Yilan County

Yilan County is a county in northeastern Taiwan, bordering New Taipei City to the north, Taoyuan City to the northwest, and Hualien County to the south. The county seat is located in Yilan City, which is also the largest city in the county. Yilan County is known for its natural beauty, with the Central Mountain Range running along its eastern border and the Pacific Ocean to the east. The county is also home to several major rivers, including the Lanyang River and the Tamsui River, which flow into the Pacific Ocean near Toucheng Township and Gongguan Township.

Geography

Yilan County is situated in the northeastern part of Taiwan, with a total area of approximately 2,143 square kilometers. The county's terrain is diverse, with mountains, hills, and coastal plains. The Central Mountain Range runs along the eastern border of the county, with peaks such as Nanhu Mountain and Tatajia Mountain reaching elevations of over 3,000 meters. The county's coastline is approximately 30 kilometers long, with popular beaches such as Tofu Cape and Waiao Beach located in Toucheng Township and Dongshan Township. The Lanyang River flows through the county and empties into the Pacific Ocean near Yilan City, which is also close to Luodong Township and Suao Township.

History

The history of Yilan County dates back to the Qing dynasty, when the area was inhabited by indigenous tribes such as the Kavalan people and the Atayal people. In 1875, the Qing government established the Taipei Prefecture, which included the area now known as Yilan County. During the Japanese colonial period, the county was administered as part of Taihoku Prefecture, with the city of Yilan serving as the capital. After World War II, the county was returned to Republic of China control and was renamed Yilan County in 1946, with the county seat located in Yilan City, near Luodong Township and Dongshan Township. The county has since developed into a major agricultural and industrial center, with companies such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and Chunghwa Telecom operating in the area, near Toucheng Township and Gongguan Township.

Administration

Yilan County is divided into 12 townships and 1 city, with Yilan City serving as the county seat. The county is administered by the Yilan County Government, which is headed by a magistrate elected by the county's residents. The county is also represented in the Legislative Yuan by several members, including Chen Ou-po and Chen Chin-te, who have worked with other politicians such as Tsai Ing-wen and Ma Ying-jeou on various projects. The county's townships and city are further divided into villages and neighborhoods, with local leaders such as Ko Wen-je and Eric Chu having previously served in similar roles in other parts of Taiwan, including New Taipei City and Taoyuan City.

Economy

The economy of Yilan County is primarily driven by agriculture, with major crops such as rice, sugar cane, and taro being grown in the county's fertile soil. The county is also known for its scallops and other seafood, with the Suao Cold Spring and Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area being popular tourist destinations, near Dongshan Township and Nan'ao Township. The county's industrial sector is also significant, with companies such as Taiwan High Speed Rail and China Steel Corporation operating in the area, near Yilan City and Luodong Township. The county's Yilan Industrial Park is home to several major companies, including Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. and Pegatron Corporation, which have worked with other companies such as Apple Inc. and Google on various projects.

Education

Yilan County is home to several major educational institutions, including National Ilan University and National Yang-Ming University, which have produced notable alumni such as Chen Shui-bian and Ma Ying-jeou. The county's education system is overseen by the Yilan County Government, which is responsible for managing the county's schools and educational resources. The county is also home to several vocational schools and training centers, including the Yilan County Vocational Training Center and the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, which have worked with companies such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and Chunghwa Telecom to provide training and education programs, near Toucheng Township and Gongguan Township.

Tourism

Yilan County is a popular tourist destination, with several major attractions such as the Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area and the Suao Cold Spring, which are located near Dongshan Township and Nan'ao Township. The county's coastline is also home to several popular beaches, including Tofu Cape and Waiao Beach, which are located in Toucheng Township and Dongshan Township. The county's Yilan City is also a major tourist hub, with several major hotels and resorts, including the Yilan Hotel and the Silks Place Yilan, which have hosted events such as the Yilan International Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival and the Taiwan International Balloon Festival, near Luodong Township and Suao Township. The county's Lanyang Museum is also a popular tourist destination, with exhibits on the county's history and culture, near Yilan City and Gongguan Township. Category:Counties of Taiwan