Xingang, Chiayi

Xingang, Chiayi

The ruins of Gubengang have turned the wheels of history over time. With their fervent love for their hometown, the people of Xingang have transformed it into a cultural and artistic hub, reviving the legendary charm of an old town.

Situated in the northwest of Chiayi County, Xingang Township is a classic example of an ancient rural settlement in early Taiwan. Most of its residents are descendants of immigrants from Gubengang, the first village established in Taiwan, dating back over 200 years. The renowned Fengtian Temple is not only the local center of faith but also a commercial hub that has driven Xingang’s prosperity. The people of Xingang have successfully revitalized their hometown, creating a new model of rural flourishing and writing a legendary chapter of rebirth for an old town in southern Taiwan.

The area where Xingang now stands was originally called Matuanliao, a small village located three kilometers from Gubengang. Due to flooding and course changes in the Beigang River, Gubengang was divided into Bunan Port and Benbei Port. Years of continuous floods made Bunan Port uninhabitable, prompting residents to relocate as a whole to Matuanliao and rename it “Xingang” (New Port).

To revive the cultural and humanistic spirit of Xingang, traditional folk groups such as the Songjiang Formation, Xinyuan Society, Nian’ge Society, Fengyi Chinese Music Society, and the century-old Wufengxuan Northern Opera Troupe have emerged and flourished like mushrooms after rain. Combined with rich religious activities, these have made Xingang a shining hub of arts and culture in the Chiayi-Tainan region.