Lukang Tops Tamsui and Jiufen! 2026's Most Popular Historic Street Attracts 11.13 Million Visitors, Tourists Praise: 'Endless Charm of Heritage Alleys and Local Cuisine'

Based on visitor statistics released by Taiwan's Tourism Administration for January to May 2026, there has been a significant shift in foot traffic across historic street attractions throughout Taiwan. Lukang Old Street and its surrounding areas in Changhua attracted 11,131,324 visitors, claiming the top spot nationwide. New Taipei City’s Ruifang Scenic Area followed with 9,515,707 visitors, ranking second, while Tamsui Golden Waterfront and surrounding areas recorded 6,874,213 visitors, securing third place. Each historic street draws tourists through its unique blend of historical ambiance, local snacks, and distinctive landscapes.

Who is Taiwan’s most popular old street in 2026? Lukang Old Street takes the crown with over 11.13 million visitors

From January to May 2026, Lukang Old Street and its vicinity welcomed 11,131,324 visitors, firmly establishing itself as Taiwan’s most visited historic street. According to historical data compiled by the Tourism Administration, Lukang has maintained this leading position for two and a half consecutive years. In 2024, it attracted 17,301,379 visitors, and from January to November 2025, the cumulative number reached 22,324,939. During the first five months of 2026, Lukang surpassed Ruifang Scenic Area—the second-place destination—by over 1.62 million visitors.

The Lukang Old Street area includes Yao Lin Street, Pu Tou Street, and surrounding alleys. Most of the row houses date back to the Qing Dynasty and Japanese colonial era, preserving original features such as brick facades, narrow elongated layouts, and winding alleyways, reflecting its legacy as one of the 'Three Great Ports' historically known as 'First Tainan, Second Lukang, Third Wanhua.' Visitors explore historic sites, savor local delicacies like meat buns, mian cha (wheat tea), ox tongue biscuits, and oyster fritters, and often extend their visit to nearby attractions such as Lukang Mazu Temple, Longshan Temple, and Guihua Alley Art Village.

On Google Reviews, Lukang Old Street has accumulated 42,479 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 stars. Many visitors praise its spacious layout and convenient parking options, including multi-level car parks and the underground lot at Luojin Elementary School. However, some note that weekend crowds are heavy and parking fees have gradually increased over recent years.

For transportation, visitors can take the TRA train to Changhua Station or the HSR to Taichung Station and transfer via bus, with a total travel time of approximately one hour. As afternoon hours see peak crowds, those seeking leisurely strolls or photo opportunities are advised to visit on weekdays or in the morning.

Top 5 most popular old streets in Taiwan: Ruifang, Tamsui, Douliu, and Qishan follow closely

The top five most visited historic streets in Taiwan from January to May 2026 were: Lukang Old Street, Ruifang Scenic Area, Tamsui Golden Waterfront, Douliu Taiping Old Street, and Qishan Old Street. Ruifang Scenic Area, ranked second, attracted 9,515,707 visitors, centered around Jiufen Old Street and extending to Jinguashi, Yin-Yang Sea, and the Gold Waterfall. Jiufen Old Street alone has received 107,815 Google reviews with a 4.3-star rating. Its mountainous stone steps are lined with dense clusters of teahouses and snack stalls, with taro balls, rice cakes, and soup-based dishes being particularly popular. Tamsui Golden Waterfront and surrounding areas ranked third with 6,874,213 visitors. To reach Jiufen, travelers can take the TRA to Ruifang Station and transfer by bus or taxi (about 15 minutes). Tamsui Golden Waterfront is accessible within walking distance from Taipei Metro’s Tamsui Station.

Douliu Taiping Old Street and surrounding areas ranked fourth with 6,289,077 visitors. Stretching about 600 meters, the street features well-preserved Baroque-style buildings from the Japanese colonial era. Colorful painted lanterns during festivals attract many tourists. It is a 10-minute walk from Douliu Railway Station. Qishan Old Street, in fifth place, drew 3,624,224 visitors, distinguished by red-brick arcades, neo-Baroque architecture, and banana-themed local products. Travelers typically reach Kaohsiung city first, then transfer by bus to Qishan.

Top 10 historic street visitor rankings in Taiwan: Full list for first five months of 2026

The Tourism Administration released the top 10 most visited historic streets in Taiwan from January to May 2026. The data covers national tourist recreation sites, selecting only those with 'Old Street' in the name or areas like Jiufen and Tamsui where old streets form the core attraction. Sites without 'Old Street' in the official title—such as Anping in Tainan or Daxi Old Town in Taoyuan—are not included in this ranking.

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

These statistics highlight the varying appeal of Taiwan’s historic streets, drawing domestic and international tourists through cultural heritage, culinary experiences, and scenic beauty.