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Yunlin County

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Yunlin County is a significant administrative division located in the central-south portion of western Taiwan.

Taiwan ROC political division map Yunlin County
Taiwan ROC political division map Yunlin County

It sits at the northern tip of the Chianan Plain, a vast and flat region. The county is bordered by the Taiwan Strait to the west. To the east lies Nantou County. The northern boundary is defined by the Zhuoshui River, which separates Yunlin from Changhua County. To the south, the Beigang River marks the border with Chiayi County. The total area of the county is 1,290.83 square kilometers.

Yunlin County Montage
Yunlin County Montage

The geography of Yunlin is defined by its low-lying terrain. Approximately 80% of the county consists of plains, while the remaining 10% is composed of hills. This flat landscape is part of the Chianan Plain, which is highly valued for agriculture. The climate is tropical, maintaining an annual average temperature of 22.6 °C. The region also receives an average annual rainfall of 1,028.9 mm. However, the land faces environmental challenges. In 2015, Yunlin experienced 75% of Taiwan's total land subsidence. This sinking of the land occurred over an area of 600 square kilometers due to the overuse of groundwater.

History has shaped the administrative boundaries of the region through several eras. During the Dutch Formosa period, Ponkan, known today as Beigang, served as an important coastal castle. Later, during the Qing Dynasty, the area was part of Zhuluo County. A leader named Liu Mingchuan recognized that mountains made communication between Changhua and Chiayi difficult. He suggested creating Yunlin County to allow for easier management. In 1887, it became one of the four counties of the new Taiwan Prefecture. During Japanese rule, the county was renamed Unrin and briefly abolished. It was combined with Tainan Prefecture due to local resistance. After the handover to the Republic of China in 1945, the area initially remained under Tainan County. It was officially separated as Yunlin County on 16 August 1950.

虎尾郡役所官邸
虎尾郡役所官邸

The economy of Yunlin is deeply rooted in the natural environment. Agriculture, forestry, and fishery production account for about 66.45% of the land use. Farmlands cover roughly 68% of the county's total area. Farmers produce a wide variety of crops, including coffee, papaya, melon, tea leaves, and peanuts. The county also produces specialty items like soy sauce, pickled cabbage, and sesame oil. Along the coast, fishing is a vital industry. Leading fishing ports include Boziliao, Santiaolun, Taixi, Taizicun, and Jinhu. To support these industries, several research centers exist, such as the Seawater Fish Farming Research Center.

Formosa Plastics Group Mail-Liao Industrial Complex, at dusk, Yunlin (Taiwan)
Formosa Plastics Group Mail-Liao Industrial Complex, at dusk, Yunlin (Taiwan)

Infrastructure and energy also play key roles in the county's development. The Mailiao Power Plant, located in Mailiao Township, is a major facility. Commissioned in July 1999, it has a capacity of 4,200 MW. This makes it the third largest coal-fired power plant in Taiwan. For water, many residents traditionally used groundwater. To address water needs, the Hushan Dam was opened in Douliu City in 2016. The dam's reservoir provides a steady water supply for the residents. Transportation is also supported by significant structures like the Xiluo Bridge. This Warren-style truss bridge connects Yunlin to Changhua. When completed in 1952, it was the second longest bridge in the world.

西螺大橋1
西螺大橋1

Culture and tourism provide many ways for people to experience Yunlin. The Beigang Chaotian Temple is a major site, attracting more than a million pilgrims every year. For nature lovers, Yunling Hill offers views of the sea of clouds at an altitude of 1,650 meters.

雲嶺之丘 Yunling Hill 20221015202443 01
雲嶺之丘 Yunling Hill 20221015202443 01

The county also features unique food traditions. Visitors can try eel noodles in Sihu or carrot cake in Xiluo. Sports are also prominent, with the Douliu Baseball Stadium hosting international events. The county has hosted several major competitions, including the 2005 National Games and the 2007 Baseball World Cup.

雲林縣斗六棒球場
雲林縣斗六棒球場

Administratively, Yunlin is organized into one city, five urban townships, and 14 rural townships. Douliu City serves as the county seat and the location of the county government. Douliu is the largest city in the county. Interestingly, Yunlin is the only county on the main island of Taiwan that does not have a city with the same name. As of 2022, the population of the county reached 664,963 people. The county is also home to several educational institutions. These include the National Yunlin University of Science and Technology and the National Formosa University.

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🖼️ Images & Media (24)
File:Flag of Changhua County.svg
Flag of Changhua County.svg
File:Flag of Penghu County.svg
Flag of Penghu County.svg
File:Flag of Chiayi County.svg
Flag of Chiayi County.svg
File:Flag of Yunlin County.svg
Flag of Yunlin County.svg
File:Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg
File:Flag of the Republic of China.svg
Flag of the Republic of China.svg
File:Taiwan ROC political division map Yunlin County.svg
Taiwan ROC political division map Yunlin...
File:Flag of Nantou County.svg
Flag of Nantou County.svg
File:Pfeil links.svg
Pfeil links.svg
File:Pfeil rechts.svg
Pfeil rechts.svg
File:Pfeil oben.svg
Pfeil oben.svg
File:Pfeil unten.svg
Pfeil unten.svg

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