The origins of Yujing
Yujing is known for her beautiful mangoes. The locale was once known as Fanshuliao (the sweet potato hamlet) and a settlement of the native Siraya people. During the Dutch colonial period and the Qing era, the region was known as Dawulong. The first Han farming settlements started to take shape when large number of Han people moved in. The area was largely occupied by four Shufan (literally translated as civilized savages) settlements of the Cou People that were originally called Tapani. In 1920, the Japanese rulers of Taiwan renamed the area as Yujing (Jade Well) which, in Japanese, sounded similar to its original name of Tapani.
The name of Yujing has been in use ever since. The region is a basin bounded by rolling mountains and verdant vegetation, like a mother's hands cupped together to protect the wonderful treasure she holds. The sweet waters of Dapu River, Houku River, and Zengwun River irrigate the fields.
These geographical advantages, fertile and sandy soil composed of weathered green limestone, ample sun, and abundant rainfall provided farmers with the three most important resources they need. The heavens have granted the residents with a productive land that allowed farmers to grow sweet potatoes, rice, sugarcane, and mangoes that Yujing is famous for. The entire district covers an area of 76.3662 square kilometers.
Natural environment
Yujing District is located to the southeast of Tainan City at 120.27 degrees east meridian and 23.07 degrees north. This district is located at the southern section of the Alishan Mountain Range, and is located 50 km from Xinying and 36 km from downtown Tainan. To the north of Yujing would be Nansi District, while Nanhua District lies to the east. The western border is composed of the two districts of Danei and Shanshang, while the south is bordered by Zuojhen District. Zengwun River flows through Yujing, merging with Houku River before entering Danei District.
Soil
- Green limestone soil - distributed along the slopes and forested land.
- Taiwanese clay - distributed along the areas of Sanxiangong, Mangzaimang, and Neicenglin.
- Loam and sandy loam - with the exception of the forested land and slopes, most of the land is covered by such loam, which is not optimal for the cultivation of paddy, or other crops that require soil with good water retention. Instead, such land was used for growing mangoes, starfruit, oranges, sugarcane, and guava.
Climate
- Rain: Dry seasons typically last from October to March of the following year, while the rainy season is from May to September. Annual precipitation is about 2210 mm.
- Temperature: Average annual temperature is 23.7oC, with July being the hottest month with an average temperature of 28.4oC, and January being the coolest month with an average temperature of 16.6oC.
- Sunshine: Average year round sunshine is about 1687.7 hours, with an average of 4.6 daylight hours per day.