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Changhua County

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Changhua County is a significant administrative division located on the west coast of Taiwan.

彰化行政區劃
彰化行政區劃

It holds the distinction of being the smallest county on Taiwan's main island by land area. However, size does not reflect its human importance. With a total population of 1.24 million people, it is the most populous county in the Republic of China. The county capital is Changhua City. This city functions as a central hub within the larger Taichung–Changhua metropolitan area.

The geography of the region is defined by distinct physical features and boundaries. To the north, the Dadu River separates Changhua from Taichung City. To the south, the Zhuoshui River forms the border with Yunlin County. The eastern edge is marked by the Bagua Plateau, which separates the county from Nantou County. To the west, the land meets the Taiwan Strait. The landscape consists of two primary sections: the western flat lands and the Changhua Plain. Together, these two areas cover 88% of the county's total territory. The highest elevation in the entire county is found at Hen Shan.

Changhua possesses a deep history that spans several millennia. Archaeologists have identified 32 prehistoric burial sites that date back approximately 5,000 years. Originally, the local indigenous Babuza people inhabited the area. They referred to the region as Poasoa. During the Qing dynasty, which began ruling Taiwan in 1683, the area was part of the Zhuluo County. In 1723, following the Zhu Yigui rebellion, officials requested a change due to a growing population. Consequently, Changhua County was established to manage the increasing number of residents. The name Changhua translates to the "manifestation of a royal civilization."

Administrative structures have shifted through various eras of governance. Under Japanese rule, Changhua was part of the Taiwan Ken. By 1920, the establishment of Taichū Prefecture included modern-day Changhua, Nantou, and Taichung. By 1930, the population had already surpassed one million people. Following World War II, the current boundaries were shaped through several steps. In 1945, the area fell under Taichung County jurisdiction. On 16 August 1950, it separated from Taichung. Finally, on 1 December 1951, Changhua County was officially established with Changhua City as its seat.

The county is organized into a complex administrative system. It contains 2 cities, 6 urban townships, and 18 rural townships. Changhua County holds the record for the highest number of urban townships of any county in Taiwan. It also has the second highest number of rural townships, trailing only Pingtung County. The local government is led by a democratically elected Magistrate. The current incumbent is Wang Huei-mei of the Kuomintang.

王委員惠美 (第九屆)
王委員惠美 (第九屆)

The county also serves as an electoral bellwether, often acting as a political battleground between the Kuomintang and the Democratic Progressive Party.

Economically, Changhua relies on diverse sectors including agriculture and energy. The county is a major center for fruit cultivation. Specifically, about 1,200 hectares of land are used for growing grapes. Xihu Township serves as the primary hub for grape production. The region is also a leader in energy production. It contains two gas-fired power plants in Lukang Township, known as the Hsingyuan and Hsingneng plants. Each plant has a capacity of 490 MW. Furthermore, Changhua has the largest wind energy capacity in Taiwan. This includes 83 onshore wind turbines and 21 offshore wind farms.

全興工業區
全興工業區

Cultural and transit systems connect the residents to the rest of the island. Changhua is home to many historical monuments from the Qing Dynasty. Notable sites include the Lukang Longshan Temple, famous for its stone dragon columns.

The county also hosts various museums and art centers, such as the Changhua County Art Museum. Transportation is facilitated by the Taiwan Railway, which includes eight local stations. The largest station is located in Changhua City.

TRA Changhua Station 20060723
TRA Changhua Station 20060723

Additionally, the Xiluo Bridge, which spans over 1,900 meters, connects the county to Yunlin.

西螺大橋1
西螺大橋1
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🖼️ Images & Media (10)
File:彰化行政區劃.png
彰化行政區劃.png
File:王委員惠美 (第九屆).jpg
王委員惠美 (第九屆).jpg
File:彰化市中正路一段.JPG
彰化市中正路一段.JPG
File:彰化縣政府.JPG
彰化縣政府.JPG
File:彰化縣議會.JPG
彰化縣議會.JPG
File:全興工業區.JPG
全興工業區.JPG
File:NCUE Jinde Gezhi Building.jpg
NCUE Jinde Gezhi Building.jpg
File:國立彰化生活美學館側面.jpg
國立彰化生活美學館側面.jpg
File:TRA Changhua Station 20060723.jpg
TRA Changhua Station 20060723.jpg
File:西螺大橋1.JPG
西螺大橋1.JPG
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