Bajiajiao Yidu Introduction
Construction of the Attraction: Established during the Kangxi era or even earlier, it is one of the major rivers in the Chianan Plain! Taiwanese rivers are short and fast-flowing, requiring travelers to often use boats for transportation. Bazhang River is an important waterway, with many ferry crossings, the busiest and most important being next to Mitou Temple. It is said that in the 54th year of Kangxi, the county magistrate of Zhu Luo, Zhou Zhongxuan, raised funds to build rafts to assist people crossing the river. Bazhang River (historically known as Bazhang River) is one of the main rivers in the Chianan Plain. In the early days, long bridges could not be constructed, so a ferry was established next to Mitou Temple for ferrying across the river. The "Bazhang River Charity Ferry Monument," carved in 1847, has been preserved and this type of charity monument that matches the environment is extremely rare in Taiwan. Bazhang River is located south of Puzi River and north of Jishui River, flowing through Fanlu Township, Zhongpu Township, Shuishang Township, Taibao City, Lucao Township, Yizhu Township, Budai Township, Chiayi City, and the North District, Yanshui District, Xuejia District, Houbi District, and Baisha District of Tainan City, finally flowing into the Taiwan Strait at Haomei Village in Chiayi County. During flooding events, the river flow can reach about 1,800 cubic meters per second, but during dry periods, it can drop to only 0.4 cubic meters per second, showcasing a significant fluctuation in water volume. During summer and autumn floods, the river swells dramatically, obstructing transportation for residents living along both banks. They relied on bamboo rafts to cross the river, so five ferry crossings were established along the banks for bamboo rafts to dock and for residents to board and alight. The establishment of these charity ferries played a significant role in determining early transportation routes and urban development in Taiwan. The Bazhang River Charity Ferry significantly benefited traders and merchants traveling to and from Chiayi City, contributing to the economic prosperity of the Chiayi area, and the remaining charity monument serves as a testament to history.
