The Wuluo River Bridge is a landmark bridge in the old town of Ligang Township, spanning the Wuluo River and connecting neighborhoods on both banks; the traditional market beside it continues commercial activity dating to the Qing dynasty. Ligang was historically known as "Alikang," a name already in use during the Qianlong era; today the bridge area is home to several long-established sausage and wonton vendors that have made this small town remembered by its flavors.
Ligang was historically named "Alikang," a name already recorded during the Qing dynasty's Qianlong era (1736–1795). The area's well-known snack, Ligang wontons (bianshi), was created by Zhao Wenfu, who crossed to Taiwan in the 1930s and settled in Ligang; when tailoring work proved insufficient to make a living, he began selling wontons outside a theater, and the shop, known as "Ligang Bianshi Fu," built its reputation over decades. The exact construction date of the Wuluo River Bridge itself is not confirmed in publicly available sources.
Highlights of Ligang Old Bridge
Ligang Township sits in northern Pingtung County at the confluence of the Laonong River and the Wuluo River. During the Qing dynasty it was an important ferry crossing and commercial hub. The Wuluo River Bridge has a long history, and the traditional market beside it has continued from Qing-era commercial activity to the present. The street layout retains the human scale of an old market town; the signage styles and building facades of nearby old shops still carry the spirit of classic Taiwanese commercial streets.
Ligang sausages are known for their wide casings and sweet flavor — noticeably different in texture from ordinary sausages. Ligang wontons have thin wrappers, generous fillings, and a clear, sweet broth, making them the defining snack of northern Pingtung. Both have multiple long-established shops concentrated around the market, ideal for tasting and comparing.
How to Make the Most of It
Practical Information
Getting There & Timing
- By car, enter Ligang town center from Provincial Highway 1; there is roadside parking near the market, which gets busier on weekends.
- Public transport: take a bus from Pingtung City toward Ligang and get off at the Ligang stop; the market is about a 5-minute walk.
- The market is busiest from morning to noon. Some sausage stalls only open in the afternoon — confirm in advance.
Nearby Connections
- Jiuru Township's Sanshan Guowang Temple is about 10 minutes away by car and can be combined with a visit to Hakka religious culture.
- Heading north connects to Meinong in Kaohsiung, offering a different geographic expression of Liudui Hakka culture.
Sources: Pingtung County Government tourism information; facts provided by context. Photos pending Dio's on-site photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the name "Ligang" come from?
Ligang was historically called "Alikang," a name already in use during the Qing dynasty's Qianlong era, later shortened to "Ligang."
Who created Ligang's wontons?
They were created by Zhao Wenfu, who settled in Ligang after arriving in Taiwan in the 1930s and switched from tailoring to selling wontons, becoming known as "Ligang Bianshi Fu."
What else is there to explore around the Wuluo River Bridge?
The traditional market beside the bridge sells produce from northern Pingtung, and the area is home to several long-established sausage and wonton shops worth visiting together with the market.
Sources
- 走訪「友誼之港」屏東里港鄉的在地關鍵字 - 微笑台灣 — 里港地名由來與里港扁食富創立歷史
- 里港鄉 - 維基百科 — 里港鄉歷史沿革交叉查證