Ba-Jiang Stream Crossing Introduction
The construction of the ferry: Established during the Kangxi period, or even earlier, it is one of the main rivers in the Chianan Plain! Taiwan's rivers are short and fast-flowing, and travelers often need to rely on ferry services for assistance. The Bajhang River is an important waterway for transport, with many ferry points, the busiest and most important of which is located next to the Mitou Temple. Legend has it that in the 54th year of the Kangxi era, the magistrate of Zhuoro, Zhou Zhongxuan, called for donations to build rafts to assist people at the ferry point. The Bajhang River (also known as the Bajiang River) is one of the main rivers in the Chianan Plain. In the past, due to the inability to build long bridges, a ferry was established next to the Mitou Temple to facilitate crossings, and the "Bajiang River Charity Ferry Monument" carved in 1847 is still preserved today. This type of charity ferry monument that matches the environment is extremely rare in Taiwan. The Bajhang River flows south of the Puzih River and north of the Jishui River, passing through Fanlu Township, Zhongpu Township, Shuishang Township, Taibao City, Lucao Township, Yizhu Township, Budai Township, Chiayi City, and Tainan City's Beimen District, Yanshui District, Xuejia District, Houbi District, and Baihe District, eventually flowing out to the Taiwan Strait at Haomei Village in Chiayi County. The river's flow during flood periods can reach approximately 1,800 cubic meters per second, but in dry seasons, it drops to only 0.4 cubic meters per second, indicating a significant variation in water volume. During summer and autumn floods, the river rises dramatically, obstructing transportation for residents living along the banks of the Bajhang River. Residents had to rely on bamboo rafts to cross the river. At that time, five ferry points were established along the riverbank for the rafts to dock and for residents to board and disembark. The establishment of the charity ferry was of great significance for early transportation routes and urban development in Taiwan. The Bajiang River Charity Ferry significantly contributed to trade transportation and the economic prosperity of the Chiayi area, and the remaining charity monument serves as a testament to history.
