Lukang Rih-Mao Store Introduction
During the Jiaqing period of the Qing dynasty, Lukang had eight commercial guilds, known as "jiao," which are akin to today's business associations. Ri Mao Hang, also known as "Ri Miao," was the largest commercial business in the Quanjiao and was the wealthiest in Lukang from the Qianlong period until the 20th year of the Daoguang period (1840). The Lin family of Ri Mao Hang was the foremost among the eight guilds, known for their charity and benevolence. In the 42nd year of the Qianlong period (1777), they donated funds to establish the Lukang charitable organization "Jing Yi Yuan," responsible for various charitable works such as collecting paper for writing, setting up righteous burial grounds, recovering remains, and repairing bridges, which greatly benefited the local community and was the largest charitable organization of its time. Furthermore, Ri Mao Hang participated in local affairs such as the relocation of the Longshan Temple in Lukang in the 51st year of the Qianlong period (1786) and the construction of the Tianhou Temple (now known as Xin Zu Gong) in the 52nd year of the Qianlong period (1787). The contributions and deeds of Ri Mao Hang to Lukang are still celebrated and remembered today.
Rih Mao Hsing
Lukang Rimaoxing Viewpoint
