Lukang Rimao Trading Company

During the Jiaqing Emperor's reign of the Qing Dynasty, Lukang already had eight 'hangjiao' (merchant guilds), which are equivalent to today's chambers of commerce. The Lukang Rimao Trading Company, also known as 'Rimao Temple' (日廟), was the largest trading house among the Quanjiao (Quanzhou merchant guild). From the Qianlong Emperor's reign to the 20th year of the Daoguang Emperor's reign (1840), it was the wealthiest entity in Lukang. The Lin family of Rimao Trading Company was the head of the eight *jiao* and was known for its philanthropy. In the 42nd year of the Qianlong Emperor's reign (1777), they donated funds to establish the Lukang charitable organization 'Jingyiyuan'. Its work, which included collecting discarded paper with writing, setting up public cemeteries, collecting unclaimed remains, and repairing bridges, benefited the local community and made it the most extensive charitable organization of its time. Additionally, Rimao Trading Company participated in local affairs such as the relocation and reconstruction of Lukang Longshan Temple in the 51st year of the Qianlong Emperor's reign (1786) and the new construction of Tianhou Temple (now Xinzhu Temple) in the 52nd year of the Qianlong Emperor's reign (1787). Rimao Trading Company's contributions and deeds to Lukang are still passed down and praised in Lukang today.