This southeastern region of Taiwan was originally dominated by the Puyuma people.

The township is named in Puyuma in honor of chief Pinara.

After the handover of Taiwan from Japan to the Republic of China in 1945, Beinan was established as a rural township of Taitung County.

The township comprises 13 villages: Binlang, Chulu, Fushan, Fuyuan, Jiafong, Liji, Lijia, Meinong, Mingfong, Taian, Taiping, Tunghsing and Wenkuan.

Beinan Township is accessible from Shanli Station of the Taiwan Railways.