Xigang Dist.

Xigang is the sesame capital of Taiwan and produces related agricultural specialty products such as black sesame paste, sesame sauce and sesame powder. The grain silo of Xigang Farmer’s Association was originally used for storing rice husk but has now been converted into the Gugang Restaurant serving up sesame-themed cuisine. Here you can sample sesame-related cuisine and snacks such as the Sesame Oil Chicken Hot Pot served up “dry and wet”. The design of the restaurant preserved the grain silo’s original red brick walls and features rice-themed decorations.

Xigang Market in front of Chingan Temple in Xigang is the largest and most important market in the area. Countless hawkers line the market’s edge and there are many delicious foods to be found within. Xipin Shrimp and Stewed Pork Rice as well the originator of Xigang Roast Chicken & Soy Chicken are just some of the well-established eateries that attract  queues of tourists.
190
 

The hollow stems and long, stiff length of rush grass is well-suited to weaving. They also give off a unique and captivating fragrance. Rush can be woven into everyday items such as straw hats, straw sacks and reed mats. Many people in Taiwan still miss the rush mats that they slept on while growing up because they were cool and practical. At the peak of the rush weaving industry, rush weaving factories could be found throughout the length of Taiwan. Many mothers used their weaving skills to help make ends meet and raise their children.

Cheng Kung Elementary School(成功國小) in Xigang is famed for its butterfly garden(蝴蝶園). The rich butterfly ecology attracts many educational groups from all across Taiwan. The school website has butterfly films that can be viewed, featuring butterfly mating and the full process of emergence. The children’s are always attracted by butterflies in breeding season and they are captivated by the magical emergence of the mature butterflies from their cocoons.

Known as the “first temple under heaven,” Qingan Temple(慶安宮) was built in 1712. Since 1784, the wang jiao da dian, the grand King Boat Ceremony, has been held every three years, and is also known as Gua Xiang. During the ceremony, the temple procession goes along the bank of the Zengwen River, attracting many followers.