Nine Turns Lane

Lukang is home to a wealth of narrow, winding lanes, and Jinsheng Lane (金盛巷) is the best preserved among all, therefore known as Nine Turns Lane.

It is believed that these thin, crooked alleyways were designed to function as a natural windbreak in September when chill winds blow down from Mongolia and to confuse pirates who were very likely to get lost in a maze of turns. Another legend has it that evil spirits can only walk straight, so these turns become their biggest nightmares.

While you take a stroll down this charming Nine Turns Lane, there are two historic sites especially worth a visit. Shiyi Hall (十宜樓), where local literati used to hang out, is now only left with an intriguing passageway for people to pay homage. Remembrance Hall (意樓) once housed the largest trading company in Lukang, and there stands a starfruit tree by the wall, which tells a sad love story. Why not have a chat with the owner of the pineapple cake shop within and find out what it is all about?