Beigong

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neuron
neuron

My grandmother was a physician in Taiwan in the city of Beigang 60 years ago. My family wish to visit the city and maybe find the hospital she worked in,(if still there) which was associated with the Chaotian temple at the time.

Is anyone familiar with the city? I understand that Chaotian temple is one of the oldest in Taiwan. Is there any other point of interest? From a traveler's perspective, Is it worth it to stay overnight? Spend several days? Or maybe a day trip from Taipei?

Thanks

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sullivanchen
sullivanchen

May your grandmother confirm whether this was the temple hospital she has ever served in?
http://www.matsu.org.tw/IndexE.aspx

Some suggestions for your reference:
1. When to visit?
Matsu is the most important deity in Taiwan. In her birthday(around April) there are lots festival and pilgrims everywhere in Taiwan. April is the best time to visit and it should a very strong culture shock in the view of traveler.
2.Where to visit
It a long journey to Chaotian Temple cause you have to transfer from Railway station or High Speed Railway station. I suggest you can combine other points of interests nearby, eg. Chiayi, into you itinerary in the same day.
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Travel Taiwan: http://sullivanchen.blogspot.tw

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neuron
neuron

Thanks Sallivan.

Unfortunately grandma passed away 30 years ago. We are just feeling our way around and looking for information online. As far as I can tell, this
http://www.bh.cmu.edu.tw/cmubh/ch/index.php
is the current version of the hospital associated with the Chaotian temple, of course I doubt this was the place she practiced in 30 years ago.

Thanks for the advice on the visit to Chiayi

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sullivanchen
sullivanchen

Hi, Neuron:
I think we are talking about the same hospital: http://www.matsu.org.tw/SocialServices.aspx

"In 1984, the temple discussed with China Medical College about founding a medical school in Beigang to nourish more medical professionals. In 1985, the teaching building, library and dorm were founded. The construction was completed in 1986. China Medical College in Beigang was officially founded, and the college is in charge of managing Matzu Hospital. The hospital is not only a medical institution but also academic"

　
　　The hospital has became a medical center, but Chaotian temple is the same as that of 180 years ago.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaotian_Temple

There is a festival between 12 Sep~22 Sep that the Chaotian temple invite Temples all over the world that worship Matzus to join. Temple festival is a very unique culture. You can arrange the festival into your itinerary if possible.
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neuron
neuron

Thanks again.
I think grandma definitely worked in the earlier version of the free clinic (est. In 1936).
By the time the current hospital was build, she has definitely retired.
I wonder if the old clinic is at the same location as the hospital.

Did the temple website have an English version? Or were you translating the quotation? If so, thanks for the effort.

Will be in Taiwan around Xmas. Will miss the temple festival I am affraid

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