Limited-time recommendation: A classic Chiayi Lukang old-town experience on Dragon Boat Festival
Last updated 2026-09-25 — Tomorrow is the Dragon Boat Festival holiday. Isn’t it a bit of a waste to just sleep until noon and spend the day eating zongzi? During this traditional holiday full of nostalgia, HowToTrip would like to recommend...
Written/Compiled and Reported by MOOK Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin
Tomorrow is the Dragon Boat Festival. Take a trip to Lukang Town, where you can explore scenic spots with a classic trishaw ride, enjoy delicious food, and take part in the Dragon Boat Festival street parade. (Image provided by MOOK Editorial Department)
10:00 AM ／ Lukang Electric Sightseeing Trishaw
The once wildly popular Lukang sightseeing trishaws were sorely missed after their service ended, leaving many locals disappointed and visitors without an easy way to explore the town. But last spring, the Lukang Cultural and Tourism Association brought back the electric trishaws, which now weave through the town’s alleys, taking tourists to visit historic houses and temples. There are four tour options: a single-stop ticket for NT$100, a half-day 50-minute ride for NT$400, a full-day 90-minute ride for NT$600, and a 150-minute ride for NT$900. Choose the itinerary that fits your schedule and preferences, and discover one of the three major port cities of the Qing Dynasty from the seat of a local-driven trishaw.
【Info】
Address: No. 134, Anxiang St., Lukang Township; call the service number upon arrival at the historic district for a pick-up
Phone: 04-777-4190, 0952-885-529
Website: http://goo.gl/Tqaj0
12:00 PM ／ Tsai Family Crystal Dumplings & Earthworm Longshan Rice Noodle Soup
When in Lukang, you simply must try the local delicacies. But since there’s more street food sampling later, we suggest just having a taste now. As for what to try? How about crystal dumplings — open since the Qing Dynasty — and rice noodle soup made by “Earthworm,” the nickname of the chef-owner.
The Tsai Family Crystal Dumplings were established in the 10th year of the Guangxu Emperor’s reign during the Qing Dynasty (1884), and are a famous century-old delicacy in Changhua. There are now two shops: one run by the brothers Tsai Tse-Chi (Tsai Zeji Crystal Dumplings) and Tsai Han-Bin (Tsai Hanbin Crystal Dumplings). Their flavors are quite similar, and each has its own loyal fans. Handmade crystal dumplings, flat dumplings (bian shi yan), steamed meatballs, and water meatballs all have their unique appeal — all worth trying. The bian shi yan features pork sliced paper-thin to form the wrapper, delivering a chewy texture you won’t forget. The water meatballs, mixed with water chestnuts, are crisp, fresh, and sweet. The crystal dumplings use sweet potato starch mixed with a bit of rice flour for elasticity, and the secret to their great taste lies in the premium pork used for the filling.
Crystal dumplings that have been sold since the Qing Dynasty? You’d be missing out if you don’t try them in Lukang. (Image provided by MOOK Editorial Department)
Earthworm Longshan Rice Noodle Soup — the shop’s name “Earthworm” is actually the nickname of the owner. Using a nickname as a shop name adds charm and signals authentic flavor and quality. Lukang’s rice noodle soup is famous far and wide, and there are many delicious versions around. This version doesn’t include oysters or intestines, but instead features pork meatballs made from black pork hind leg meat, marinated with Chinese herbs and spices. The handmade noodles are silky smooth, and the selected pork meatballs are flavorful and chewy — a memorable taste.
【Info】
Tsai Zeji Crystal Dumplings
Address: Stall 6, No. 1 Market, Minzu Rd., Lukang Township
Phone: 04-774-5496
Tsai Hanbin Crystal Dumplings
Address: No. 189, Minzu Rd., Lukang Township
Phone: 04-777-6230, 0934-252-761
Earthworm Longshan Rice Noodle Soup
Address: No. 109, Minzu Rd., Lukang Township
Phone: 04-778-2999
Rice noodle soup with special homemade pork meatballs — a signature dish by “Boss Earthworm.” (Image provided by MOOK Editorial Department)
2:30 PM ／ Lukang Dragon Boat Festival Parade
The Lukang Dragon Boat Festival Celebration is a major annual event. Tomorrow, it kicks off at 2:30 PM at the intersection of Zhongshan Rd. and Sanmin Rd., with the parade route running from Sanmin Rd. to Qinmin Rd. The procession will feature local folk performance troupes, community teams, and student groups, coming together for a festive street carnival. Participants include the Taimingjiang Drum Team, Glass Boat, Sightseeing Train, Taiwan Academy of Traditional Theatre Arts Variety Troupe, Yagou Community Horse Cloth Troupe, Fanshe Community Twelve Goddess Troupe, Jiadong Community Hakka Performance Troupe, Fangyuan Junior High Dragon Dance Team, Shigu Community Ox Plowing Troupe, Dayeh University Traditional Japanese Dance, Yongshun Temple Cart Drum Troupe, Xiu Yuan Folk Performance Association’s Electronic Music Prince, Lion Dance Troupe, Deity Troupe, and Xishi Community Broom Blessing Troupe. The event showcases Lukang’s rich folk culture and vibrant local traditions during the Dragon Boat Festival.
【Info】
Venue: Zhongshan Road and Sanmin Road Intersection
16:00／Food Street in front of Tianhou Temple
After joining the street parade, it’s time to indulge in local delicacies. Tourists visiting Lukang will definitely stop by Tianhou Temple. Centered around the temple, the area around the intersection of Zhongshan Road and Minsheng Road is packed with affordable yet delicious food options. Most snacks feature fresh oysters, shrimp boys, and other seafood, while there are also many long-established pastry shops. The place gets crowded with visitors every holiday, making it a must-visit spot to sample local specialties.
【Info】
Address: Area around the intersection of Zhongshan Road and Minsheng Road, Lukang Town
There are tons of food stalls in front of Tianhou Temple—spend two hours eating and strolling, and you’re guaranteed to be fully satisfied. (Photo provided by Mook Editorial Department)
18:00／Guihua Lane Humanities Tea House
Before heading home after enjoying local snacks, it’s recommended to stop by Guihua Lane Humanities Tea House for a refreshing and sweet osmanthus plum soup, putting a satisfying end to your day. Guihua Lane Humanities Tea House is a cultural teahouse where retro and modern elements blend. The scent of osmanthus wafts through the air, and within its minimalist and clean space, you can sip on osmanthus plum soup simmered the traditional way—an experience truly worth savoring.
In one corner of the teahouse, you’ll also find hand-painted artworks commissioned by the owner from a avant-garde artist based in Taichung. The black-and-white drawings are intricate and playful, and the exterior wall features his modern take on door gods—Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Spider-Man—making them a popular photo spot for visitors.
● Read more: Recommended Half-Day Slow Travel Itinerary in Taichung: Fengjia & Qiuhong Valley
http://goo.gl/nNR3l
Before heading home, enjoy a cup of traditionally brewed osmanthus plum soup and let this classic drink bring your day to a satisfying close. (Photo provided by Mook Editorial Department)
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