Lugang, Taiwan

Lugang, Taiwan

Lugang is one of the oldest and most traditional cities in Taiwan. It was a trading port with origins almost as old as the settlement at Tainan. With the exclusion of major transportation networks running through here in the 20th century, this became a time warp town. Inevitably, its traditionalism then led it to become a tourist town. There are some great old buildings here and much of the religious craftsmanship for the country is still worked out here in wood. Tourists flock in on the weekends, but it’s otherwise a sleepy little town.

The corner of Zhongshan and Minzu Roads.

Old buildings along Zhongshan Road.

Old buildings along Zhongshan Road.

Some worn lanterns hang outside of a shop.

Old Market Street Plaza

Beautiful old brickwork on Old Market Street.

Crowding around souvenir shops on Old Market Street.

Old woodwork of a historic building.

Woven signage

A care-worn building on Old Market Street.

Flower pots hang over the woodwork.

Classic buildings on Old Market Street.

Shops on Old Market Street at night.

Night shopping, Old Market Street.

Crowds hitting the street vendors on Zhongshan Road.

Traditional souvenirs

Untraditional souvenirs

A main beats himself with a dull sword to prove his spirituality.

Horn players

A temple on Zhongshan Road at night.

An untraditional sedan is carried in front of Matsu Temple.

Matsu Temple