According to the Taiwan Government records the township’s name is derived from Luzaicao, or the paper mulberry tree, since its leaves are eaten by deer (Lu means deer in Chinese and cao means “grass” or in this case “leaves”). Another saying has it that when Cheng Chengong returned to Taiwan, there were few people around but crowds of Père David's deer (milu) were eating grass in the fields, so he referred to the place as Luzaicao. Later on, the population grew and fields were cultivated, thus the milu hid and escaped into deep mountains.
The land was first cultivated in the 4th year of Emperor Tianci’s rule. At the time, Yen Sihci and Cheng Jhihlong developed 10 stockades in Taiwan, the second and third of which were in Luzaicao and Gueifoshan, both within the Township. Cheng Chengong’s General Zuo Wusiang also set up camp in Jhentuntian. In the 24th year of Emperor Cingsi’s rule Shen Shaohong obtained a permit for cultivation and with Li Ying as the steward, solicited tenants to cultivate the area: forming the Luzaicao Village and becoming one of Chiayi County’s Waijiou villages.
In the 9th year of the Republic, during Japanese colonization, it was renamed LucaoVillage and a battlefield was established. The village was subordinate to Tainan State Dongshih Prefecture. After Taiwan’s restoration on October 25, 1945, the Lucao Township Office was established on January 18, 1946 under jurisdiction of Tainan County Dongshih District. In 1950, with adjustments in administrative districts, Lucao became and still remains subordinate to Chiayi County Government.
Geographical location
The township is located on the southwest side of Chiayi County. It is in the middle of the Chianan Plain. It is separated from Tainan County by Bajhangsi . In the northeast is Shueishang, in the north Taibao City, in the west are Yijhu- and Puzih City. The township is 14 kilometers from southwest Chiayi City, and its total area measures 54.3151 square kilometers. Highways that pass through the township include National Highway No. 1 and East-West Expressway. The high speed railway also passes through; the transportation network is very well-developed.
1.Railway and highway system
Important routes in Lucao Township include County Routes 163, 167, 170, etcetera. County Route 163 runs from Shueishang Township into Madoudian, followed by Siatan towards Yijhu Township and Yanshuei; the traffic conditions are good. County Route 167 connects northward to the East-West Express way (Provincial Highway No. 82) and connects to National Highway No. 1 and Southern National Highway No. 2; it also connects to Taibao City and serves as the access road of the highway’s Shueishang interchange. The route has better traffic conditions towards Puzih City, but poorer conditions towards Houliao. County Route 170 extends west from Songjhu Village and enters Puzih City after passing through Jhushan Village. The high speed railway passes through the township.
2.Mass transportation system
Lucao township’s mass transportation is run by Chia-Yi Bus. It is used by residents commuting to and from Chiayi, Yijhu and Puzih. The township is located in the southeast of the Chiayi County and in the middle of the Chianan Plain. On the east it is connected to Shueishang Township via the National Highway No. 1. On the west it neighbors the Budai Township and Yijhu Township; on the northwest it is connected to Puzih City; on the south it is directly opposite Tainan County’s Houbi Township, separated by the Bajhangsi; on the north it is connected to Taibao City.
Topography and geology
The township’s landform slopes from northeast to southwest. The land is flat, measuring approximately 10.2 kilometers from east to west and 9.7 kilometers from south to north. The biggest river in the township is Bajhangsi, circling the south of the township from east to west; Yamuliao drainage canal crosses it from east to west. The township’s soil is mostly Taiwan soil clay; soil near the shore of Bajhangsi is sandstone young alluvial soil, and a small part is shale alluvial soil.
Climate and rainfall
The township is in the west of Taiwan. The climate is mild year-round, with an average rainfall of 1100-1500 millimeters. The rain season is concentrated between the months of May and September, making up 75% of annual rainfall. The average yearly temperature is 23.6 degrees Celsius. Overall, the rainfall is sufficient and suitable for agricultural production.
In the summer there are southwest monsoons and in the autumn the monsoons are stronger. Each year from July to September marks the typhoon invasion period. The township has a flat topography, making it vulnerable to sustaining heavy damage of agricultural products if the direction of the wind does not shift but drives straight into the township.
Spotlight on Lucao
Shihyikong Water Gate, Jhenshaguei Tower, Gueifoshan Fort, Juren Historic House, bicycle route, Johngliao Chenghuang Temple, Dingbantian Cihyun Temple Mashu Mountain, Yuanshan Temple, Huangjiang Dance, watermelon grafting, handmade noodles, desert roses etcetera.
View Larger Map