Beigang, Yunlin

Beigang, Hokkō or Peikang is an urban township in Yunlin County, Taiwan. It is primarily known for its Chaotian Temple, one of the most prominent Temples of Mazu on Taiwan. It has a population of 37,763 as of February 2023.

Geography

The Beigang River borders the town on the east and south.

History

Dutch Formosa

During the Dutch era, Ponkan () was an important coastal castle. In 1621, Pedro Yan Shiqi (顏思齊) from Zhangzhou, Fujian and his forces occupied Ponkan (modern-day Beigang) and started to develop Tsulosan (諸羅山; today's Chiayi City), which grew to become the capital of Tsulo County in 1704.

Administrative divisions

The township comprises 28 villages: Caohu, Dabei, Datong, Fupan, Fuzhao, Gongguan, Gongrong, Gouzao, Guangfu, Guangmin, Haoshou, Hougou, Huasheng, Liucuo, Nanan, Pangou, Renan, Renhe, Shuipu, Shujiao, Sifu, Tunghua, Tungyang, Xincuo, Xinjie, Xishi, Yimin and Zhonghe.

Education

Universities

The China Medical University has a branch in Beigang.

Beigang is only a short drive (approximately fifteen minutes by car) from National Chung Cheng University, one of Taiwan's foremost research universities.

High Schools

• National Beigang Senior High School
• National Pei-Kang Agricultural & Industrial Vocational High School
• Jiu Ren High School

Junior High Schools

• Peikang Junior High School
• Jianguo Junior High School

Tourist attractions

• Beigang Sports Park: Beigang Sports Park has a history of 50 years, and was previously a venue for track & field athletics. After renovation, a white sand pit was added for children.

• Zhongshan Road: The old street surrounding Beigang Chaotian Temple, surrounded by many well-known specialty shops and snack bars.

• Nui Hui Morning Market: A gathering place where cows were regularly sold in the morning. Nui Hui Morning Market has a history of more than 100 years and has now become a large vegetable market.

• Beigang Cultural Center
• Beigang Tourist Bridge, connecting the counties of Yunlin and Chiayi, which are separated by the Beigang River.
• Beigang Chaotian Temple, one of the most important Mazu temples in Taiwan and known for its magnificent temple architecture, visited by more than a million pilgrims every year.
• Beigang Wude Temple, one of the largest temple dedicated to Xuan Tan Zhen Jun (玄壇真君), Martial God of Wealth.
• Museum of Beigang Story
• Beigang Water Tower

Local cuisine specialities

• Beigang Wedding Cakes (traditional wedding cakes) are popular souvenirs in Beigang. There are many flavors, both salty and sweet. Many married couples will come to buy wedding cakes, and ordinary tourists will take them home as snacks.
• Peanuts and broad beans

Cultural activities

• Festivities around the birthday of Mazu (23rd day of the third month of the lunar year)
• Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage
• Beigang International Music Festival

Transportation

• Beigang Bus Station

Notable natives

• Alex Tsai, member of Legislative Yuan (2002-2016)
• Su Chih-fen, Magistrate of Yunlin County (2005-2014)
• Wu Se-hwa, Minister of Education (2014-2016)

Climate

References

External links

• Yunlin County, Beigang Township Office
• Introduction of Beigang in the China Post
• National Geographic Traveler Taiwan,