Discover Suao
Location
Located in the east-southern part of Yilan County, Suao Township Connects Doingshan and Wujie Townships in its westnorth, and accesses Nanao townships in its westsouth. Also Suao faces mountains on its north, west and south sides and approaches the Pacific Ocean on the east. It serves as a starting point for both Suhua Highway and Taiwan Railway North-Link Line, and a destination for National Highway No.5.
Suao township used to be named “Gangkou”, “DongGang”, and “Shibakang”. It’s said that During the Qing Dynasty ruled by Jaqing Emperor, Shiwei Su led 44 people here to open up lands to farming. Hence, the descendants named the town “Suao” in honor of the great achievements of Mr. Su.
Harbors with Great Physical Characteristics
Suao Harbor is the only 3-in-1 harbor in Taiwan with functions of military, business and fishing.
Zongcheng Military Harbor in Beifangao, the most important military base in Northern Taiwan, even has one Mazu Temple in the army. Nanfangao, one of the 3 largest harbors in Taiwan, is a tombolo which is caused by land deposit (an island) connecting to the land by a sandbar.
With that special geographical feature, Nanfangao makes its own living circle. On that tiny land of 2 square kilometers, it represents an epitome of the traditional fishing village and the typical fishing industry in Taiwan.
Sister Cities
Until 2015, Ishigaki City and Suao Township have been sister cities for 20 years.
Ishigaki City is located in the south of Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa in Japan. With the area of 222.6 square kilometers, it is the 3rd largest island in Okinawa. Ishigaki City has a population of 47,000 and is the center of politics, economy, education, and traffic of Yaeyama Islands. It’s the only city administrative district and also the city in the farthest south in Japan. Although Ishigaki City belongs to Okinawa, it’s pretty close to Suao with a distance of only 250 kilometers.