Yushan National Park & Western Taiwan - Taiwan - page 426

Taiwan Tour Bus BUS
( 0800 011 765; www.taiwantourbus.com.tw ) Has day tours of Lukang (NT$1500) leaving
from the train station, HSR stations and major hotels in Taichung.
Festivals & Events
Folk Arts Festival FESTIVAL
Every year Lukang hosts a four-day folk arts festival that begins three days before the
Dragon Boat Festival ( Click here ) . This is a crowded but rewarding time to visit Lukang.
Matsu's Birthday RELIGIOUS
The birthday of Matsu, held on the 23rd day of the third lunar month (usually in April),
is cause for intense celebration at both Matsu temples.
Sleeping
Tai 17 Backpacker HOSTEL $
MAP GOOGLE MAP
( 777 9212; http://tai17backpacker.blogspot.com ; 3-1 Jingfu Lane, 3-1; dm from NT$500; )
This is a brand new hostel, so everything is spick and span. Other perks include free use
of the kitchenette and laundry. It's hidden in an alley, so download the map and direc-
tions from the website before you go.
Matsu Temple Believer's Hotel HOTEL $
MAP GOOGLE MAP
(Lùgǎng Tiānhòugōng Xiāngkè Dàlóu; 775 2508; 475 Zhongshan Rd, 475; d/tw NT$1200/1300)
You don't have to be a believer to stay here, though it might help you to ignore how
bland the rooms are. Be aware that the entire hotel may be booked out months in advance
of Matsu's birthday and other important festivals.
Eating
There's hardly a street in Lukang that doesn't offer wall-to-wall eating, and the
pedestrian-only zone around Matsu Temple is a lively market of food stalls and eateries.
Some famous local dishes include steamed buns, shrimp monkeys ( xī xiā ), oyster om-