GARDEN CITY

Provincial capital garden city

Development History

Nantou City was once the seat of the Taiwan Provincial Government. It is the core area for urban and rural development in Nantou County, the central city of the Nantou local community, and the most important administrative, industrial, commercial, and cultural and educational area, as well as one of the core transportation hubs. In the early post-war period, it was changed to Nantou Township, Nantou District, Taichung County. In 1950, Taiwan's administrative divisions were adjusted again, and a small county system was implemented. Nantou was established as a county, and the district office was abolished, becoming Nantou Township, Nantou County. On July 1, 1957, the Taiwan Provincial Government moved to Zhongxing New Village, and Nantou City became the seat of the provincial government. In 1981, "Nantou Township" was upgraded to a county-administered city and renamed "Nantou City," the only county-administered city in Nantou County and the political center of Nantou County.

Zhongxing New Village, located between Caotun Township and Nantou City, was designed in the style of a "New Town in England," covering approximately 200 hectares. The village's buildings are neatly arranged, and each road resembles a green tunnel. Cycling through it is incredibly relaxing and invigorating, making it a perfect destination for family leisure trips, outings, and absorbing phytoncides. It was even voted one of Taiwan's most livable villages. However, following the provincial government's downsizing, former provincial government employees moved out, and coupled with an aging population, the passing of elders, and a major earthquake, the area has become increasingly desolate and faces a transformation in its development strategy.

The government is currently committed to the revitalization and upgrading of the area, including the establishment of the Central Taiwan Innovation Park by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the establishment of the Zhongxing New Village Revitalization Office, and the "Provincial Government Daily Outreach Program" launched in recent years in cooperation with local businesses through the Institute for Information Industry (III). This program utilizes a two-pronged approach of "space revitalization and local business networking" to gradually create a cultural and lifestyle cluster in the area. Furthermore, the Nantou County Government has held a tea expo in Zhongxing New Village for many years, actively revitalizing local industries. In recent years, the influx of young people returning to their hometowns, women starting businesses, and second-generation entrepreneurs has brought in unique shops, increasing foot traffic and business opportunities.