Definition
Zhushan (Chinese: 竹山鎮) is an urban township located in the central part of Nantou County, Taiwan. It functions as an administrative subdivision under the jurisdiction of the county government.
Overview
Zhushan township occupies an area of approximately 142.6 km² in the central mountainous region of Taiwan. As of the latest official statistics (2023), the township has a population of roughly 12,000 residents. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills, forested mountains, and agricultural valleys. The township lies east of Sun Moon Lake and is traversed by the central‑southern segment of the Taiwan Railway Administration’s (TRA) Jiji Line, providing rail connectivity to nearby townships and the county seat, Nantou City.
The local economy is primarily based on agriculture, tea cultivation, bamboo production, and tourism. Zhushan is known for its high‑quality oolong tea, especially the “Zhu Shan Oolong” variety, and for bamboo crafts. Tourist attractions include the Zhushan Bamboo Forest, historic sites associated with the 1935–36 Japanese occupation, and several indigenous (Atayal) cultural venues. The township also serves as an access point for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and eco‑tourism in the surrounding Sun Moon Lake and Hehuanshan mountain areas.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Zhushan” derives from the Chinese characters 竹 (zhú, “bamboo”) and 山 (shān, “mountain”), reflecting the historically abundant bamboo forests that covered the region’s mountainous landscape. The term has been used since the Japanese colonial period (1895–1945) when the area was organized as a local administrative unit under the name “Jukusan.”
Characteristics
- Geography: Predominantly mountainous with a subtropical monsoon climate; average annual temperature around 22 °C, with distinct wet and dry seasons.
- Administrative divisions: The township is subdivided into several villages, including Dazhuang, Liuma, and Zhuangyuan, each administered by a village chief.
- Infrastructure: Served by Provincial Highway 16 and the TRA Jiji Line; facilities include a township office, primary and secondary schools, a health center, and community cultural centers.
- Cultural heritage: Hosts annual bamboo festivals and tea‑picking events that showcase local agricultural practices and traditional crafts.
- Demographics: The population is a mix of Hoklo, Hakka, and indigenous Atayal peoples, with Mandarin Chinese serving as the primary language of administration and education.
Related Topics
- Nantou County
- Sun Moon Lake
- Taiwan Railway Administration – Jiji Line
- Oolong tea production in Taiwan
- Atayal indigenous peoples
- Central Mountain Range (Taiwan)
All information presented reflects the current understanding based on publicly available governmental and regional sources.