The history of the Budai settlement dates back to the Qing Dynasty, when the coast of Taiwan began to be actively populated. Originally, the place was known as "Budaizui," which translates to "Cloth Sack Mouth." This descriptive name arose from the unique geography: the inner lagoon and the entrance to the harbor were shaped like a traditional cloth sack. Over time, the name was shortened to the more concise "Budai."
Key Factors in Its Development
The town's evolution from a small fishing village into an important regional center was driven by several circumstances:
Favorable Geography: A natural harbor protected by sandbars created ideal conditions for mooring ships, setting Budai apart from other coastal areas with open seas.
Maritime Trade: In the 19th century, the port became a key hub for trade with the mainland, particularly with the city of Xiamen (Amoy). Due to its high level of past commercial activity, Budai was even referred to as "Little Shanghai."
Salt Industry: Extensive tidal flats and a sunny climate allowed for the creation of large-scale salt fields. Salt production became the town's foundation, defining the economic landscape of the region for centuries to come.
Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics
In its early stages, Budai's economy was entirely sea-oriented. The local population was made up of fishermen, salt workers, and traders. The port's prosperity fostered a rich local culture centered around temples dedicated to sea deities, intended to protect sailors on their dangerous journeys across the Taiwan Strait.
Timeline
Key Milestones of Development
Late 18th Century — The settlement, under its historical name Budaizui, becomes a bustling trading port receiving ships from the mainland.
1920 — Following an administrative reform, the name is officially shortened to "Budai," and the settlement receives village status.
1950 — After the reorganization of the island's administrative divisions, Budai is established as a township within Chiayi County.
1980s — Active development of aquaculture begins, and oyster farming becomes one of the key sectors of the local economy.
January 1999 — Budai Port is officially granted the status of a domestic commercial port, opening new opportunities for regional logistics.
2001 — The centuries-old era of industrial salt production comes to an end, and former salt fields begin their transformation into cultural heritage sites.
2007 — The launch of a regular high-speed ferry service between Budai Port and the Penghu Islands turns the town into a major tourist hub.
2010 — The opening of the Tourist Fish Market at the port, which quickly becomes a focal point for fresh seafood lovers.
February 2016 — The official opening of the unique architectural attraction, the "High-Heel Wedding Church," which entered the Guinness World Records.
March 2022 — A renovated Passenger Service Center opens at the port, significantly improving the waiting experience for ferry passengers.
Milestones
Evolution and Historic Milestones
The development of Budai can be divided into several key phases, each of which radically changed the city's appearance and specialization. These transformations have shaped the modern portrait of the region.
The "Little Shanghai" Era (19th Century). A period of flourishing direct trade with the mainland, when rice and sugar were exported through the local harbor. Significance: The transformation of a fishing village into a wealthy commercial center, the formation of the urban layout, and the accumulation of primary capital.
Industrialization of Salt Production (Early 20th Century). Large-scale expansion of salt fields and the introduction of new evaporation technologies. Significance: Salt became the region's "white gold," providing employment and defining the coastal landscape for nearly a century.
Transition to Intensive Aquaculture (1980s). As salt production became less profitable, locals began to utilize the tidal flats for oyster farming on a massive scale. Significance: Economic diversification allowed the town to survive after the salt factories closed, becoming one of Taiwan's primary seafood suppliers.
Becoming a Maritime Transit Hub (2007). The establishment of regular ferry services to the Penghu archipelago. Significance: The integration of Budai into the national tourism network; the town ceased to be a dead-end point and became an important "gateway" for hundreds of thousands of travelers annually.
Revitalization of Industrial Zones (2010s). Converting old salt fields and vacant lands into parks and cultural sites (e.g., the Salt Mountain Cultural Park). Significance: Preservation of historical heritage and improvement of the local environment through land reclamation.
Creation of New Architectural Landmarks (2016). The construction of the High-Heel Wedding Church and the renovation of the waterfront. Significance: A successful example of creating a tourist magnet from scratch, attracting international attention and shifting the city's image from an industrial port to a romantic destination.
Architecture
Architectural Identity and Urban Planning
The architectural landscape of Budai is an eclectic blend of traditional Taiwanese architecture, utilitarian industrial zones, and bold modern art installations. The city's urban structure was historically shaped around its harbor and vast salt fields, which dictated the street layout and the low-rise character of the buildings.
Traditional Temple Architecture
The historic core of the settlement and its old quarters preserve the classical style characteristic of southern Taiwan, brought over by settlers from the mainland.
Era: Qing Dynasty and the Japanese colonial period (in terms of preserving traditions).
Style: Traditional Southern Chinese (Minnan).
Characteristic Features: Curved "swallowtail" roofs, rich stone and wood carvings, vibrant polychrome paintings, and the use of Koji pottery.
Landmarks: Local temples (such as the Chiayi Budai Temple), which serve as architectural focal points for residential areas and guardians of the city's cultural code.
Industrial Functionalism
The period of active salt mining and fishing development left a significant mark on the city's appearance, creating a specific "horizontal" landscape.
Era: 20th century (industrialization period).
Style: Utilitarian functionalism.
Features: The clear geometric grid of former salt fields, hydraulic structures, and simple concrete port warehouses. Today, many of these areas are being revitalized into cultural parks that preserve the memory of the industrial past.
Modern Landmarks and Land Art
In the 21st century, as the economy shifted toward tourism, Budai introduced structures designed to surprise and attract attention. Architecture became a tool for territorial branding.
Era: Contemporary (since the 2010s).
Style: Postmodernism, novelty architecture.
Iconic Landmark:The High-Heel Wedding Church. This grand structure made of blue glass and a steel frame is shaped like a giant high-heeled shoe. The building does not serve a religious function; instead, it is a striking example of "Instagram architecture," created specifically to attract tourists and build a new, romantic image for the coastal town.
Notable People
Notable Figures of Budai
Despite its relatively small size, the town of Budai (and its namesake township) has been the birthplace of a surprisingly large number of influential figures in Taiwanese society. The contributions of its natives to the legal, scientific, and political spheres of 20th and 21st-century Taiwan are particularly noteworthy.
Cai Deben Role: Writer and Educator (1925–2015) A renowned Taiwanese man of letters whose work is closely tied to the history of his homeland. His most significant novel, "The Story of Fanshuliao" (Puan-su-liau), describes life in coastal villages and salt fields in the mid-20th century. The work is considered an important cultural monument capturing the life and hardships of Budai residents in the post-war period.
Weng Yueh-sheng Role: Jurist, former President of the Judicial Yuan (born 1932) One of the most respected legal scholars in modern Taiwanese history. He served as a Grand Justice longer than anyone else in history (three terms) and headed the island's judicial branch. Weng played a key role in reforming the legal system and strengthening constitutional justice.
Hsiao Teng-tzang Role: Statesman, Minister of Justice (1934–2017) A prominent politician who began his career as a teacher and judge. He later became a member of the Legislative Yuan and then the Minister of Justice. His career serves as an example of how a native of a fishing settlement reached the highest echelons of power, contributing to the development of the country's legislative framework.
Wong Chi-huey Role: Chemist, former President of Academia Sinica (born 1948) A world-renowned scientist specializing in biochemistry and glycobiology. He was the first scientist to develop methods for the programmable synthesis of oligosaccharides. A recipient of the prestigious Wolf Prize (2014), often considered a precursor to the Nobel Prize, his scientific achievements have brought Budai international fame in academic circles.
Weng Chong-jun Role: Politician, member of the Legislative Yuan (born 1955) An influential regional politician who has been repeatedly elected to parliament from Chiayi County. He is known for his work lobbying for infrastructure projects in coastal areas, including the development of Budai Port and support for local aquaculture.