Chasing away Tamsui and Jiufen! Lukang Old Street crowned Taiwan's most popular with 11.13 million visitors, tourists praise: 'Historic alleys, diverse food, never boring even after a full day'

Which old street in Taiwan is the most popular? According to tourism statistics from January to May 2026, Lukang Old Street and its surrounding areas recorded over 11.13 million visitors, claiming the top spot. Ruifang Scenic Area followed with 9.51 million visitors, and Tamsui Golden Waterfront and surrounding areas ranked third with 6.87 million. From historic alleyways and mountain towns to riverside landscapes, each destination offers unique charm, reshaping Taiwan’s old street tourism rankings in 2026.

Taiwan’s Top 10 Most Visited Old Streets (Jan–May 2026)

- 1st: Lukang Old Street and surrounding areas — 11,131,324 visitors - 2nd: Ruifang Scenic Area — 9,515,707 visitors - 3rd: Tamsui Golden Waterfront and surrounding areas — 6,874,213 visitors - 4th: Douliu Taiping Old Street and surrounding areas — 6,289,077 visitors - 5th: Qishan Old Street — 3,624,224 visitors - 6th: Yingge Old Street — 986,800 visitors - 7th: Xinhua Old Street — 886,841 visitors - 8th: Sanxia Old Street — 860,368 visitors - 9th: Neiwan Old Street — 755,280 visitors - 10th: Yanshui Old Street — 610,821 visitors

No. 1 Most Popular Old Street in Taiwan: Lukang Old Street and Surrounding Areas

Located in Changhua County’s Lukang Township, Lukang Old Street was once a major trading port in Taiwan, earning its historical reputation as one of the “Three Great Cities” — “First Tainan, Second Lukang, Third Wanhua.” The area includes Yao Lin Street, Pu Tou Street, and surrounding alleys, featuring red-brick townhouses, Minnan-style architecture, traditional temples, and historic landmarks. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as Lukang Tianhou Temple, Longshan Temple, and the Guihua Alley Art Village. With local delicacies like meat buns, mian cha (wheat tea), ox-tongue biscuits, and oyster fritters, it’s ideal for a full-day or overnight cultural trip.

Many tourists note that Lukang Old Street is larger than typical old streets, with numerous hidden alleys, historic homes, and creative shops beyond the main thoroughfare — so much to explore that a full day may not be enough. Historic buildings, traditional crafts, and local snacks are the most frequently praised highlights. Visiting on weekdays allows for a more relaxed experience, avoiding crowds and soaking in the authentic local atmosphere. However, some visitors point out that weekend crowds are overwhelming, parking fees have risen annually, and service quality at popular stores still has room for improvement.

No. 4 Most Popular Old Street in Taiwan: Douliu Taiping Old Street and Surrounding Areas

Douliu Taiping Old Street is located on Taiping Road in Douliu City, Yunlin County, stretching about 600 meters. It was historically a key commercial street in Douliu. Both sides retain two-story buildings constructed during the Japanese colonial era, with Baroque-style facades featuring intricate carvings of flowers, animals, and family crests. During Lunar New Year and Lantern Festival periods, the street is adorned with colorful lanterns overhead. At night, the illuminated lanterns reflect beautifully against the historic architecture, creating a signature festive scene for the region.

Tourists frequently praise the lantern displays, noting that the Baroque architecture is photogenic during the day, while the illuminated lanterns create a nostalgic, celebratory atmosphere at night — perfect for spontaneous photos. Local snacks such as wan-gui (rice pudding), rou-yuan (meat balls), malt candy, and traditional desserts are widely available, making it ideal for a half-day trip combined with nearby Douliu Station. However, some visitors mention that fewer shops are open outside event periods, limiting the vibrancy of the area. Additionally, incomplete pedestrian walkways mean visitors must remain cautious of passing vehicles.

No. 5 Most Popular Old Street in Taiwan: Qishan Old Street

Qishan Old Street is located in Qishan District, Kaohsiung City, covering Zhongshan Road, Fuxing Street, and Huazhong Street, extending from the area around the old Qishan Station. The streets are lined with red-brick arcades, Baroque-style Western-style buildings, and traditional covered walkways, reflecting Qishan’s past as a sugar industry hub and the “Banana Kingdom.” The area is famous for banana-themed products such as banana cake, banana ice cream, and banana egg rolls, which are highly recognizable. Nearby attractions include the Qishan Sugar Railway Story Museum, Wude Hall, Tianhou Temple, Gushan Park, and Qishan Confucius Temple.

Many tourists appreciate Qishan’s strong local identity. The red-brick arcades, Western-style building facades, and old train station are highly photogenic, while banana-based products and traditional snacks differentiate it from other old streets. The atmosphere is lively on weekends, perfect for casual street food grazing. On weekdays, fewer crowds allow for a more leisurely appreciation of the historic architecture. Common criticisms include the hot weather, overcrowding on holidays, and mixed traffic on certain streets where pedestrians and vehicles share space, requiring constant vigilance.

Source: Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications