Township (Taiwan)

In Taiwan, a Township (鎮, zhèn) is a type of local administrative division. It is one of the levels of administrative divisions under a county (縣, xiàn). Townships, along with county-administered cities (縣轄市, xiànxiáshì) and rural townships (鄉, xiāng), are considered second-level administrative divisions under a county.

The term "Township" in this context refers to an urbanized or semi-urbanized area that has a significant population and level of economic activity but does not quite meet the criteria to be designated as a county-administered city. It is generally larger and more developed than a rural township.

The administrative structure of a Township typically includes a Township Office headed by a Township Mayor (鎮長, zhènzhǎng), who is directly elected by the residents of the township. The Township Office is responsible for providing local public services, managing local infrastructure, and implementing policies set by the county government. A Township Representative Council (鎮民代表會, zhènmín dàibiǎohuì) is also elected by the residents and acts as the local legislature, overseeing the Township Office and approving the township's budget.

The criteria for designating an area as a Township are based on factors such as population density, economic activity, and the presence of urban infrastructure. Specific numerical thresholds and criteria are defined by the central government of Taiwan and may be periodically updated. The conversion of a rural township to a township or a township to a county-administered city is subject to review and approval by higher levels of government.