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.[2] It has a population of 37,763 as of February 2023.[3]

'Beigang' redirects here. Not to be confused with the nearby Beigang River.
Beigang Township
北港鎮
Hokkō
Urban township
Street leading to Chaotian Temple
Street leading to Chaotian Temple
Beigang Township in Yunlin County
Beigang Township in Yunlin County
Beigang Township北港鎮 is located in Taiwan
Beigang Township北港鎮
Beigang Township
北港鎮
Coordinates: 23°34′N 120°18′E
LocationYunlin County, Taiwan
Area
 • Total41 km2 (16 sq mi)
Population
 (February 2023)
 • Total37,763
 • Density920/km2 (2,400/sq mi)
Beigang, Yunlin
Chinese北港
Literal meaningNorth Port

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.[4] 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

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.

National Beigang Senior High School

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.[5]
  • Beigang Sports Park, Beigang Sports Park has a history of 50 years, and was previously a venue for track & field athletics, which has been greatly renovated with the times.  After renovation, a white sand pit was added, which became a place for children to play.
  • Zhongshan Road, It is the old street surrounding Beigang Chaotian Temple, surrounded by many well-known specialty shops and snack bars. It is one of the highlights of Beigang.
  • Nui Hui Morning Market, It used to be a 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.

Local cuisine specialities
  • Beigang Wedding Cakes (traditional wedding cakes) are a must-buy souvenir 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.
  • 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 (Taiwan)). 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, ISBN 9781409350613.
  3. "雲林縣戶政入口資訊網-統計資訊-鄉鎮市人口數". Household Registration Services of Yunlin County. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  4. "Historical Evolution". The Roots of Yunlin. Yunlin County Government. Archived from the original on 6 August 2016. Retrieved 17 December 2014.
  5. "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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