood carvings in Sanchuan Hall were made of exquisite carving skills; those are hailed as one of the most delicate works in Taiwan by the academic circles. Tianhou Temple’s splendid stone window carvings, protruding dragon and tiger stone carvings, and delicate color drawing and woodcarvings on building frames are great master’s crafts that worth you to taste slowly. Source: http://tourism.chcg.gov.tw
Fentian Temple
During the Xianlong era, there had been frequent outbreaks of plague and the local officers could not solve the problem. At that time, the patrol officer Shen Jia-Rui had heard much about the Su royal highness and his blessings. Thus, he went to him to pray for care of the people. Soon the epidemic outbreak was gone and the news of the god’s blessings spread all over Taiwan and the coastal area in China. Anyone who prayed had been answered. From Quanzhou, Shishi, Jinjiang and Qianjiang, there had been prays that were answered. Every several years, the god instructed to go back to Lukang and worship the ancestors. Many temples and gods were originally from China. However, the Su royal highness in Fengtian Temple began right in Lukang, which was rare to spread from Taiwan to China. Source: http://tourism.chcg.gov.tw
During the Xianlong era, there had been frequent outbreaks of plague and the local officers could not solve the problem. At that time, the patrol officer Shen Jia-Rui had heard much about the Su royal highness and his blessings. Thus, he went to him to pray for care of the people. Soon the epidemic outbreak was gone and the news of the god’s blessings spread all over Taiwan and the coastal area in China. Anyone who prayed had been answered. From Quanzhou, Shishi, Jinjiang and Qianjiang, there had been prays that were answered. Every several years, the god instructed to go back to Lukang and worship the ancestors. Many temples and gods were originally from China. However, the Su royal highness in Fengtian Temple began right in Lukang, which was rare to spread from Taiwan to China. Source: http://tourism.chcg.gov.tw
Rih Mao Hang Temple
Sinzu Temple
Nanjing Temple
In the 48th year of Emperor Qianlong in Qing Dynasty (1783), people from Nanjing County, Zhangzhou Fu, Fujian invited the statue of Guan-Sheng Dijun to Taiwan and built a temple near Lukang Ganqian. Main Deity enshrined in the Main Hall is Guang-Sheng Dijun; the temple also enshrines Guang Ping and Zhou-Cang. Nanjing Temple once was extended in the 5th year of Emperor Jiaqing in Qing Dynasty (1800) and renovated in the 20th year of Emperor Daoguang in Qing Dynasty (1840). Until 1970, the temple was inclined and worn down by the years without repair. Thus, believers suggested to renovate and then established an administration committee. On July 14th, 2000, the temple was appointed as county level historic site. The restoration work was carried out in 2003 and finished in 2004 to keep Nanjing Temple’s cultural assets. Nanjing Temple’s structural layout is single shop width, two structures, and one yards; the structures are Sanchuan Hall and Main Hall respectively. The Door God’s color painting works in the Sanchuan Hall are works by Lukang Master Wang, Xi-He. And in the Main Hall, the Door-God’s painting style adopts Lukang’s Kuo Sect. Couplets at both sides of front door was composed by Lukang scholar Zhu, Qi-Nan and written by Calligrapher Chen, Bai-Chuan. The calligraphy at the dragon side of the courtyard was written by Wang, Han-Ying and at the tiger side was written by Wang, Chong-Wu. Source: http://tourism.chcg.gov.tw
In the 48th year of Emperor Qianlong in Qing Dynasty (1783), people from Nanjing County, Zhangzhou Fu, Fujian invited the statue of Guan-Sheng Dijun to Taiwan and built a temple near Lukang Ganqian. Main Deity enshrined in the Main Hall is Guang-Sheng Dijun; the temple also enshrines Guang Ping and Zhou-Cang. Nanjing Temple once was extended in the 5th year of Emperor Jiaqing in Qing Dynasty (1800) and renovated in the 20th year of Emperor Daoguang in Qing Dynasty (1840). Until 1970, the temple was inclined and worn down by the years without repair. Thus, believers suggested to renovate and then established an administration committee. On July 14th, 2000, the temple was appointed as county level historic site. The restoration work was carried out in 2003 and finished in 2004 to keep Nanjing Temple’s cultural assets. Nanjing Temple’s structural layout is single shop width, two structures, and one yards; the structures are Sanchuan Hall and Main Hall respectively. The Door God’s color painting works in the Sanchuan Hall are works by Lukang Master Wang, Xi-He. And in the Main Hall, the Door-God’s painting style adopts Lukang’s Kuo Sect. Couplets at both sides of front door was composed by Lukang scholar Zhu, Qi-Nan and written by Calligrapher Chen, Bai-Chuan. The calligraphy at the dragon side of the courtyard was written by Wang, Han-Ying and at the tiger side was written by Wang, Chong-Wu. Source: http://tourism.chcg.gov.tw
Banbian (“Half-Side”) Well
is actually a complete well located within residence of Wang Family in Yaolin Street. In early days, it is not possible that every family can have the finance to dig a well of their own. The master of the household had, therefore, dug well by the side of wall, while half side of it was offered for use of neighbors, and the half-side in one’s courtyard for own use, demonstrating traditional virtue of playing good neighbor. On the threshold of Wang Residence, it is set down “San-huai-ting-xiu,” and the hall title was established on its own, which could be traced to Wang You, ombudsman of Control Yuan at Emperor Taizu of Song Dynasty. Wang anticipated his descendants to work up the ladder and turn grand officials and prime minister one day as he planted three Chinese scholartrees in the yard. And Wang Dan, second son to Wang You, did turn into prime minister during Emperor Zhenzong of Song Dynasty. Thus, offspring of former Wang You based on “San-huai-tang” as its hall title. In former days, many public wells were installed in lane and alley of Lukang for public utility. In the 50s (1960-1969), the government promoted the installation of tape-water pipeline, and forbade mass to make use of well water from “public well,” which was sealed up one after another. For the time being, ones at Yuguicheng in front of Land Deity Temple and in front of Gong-hou Water-front Lady Temple still retain ruins of public well, only that well-water has already dried up. Source: http://tourism.chcg.gov.tw
is actually a complete well located within residence of Wang Family in Yaolin Street. In early days, it is not possible that every family can have the finance to dig a well of their own. The master of the household had, therefore, dug well by the side of wall, while half side of it was offered for use of neighbors, and the half-side in one’s courtyard for own use, demonstrating traditional virtue of playing good neighbor. On the threshold of Wang Residence, it is set down “San-huai-ting-xiu,” and the hall title was established on its own, which could be traced to Wang You, ombudsman of Control Yuan at Emperor Taizu of Song Dynasty. Wang anticipated his descendants to work up the ladder and turn grand officials and prime minister one day as he planted three Chinese scholartrees in the yard. And Wang Dan, second son to Wang You, did turn into prime minister during Emperor Zhenzong of Song Dynasty. Thus, offspring of former Wang You based on “San-huai-tang” as its hall title. In former days, many public wells were installed in lane and alley of Lukang for public utility. In the 50s (1960-1969), the government promoted the installation of tape-water pipeline, and forbade mass to make use of well water from “public well,” which was sealed up one after another. For the time being, ones at Yuguicheng in front of Land Deity Temple and in front of Gong-hou Water-front Lady Temple still retain ruins of public well, only that well-water has already dried up. Source: http://tourism.chcg.gov.tw
Ai (“Narrow”) Gate
Currently only the Ai Gate in Houche Lane left. This Ai Gate was built in the 10th year of Emperor Daoguang in Qing Dynasty (1830). The height is about 3.3 meters and the width is about 2.7 meters. The writing on the lintel is “Men Ying Hou Che.” In early days, Lukang experienced many times of war turmoil and armed fights caused by people from Quanzhou and Zhangzhou for distinguishing their territories. For maintaining the area’s safety, local businessmen and gentry established Ai Gate at borders of all the corners in Lukang as the fortifications. Every day when it became dusk, people would close Ai Gate to prevent the invasion of thieves and bandits. Besides defending bandits, the function of Ai Gate also included being the border of gangster or tribes territories, distinguished by native place, blood relationship, or commercial interests. Lukang’s Ai Gate can be divided into three types, boundary Ai Gate, roadway Ai Gate, and Bujiantian St.’s Ai Gate.
1.Boundary Ai Gate: was set at the periphery. At the top of Ai Gate, a gun tower was set to also have the function of observation.
2.Roadway Ai Gate: Is inside Lukang street area’s roadways. Those were defense facilities for all gangsters.
3.Bujiantian St.’s Ai Gate: Is at Lukang’s Wufu DaJie (today’s Zhongshan Rd.) Those were Lukang’s main business streets in Qing Dynasty. Several Ai Gate was established. Source: http://tourism.chcg.gov.tw
Currently only the Ai Gate in Houche Lane left. This Ai Gate was built in the 10th year of Emperor Daoguang in Qing Dynasty (1830). The height is about 3.3 meters and the width is about 2.7 meters. The writing on the lintel is “Men Ying Hou Che.” In early days, Lukang experienced many times of war turmoil and armed fights caused by people from Quanzhou and Zhangzhou for distinguishing their territories. For maintaining the area’s safety, local businessmen and gentry established Ai Gate at borders of all the corners in Lukang as the fortifications. Every day when it became dusk, people would close Ai Gate to prevent the invasion of thieves and bandits. Besides defending bandits, the function of Ai Gate also included being the border of gangster or tribes territories, distinguished by native place, blood relationship, or commercial interests. Lukang’s Ai Gate can be divided into three types, boundary Ai Gate, roadway Ai Gate, and Bujiantian St.’s Ai Gate.
1.Boundary Ai Gate: was set at the periphery. At the top of Ai Gate, a gun tower was set to also have the function of observation.
2.Roadway Ai Gate: Is inside Lukang street area’s roadways. Those were defense facilities for all gangsters.
3.Bujiantian St.’s Ai Gate: Is at Lukang’s Wufu DaJie (today’s Zhongshan Rd.) Those were Lukang’s main business streets in Qing Dynasty. Several Ai Gate was established. Source: http://tourism.chcg.gov.tw
Heqi Villa
Fengshan Temple
In the 2nd year of Emperor Daoguang in Qing Dynasty (1822) Lukang gentry Liang, Xian-Rui suggested to build Fengshan Temple. Thus, the landowner, Lu, Xi-Chi, contributed the land and Gan, Wu-Luo served as the general manager to manage all issues relating to the temple’s development. The development work took more than two years and was completed in October at the 4th year of Emperor Daoguang (1824). Fengshan Temple enshrines Guang-ze Zun-Wang in principle, but it also enshrines Furen-Ma. The temple name, Fengshan Temple, came from its ancient temple. In the 28th year of Emperor Daoguang in Qing Dynasty (1848), an earthquake in Changhua caused damages to the temple. During the 6th year of Emperor Xianfeng (1856) to the 9th year of Emperor Xianfeng (1859) in Qing Dynasty, the temple was under renovation. Currently the temple still keeps the temple appearance at the renovation in the period of Emperor Xianfeng. In the Emperor Showa , Lukang Street Mayor Chen, Huai-Cheng pulled down Wanchungong and Xia-Jiao Assembly Hall to build Lukang Gonghuitang, and moved Sufu Wangye’s statue to enshrine in Fengshan Temple. In 1982, Fengshan Temple. Source: http://tourism.chcg.gov.tw
In the 2nd year of Emperor Daoguang in Qing Dynasty (1822) Lukang gentry Liang, Xian-Rui suggested to build Fengshan Temple. Thus, the landowner, Lu, Xi-Chi, contributed the land and Gan, Wu-Luo served as the general manager to manage all issues relating to the temple’s development. The development work took more than two years and was completed in October at the 4th year of Emperor Daoguang (1824). Fengshan Temple enshrines Guang-ze Zun-Wang in principle, but it also enshrines Furen-Ma. The temple name, Fengshan Temple, came from its ancient temple. In the 28th year of Emperor Daoguang in Qing Dynasty (1848), an earthquake in Changhua caused damages to the temple. During the 6th year of Emperor Xianfeng (1856) to the 9th year of Emperor Xianfeng (1859) in Qing Dynasty, the temple was under renovation. Currently the temple still keeps the temple appearance at the renovation in the period of Emperor Xianfeng. In the Emperor Showa , Lukang Street Mayor Chen, Huai-Cheng pulled down Wanchungong and Xia-Jiao Assembly Hall to build Lukang Gonghuitang, and moved Sufu Wangye’s statue to enshrine in Fengshan Temple. In 1982, Fengshan Temple. Source: http://tourism.chcg.gov.tw
Longshan Temple
The Longshan Temple in Lukang was built in the end of Ming Dynasty and the beginning of Qing Dynasty. The old location was near previous old port cannel (today’s Dayou St.) In the 51st year of Emperor Qianlong in Qing Dynasty (1786), Military Officer Chen, Bang-Guang suggested to relocate Longshan Temple to current location. After that, Longshan Temple has been renovated five times in the 60th year of Emperor Qianlong in Qing Dynasty (1795), 9th year of Emperor Daoguang in Qing Dynasty (1829), 2nd year of Emperor Xianfeng in Qing Dynasty (1852), the 11th year of Emperor Showa (1936), and the 75th year of the R.O.C. (1986) respectively. In 1983, Longshan Temple was appointed as the first-class historic site. During the 921 Earthquake in 1999, Longshan Temple was severely damaged. The roof ridge in the main hall was broken down and the main gate and wooden pillars on the stage was trans-located. In 2001, the Government actively planed to repair the site. And entrepreneurs in Lukang, Pou Chen Group’s CEO Tsai, Chi-Jui and Chairman Tsai, Chi-Chien, made full amount of donations for repairing works of Longshan Temple’s main construction. The two brothers hoped to properly preserve the nation’s cultural assets. The repairing construction was Longshan Temple’s largest repairing work in nearly a hundred years. Longshan Temple measures more than 5289 square meters; it has the layout of three main structures, two yards, and seven shop widths. From the front to the back, it is Shanmen (the main gate), Wumen Hall (including the Stage), Main Hall (including the sacrificial hall), and Hou-Dian (the back Hall). The ceiling structure above the Stage in Longshan Temple is the best work in Taiwan; it was build during the reconstruction in the 11th year of Emperor Daoguang in Qing Dynasty (1831) and has the longest history among all preservation works in Taiwan. The Eight Trigrams Ceilings was built at the Stage area to create resonance effects during plays; besides the “Eight Trigrams (read as “Bagua”)” also has the meanings of keeping down evils and asking for safety. Source: http://tourism.chcg.gov.tw
The Longshan Temple in Lukang was built in the end of Ming Dynasty and the beginning of Qing Dynasty. The old location was near previous old port cannel (today’s Dayou St.) In the 51st year of Emperor Qianlong in Qing Dynasty (1786), Military Officer Chen, Bang-Guang suggested to relocate Longshan Temple to current location. After that, Longshan Temple has been renovated five times in the 60th year of Emperor Qianlong in Qing Dynasty (1795), 9th year of Emperor Daoguang in Qing Dynasty (1829), 2nd year of Emperor Xianfeng in Qing Dynasty (1852), the 11th year of Emperor Showa (1936), and the 75th year of the R.O.C. (1986) respectively. In 1983, Longshan Temple was appointed as the first-class historic site. During the 921 Earthquake in 1999, Longshan Temple was severely damaged. The roof ridge in the main hall was broken down and the main gate and wooden pillars on the stage was trans-located. In 2001, the Government actively planed to repair the site. And entrepreneurs in Lukang, Pou Chen Group’s CEO Tsai, Chi-Jui and Chairman Tsai, Chi-Chien, made full amount of donations for repairing works of Longshan Temple’s main construction. The two brothers hoped to properly preserve the nation’s cultural assets. The repairing construction was Longshan Temple’s largest repairing work in nearly a hundred years. Longshan Temple measures more than 5289 square meters; it has the layout of three main structures, two yards, and seven shop widths. From the front to the back, it is Shanmen (the main gate), Wumen Hall (including the Stage), Main Hall (including the sacrificial hall), and Hou-Dian (the back Hall). The ceiling structure above the Stage in Longshan Temple is the best work in Taiwan; it was build during the reconstruction in the 11th year of Emperor Daoguang in Qing Dynasty (1831) and has the longest history among all preservation works in Taiwan. The Eight Trigrams Ceilings was built at the Stage area to create resonance effects during plays; besides the “Eight Trigrams (read as “Bagua”)” also has the meanings of keeping down evils and asking for safety. Source: http://tourism.chcg.gov.tw
Jinmen house
Wende temple
Di Zhang Wang Temple
Wen Kai Academy
Three buildings of Wu Temple, Wenchang Temple, and Wen Kai Academy line up and connect together. In the 4th year of Emperor Daoguang in Qing Dynasty (1824), Lukang Coast Defense Officer Chuan-an Deng suggested to build the academy and received response from Lukang’s eight trade associations from Quan-Xia by making donations. Until the 7th year of Emperor Daoguang (1827), the construction was finished and given the name of “Wen Kai Academy” in the memory of Scholar Shen, Guang-Wen at the end of Ming Dynasty. Shen, Guang-Wen had an alternative name of “Wen-Kai.” On December 9th, 1975, the academy encountered a fire accident. The fire damaged the main hall and back hall; Wenchang Temple was also affected. The academy once felt into disuse. In 1985, it was appointed as the third-class historic site; Han Kwang Architects took charge of the renovating works and recovered Wen Kai Academy’s architectural style. During the 921 Earthquake in 1999, Wen Kai Academy was damaged again. The renovation work took several years and finally finished in 2005.
Wen Temple & Wu Temple
adjacent to Wen Kai Academy. In the 16th year of Emperor Jiaqing in Qing Dynasty (1811), Lukang Coast Defense Officer Xue, Zhi-Liang contributed his salary to build Wen Temple and Wu Temple. Local gentry Chen, Shi-Tao took charge of the building of Wenchang Temple and Su, Yun managed the building of Wu Temple. Wenchang Temple enshrines Wuchang Dijun and Wu Temple enshrines Guan-Sheng-Dijun. Lukang scholars once formed “Ba-She” in Wenchang Temple, becoming the earliest free school and poem society in Lukang’s early periods. After restoration, Wen Temple and Wu Temple became military camp for garrisons. Wenchang Temple is the building of two structures and one yard. There is a pond called Pan-Chi in the front. In old days, for passing the civil examination our forefathers had to offer sacrifices to the God in Wenchang Temple; followed ancient rites, they picked parsley leaf beside Pan-Chi and put it at the edge of their hats. Thus, people, who passed civil exam and became Xiu-Cai, were also called “Ru-Pan.” Source: http://tourism.chcg.gov.tw
Three buildings of Wu Temple, Wenchang Temple, and Wen Kai Academy line up and connect together. In the 4th year of Emperor Daoguang in Qing Dynasty (1824), Lukang Coast Defense Officer Chuan-an Deng suggested to build the academy and received response from Lukang’s eight trade associations from Quan-Xia by making donations. Until the 7th year of Emperor Daoguang (1827), the construction was finished and given the name of “Wen Kai Academy” in the memory of Scholar Shen, Guang-Wen at the end of Ming Dynasty. Shen, Guang-Wen had an alternative name of “Wen-Kai.” On December 9th, 1975, the academy encountered a fire accident. The fire damaged the main hall and back hall; Wenchang Temple was also affected. The academy once felt into disuse. In 1985, it was appointed as the third-class historic site; Han Kwang Architects took charge of the renovating works and recovered Wen Kai Academy’s architectural style. During the 921 Earthquake in 1999, Wen Kai Academy was damaged again. The renovation work took several years and finally finished in 2005.
Wen Temple & Wu Temple
adjacent to Wen Kai Academy. In the 16th year of Emperor Jiaqing in Qing Dynasty (1811), Lukang Coast Defense Officer Xue, Zhi-Liang contributed his salary to build Wen Temple and Wu Temple. Local gentry Chen, Shi-Tao took charge of the building of Wenchang Temple and Su, Yun managed the building of Wu Temple. Wenchang Temple enshrines Wuchang Dijun and Wu Temple enshrines Guan-Sheng-Dijun. Lukang scholars once formed “Ba-She” in Wenchang Temple, becoming the earliest free school and poem society in Lukang’s early periods. After restoration, Wen Temple and Wu Temple became military camp for garrisons. Wenchang Temple is the building of two structures and one yard. There is a pond called Pan-Chi in the front. In old days, for passing the civil examination our forefathers had to offer sacrifices to the God in Wenchang Temple; followed ancient rites, they picked parsley leaf beside Pan-Chi and put it at the edge of their hats. Thus, people, who passed civil exam and became Xiu-Cai, were also called “Ru-Pan.” Source: http://tourism.chcg.gov.tw
Yong An Temple
Zhongshan Road
Lugang main street is called Zhongshan (Sun Yat-sen) Rd, as in every city in Taiwan. Zhongshan was a narrow covered street before the arrival of Japanese in 1895. The Japanese provided to uncover and to make it wider, I guess mainly for hygienic reasons. The Art Deco facades, that still remain here and there, in different conditions, are original from that time. The Japanese also built the arcades that line Zhongshan Road. There are several interesting things along Zhongshan Road … small temples, as the lovely City God Temple that you can see in the photo above, the Japanese fronts, small dusty shops where traditional crafts are still manufactured such as paper lanterns, incense sticks, sedan chairs and so on. These stores are authentic. Their main customers are not the tourists, but the temples, in Lukang as in the rest of Taiwan. Source: www.taichung.guide
Lugang main street is called Zhongshan (Sun Yat-sen) Rd, as in every city in Taiwan. Zhongshan was a narrow covered street before the arrival of Japanese in 1895. The Japanese provided to uncover and to make it wider, I guess mainly for hygienic reasons. The Art Deco facades, that still remain here and there, in different conditions, are original from that time. The Japanese also built the arcades that line Zhongshan Road. There are several interesting things along Zhongshan Road … small temples, as the lovely City God Temple that you can see in the photo above, the Japanese fronts, small dusty shops where traditional crafts are still manufactured such as paper lanterns, incense sticks, sedan chairs and so on. These stores are authentic. Their main customers are not the tourists, but the temples, in Lukang as in the rest of Taiwan. Source: www.taichung.guide