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Chiayi

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Chiayi City is a significant urban center located in southwestern Taiwan.

Txu-oclc-6557994-index-452
Txu-oclc-6557994-index-452

It sits on the northern edge of the Chianan Plain. The city is entirely surrounded by Chiayi County. To the east, the terrain rises toward the high Mount Ali. To the west, you will find the Chiayi Airport. The Puzi River marks the northern boundary of the city. The Bazhang River flows along the southern side. Most of the land consists of broad, flat, and fertile plains.

Districts of Chiayi-Taiwan
Districts of Chiayi-Taiwan

The climate in Chiayi is classified as warm and humid subtropical. This weather pattern is known as Köppen Cwa. It sits very close to the Tropic of Cancer. The humidity remains high throughout the entire year. Rainfall patterns change based on the direction of the wind. During the fall and winter, northeasterly winds arrive. These winds cause a decrease in rainfall. In the spring and summer, southwesterly winds dominate the region. Most of the yearly rain, over 60%, falls between June and August.

Txu-oclc-6557994-index-451
Txu-oclc-6557994-index-451

Chiayi has a complex history involving many different rulers. Long before modern times, the Hoanya people lived in the region. They called the area Tirosen. Later, Han Chinese immigrants arrived and changed the name to Tsulosan. In 1704, the county seat moved to the site of modern Chiayi. During the Qing dynasty, the city had wooden walls and four gatehouses. These gates were named Chin Shan, Tai Hai, Chung Yang, and Kung Chen. In 1787, the Qianlong Emperor renamed the city Kagee. He did this to honor the citizens for their loyalty during a rebellion.

In 1895, Japan took control of Taiwan following the Treaty of Shimonoseki. The city was then known as Kagi. A major earthquake struck the city in March 1906. This event, the Meishan earthquake, destroyed most of the city walls. Only the Eastern Gate survived the destruction. The Japanese authorities rebuilt the city and encouraged new industries. In 1907, construction began on the Alishan Forest Railway. This railway connects the city to Mount Ali. By 1930, Kagi had been upgraded to an autonomous city.

TRA Chiayi Station 2020-10-13
TRA Chiayi Station 2020-10-13

After Japan surrendered in 1945, the Republic of China took control. The city was renamed Chiayi City. It went through several administrative changes over the following decades. In 1950, it was briefly merged into Chiayi County. This caused a shortage of capital which slowed its development. However, local leaders pushed for more independence. In 1982, the city regained its status as a provincial city. Later, in 1998, the government structure was streamlined. Today, the city is governed directly by the Executive Yuan.

Huang Min-hui chopped
Huang Min-hui chopped

As of January 2023, the city has a population of 263,188 inhabitants. The city is divided into two main administrative districts. The East District serves as the city seat. It contains the Chiayi City Government. The West District is the larger of the two areas. In 2016, the East District had 122,877 people. The West District had 147,396 people.

The city is also known for its unique shape. In ancient times, the territory was shaped like a peach. This earned the city the nickname "Peach City." Citizens even referred to the tip of the peach near the Central Fountain.

Chiayi is a center for culture, music, and green energy. The city is famous as a center for wind music in Taiwan. It hosts an annual wind music festival that began in 1988. Visitors can explore many historic and natural sites. The Alishan Forest Railway starts at the city station.

TRA Chiayi Station 2020-10-13
TRA Chiayi Station 2020-10-13

Other notable locations include Hinoki Village and the Chiayi Prison Museum.

Old Chiayi Prison, front gate (Taiwan)
Old Chiayi Prison, front gate (Taiwan)

The city also works toward a greener future. In 2015, the government started a solar panel program. This program installs panels on schools and offices. It aims to produce 3.55 million kWh of electricity every year. This effort helps reduce carbon emissions by 1,700 tonnes annually.

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🖼️ Images & Media (14)
File:Er nd 2003 Chiayi.jpg
Er nd 2003 Chiayi.jpg
File:Map Chiayi City 1946-01.svg
Map Chiayi City 1946-01.svg
File:Txu-pclmaps-oclc-6550512-kagi-2117-ii.jpg
Txu-pclmaps-oclc-6550512-kagi-2117-ii.jpg
File:Txu-oclc-6557994-index-451.jpg
Txu-oclc-6557994-index-451.jpg
File:Txu-oclc-6557994-index-452.jpg
Txu-oclc-6557994-index-452.jpg
File:Huang Min-hui chopped.png
Huang Min-hui chopped.png
File:嘉義市政府.jpg
嘉義市政府.jpg
File:Districts of Chiayi-Taiwan.png
Districts of Chiayi-Taiwan.png
File:2022 Chiayi Mayor Election Result Map.svg
2022 Chiayi Mayor Election Result Map.svg
File:The sight of NCYU Lantan Campus11813.jpg
The sight of NCYU Lantan Campus11813.jpg
File:Old Chiayi Prison, front gate (Taiwan).jpg
Old Chiayi Prison, front gate (Taiwan).jpg
File:228 Memorial Park, Spotted Deer, Chiayi City (Taiwan).jpg
228 Memorial Park, Spotted Deer, Chiayi...

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