A Light YouBike Journey in Lukang Town – Discovering New Life Behind Weathered Bricks and Tiles

Text & Photos / YouBike Light Travel

How long has it been since you last visited Lukang? For many, Lukang probably brings to mind the lively excitement of the Lantern Festival. But set aside the grandeur of the festival lights, and take a slow YouBike ride through Lukang’s red-brick temples. Get to know every sight and corner of Lukang as if hearing a story, and you’ll uncover even more hidden scenery tucked away in its winding alleys.

Aside from driving to Lukang, Taiwan Tourist Shuttle is also a convenient new option. Take the high-speed rail to Taichung’s Wuri Station, then transfer to the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle and get off at the Changhua County Tourism Service Center. Take out your prepared card and set off with a smile.

How to explore Lukang? Every corner along the red-brick paths is a view worth seeing. Start your YouBike ride from the service center, go along Fuxing Road, turn left onto Lukcao Road, cross Zhongshan Road, and ride straight into Red Brick Path. The stone tablet clearly reads “Officials and Military Personnel Must Dismount Here.” Don’t forget to hop off your bike, lock the front wheel with the provided lock, and go inside to visit Taiwan’s only government-established Mazu temple — “Xin Zu Gong.” This small town of Lukang alone has three Mazu temples. The well-known Tianhou Temple at the end of Zhongshan Road was built through community efforts. Xin Zu Gong, on the other hand, was commissioned by Emperor Qianlong. Xing’an Temple is the oldest Mazu temple. Doesn’t that already sound interesting?

Keep riding forward, and it feels as if you’ve instantly traveled from the East to the West. What was once a gathering place for the public is now the “Lukang Art and Cultural Hall,” housed in a Western-style guild hall. The large square in front is perfect for taking a break with some local street food from the old street before hopping back on your YouBike and continuing your leisurely exploration.

Without any expectations, surprises await around every corner. You might spot plum blossoms dotting tree branches or stumble upon a red deer gate in a quiet alley. From the dappled sunlight filtering through branches to the fiery glow of lanterns, the atmosphere here is infused with charm that touches the heart. Just as we began to feel a bit hungry after our earlier surprise treats, we finally reached the final highlight of this old-world journey — the “Gate.” And there it was: the “Fragrant Gate.”

In the past, only wealthy families could afford to dig wells. The kind owner of the Half-Side Well generously allowed half of the well to be built outside the wall so neighbors could draw water freely. Though the well is now unused, Lukang’s deep sense of community still remains. When we stopped to take a closer look, a local resident kindly gave us an explanation.

Ride out of Red Brick Path, turn right onto Minquan Road, go straight until you see the post office, then turn right again onto Chenggong Road. After visiting both Eastern temples and Western-style halls, you’ll now arrive at the ever-popular “Guihua Lane Art Village,” where Japanese-style old dormitories have been revitalized with colorful murals. Return your YouBike at the station on Qinmin Road, then wander into any art workshop to see fine craftsmanship on display. There are also DIY experiences available — like painting your own little lion head in vibrant colors. Don’t forget to snap a nice photo of your handmade lion head with the colorful mural walls.

After taking satisfying photos with the colorful murals, borrow your YouBike again from Guihua Lane Art Village, turn left onto Chenggong Road from there, go back onto Minquan Road, then turn right onto Zhongshan Road. Turn right onto Xinsheng Street, and you’ll see large signs for “Shiyi Lou” and “Yi Lou.”

Nestled within the winding Jiǔqǔ Alley, Shiyi Lou and Yi Lou were originally gathering places for ancient literati and scholars, and later became buildings tied to poignant love stories. Take a close look at the unique window frames of these historic structures — the delicate patterns resemble those on phoenix-eye cakes. Every corner and detail in Lukang tells the tale of its once-flourishing, refined past.

After immersing yourself in Lukang’s rich cultural history, it’s time to eat. Turn right back onto Zhongshan Road and grab a soft and fluffy “A Zhen” meat bun to recharge your energy. With its light, airy wrapper and juicy filling, how could you stop at just one? After eating, ride straight into the alley across the road on Zhongshan Road 74 Lane, slipping into a hidden lane that was once part of the Shixia Street ancient path. A few cats — perhaps from a nearby home — peek out and seem to be photobombing visitors. These are actually works by the shop “Mushi Zhi.” Your YouBike is truly a great tool — not only does it make navigating Lukang’s lanes easy, but its moderate speed also lets you discover more creativity along the way.

Zhongshan Road 74 Lane leads directly to the “Lukang Folk Culture Museum.” Park your bike at the nearby YouBike station, then enter the museum to explore its spacious courtyard — like a backyard garden nestled among residential houses. Right next to the museum is the Ding Family Mansion, the best-preserved street-front residence with its original layout intact. Enter from the back door to find not only well-maintained architecture, but also ancient sedan chairs and a water pump. After your visit, ride your YouBike along Fuxing Road from the museum to return to the service center.

This journey truly feels like traveling through generations. Red bricks, old temples, and creative murals all come together to form today’s Lukang. On a regular visit to Lukang Town, consider using a YouBike instead of walking. Aside from the area around Tianhou Temple, the red-brick alleys still retain much of their former charm. However, cyclists should also note that weekends bring heavy crowds. If the lanes get too congested, it’s best to walk your bike or park your YouBike safely.

Also not to be missed is Lukang’s ongoing 【Smile Big FUN Giveaway – Ride & Win Prizes】lottery event. From now until March 31, 2015, anyone who takes a single YouBike ride in Lukang for 30 minutes or more will be eligible to enter the draw. I’ve already qualified for the lottery — what are you waiting for? Come ride a YouBike in Lukang and try your luck for amazing prizes.

[YouBike Lukang Travel Route]
● YouBike Changhua County Tourism Service Center Station – Go straight along Fuxing Road, turn left onto Lukcao Road – Ride through Zhongshan Road into Red Brick Path – Xin Zu Gong – Lukang Art and Cultural Hall – Aimen (Houchexiang) –
Half-Side Well (Yaolin Street) – Ride out of Red Brick Path, turn right onto Minquan Road, go straight – Turn right onto Chenggong Road after seeing the post office – YouBike Guihua Lane Art Village Station

● YouBike Guihua Lane Art Village Station – Turn left from Chenggong Road back onto Minquan Road – Go along Minquan Road, then turn right onto Zhongshan Road – Turn right onto Xinsheng Street – Shiyi Lou / Yi Lou – Turn right back onto Zhongshan Road –
A Zhen Meat Buns – Across the street at Zhongshan Road 74 Lane – Mushi Zhi – YouBike Lukang Folk Culture Museum Station – Ding Family Mansion

● YouBike Lukang Folk Culture Museum Station – Go straight along Wanshou Road, then turn right onto Minquan Road – Turn left onto Fuxing Road – YouBike Changhua County Tourism Service Center Station