Toucheng Old Street

Toucheng Old Street

Toucheng Old Street

Toucheng is the earliest developed town on the Lanyang Plain. Benefiting from its proximity to Wushi Port — the only commercial harbor in the Lanyang region — it enjoyed thriving trade with mainland China and Taipei, enjoying a period of great prosperity. Today, Heping Street near Toucheng Railway Station, once the busiest commercial thoroughfare, stands as a witness to the town’s rise and fall. The northern section of the old street features remnants of the Thirteen...

The northern part of the old street includes the Thirteen Hongs Site and the Lu Family Residence. The Lu Family Residence covers a large area, blending the simple, traditional Min-style architecture of the Qing Dynasty with the intricate carvings and enameled tiles characteristic of the Japanese colonial period. With its sloping roofs, gray tiles, and round arches, it has a distinctive charm. Located just ahead to the left of the residence is the Thirteen Hongs, which collectively refers to the 13 merchant shops and warehouses owned by the Lu family.

Walking southward along the old street leads to the Qīngyuán Temple, the first ancient temple in the Lanyang region. Built in the first year of the Jiaqing Emperor’s reign, it was the first temple erected when large numbers of immigrants settled in Yilan, dedicated to Mazu who protected the settlers. Using Qīngyuán Temple as a boundary, the southern section of the old street was home to small businesses in its heyday, hence the houses are more densely packed. Though not as spacious as the northern part, it exudes a unique old-street charm, with rows of red-brick storefronts featuring continuous round arches, and the gables still bear the inscriptions of former business names.

Transportation Guide:

1. Take a Taichung Bus Coastal Line bound for Yilan, Luodong, or Su’ao from Taipei North Bus Station or next to the Keelung Cultural Center, or take an Yixing or Taichung Bus from Yilan City bound for Toucheng, and get off at Toucheng Station.

2. Take the North-Link Line train and get off at Toucheng Station.