Beigang, Yunlin

Beigang or Peikang is an urban township in Yunlin County, Taiwan. It is primarily known for its Chaotian Temple, one of the most famous temples of Mazu on Taiwan.[2] It has a population of 40,327 as of November 2017.

Beigang Township
北港鎮
Urban township
Street leading to Chaotian Temple
Beigang Township in Yunlin County
Beigang Township
北港鎮
Beigang Township in Yunlin County
Coordinates:
LocationYunlin County, Taiwan
Area
 • Total41 km2 (16 sq mi)
Population
 (July 2018)
 • Total40,118
 • Density980/km2 (2,500/sq mi)
Beigang, Yunlin
Chinese北港
Literal meaningNorth Port
'Beigang' redirects here. Not to be confused with the nearby Beigang River.

Geography
Map including Beigang (labeled as Hokkō) (1944)
Map including Beigang (labeled as Pei-chiang (Hokkō) 北港) (1950)

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

History

Dutch Formosa

During the Dutch era, Ponkan (Chinese: 笨港; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Pùn-káng) was an important coastal castle.[3] In 1621, "Chinese Peter" (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

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.

Tourist attractions
The Beigang Tourist Bridge is 450m long and 6m wide. The three bridge arches are said to resemble the body of a dragon.[4]
  • Beigang Cultural Center
  • Beigang Tourist Bridge, connecting the counties of Yunlin and Chiayi, which are separated by the Beigang River [4]
  • 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.
  • Wudeng Temple, one of the largest temple dedicated to Xuan Tan Zhen Jun, Martial God of Wealth.
  • Museum of Beigang Story
  • Beigang Water Tower

Local cuisine specialities
  • Beigang Cakes (traditional wedding cakes)
  • Beigang Peanuts and Broad Beans

Cultural activities

Transportation
Beigang Bus Station

Bus stations in the county is Beigang Bus Station of Chiayi Bus.

Notable natives

References
  1. 教育部重編國語辭典修訂本 (in Chinese). Retrieved 18 November 2019. 字詞 【北港鎮】 注音 ㄅㄟˇ ㄍㄤˇ ㄓㄣˋ 漢語拼音 běi gǎng zhèn
  2. Keeling, Stephen (2013), "Beigang", The Rough Guide to Taiwan, Rough Guides.
  3. "Historical Evolution". The Roots of Yunlin. Yunlin County Government. Retrieved 17 December 2014.
  4. "Cultural Tours in Yunlin - Beigang Tourist Bridge". yunlin.gov.tw. Yunlin County Gov't. 3 August 2015. Archived from the original on 27 May 2014. Retrieved 31 January 2017.
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