aichung City (commonly referred to as "Taichung" and historically written as 台中 in simplified characters) is one of the special municipalities of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the only special municipality in central Taiwan. Covering an area of approximately 2,215 square kilometers with a population of about 2.85 million, Taichung is Taiwan's second-largest city and the core of the Taichung metropolitan area. Together with Changhua County and Nantou County, it is part of the Central Taiwan region, often referred to as "Zhongzhangtou." Taichung borders Miaoli County and Hsinchu County to the north, Changhua County and Nantou County to the south, Hualien County and Yilan County to the east, and the Taiwan Strait to the west, making it an important geographic hub.
Origin of the Name "Taichung"
The name "Taichung" originates from the Japanese colonial period and refers to its central location in Taiwan. Before the Qing Dynasty, settlements already existed in Taichung, but economic activities were less prosperous compared to Lukang. In 1900, during the Japanese colonial era, urban improvements transformed Taichung into a modern city, including river management of the Green River and Liu River and the planting of willow trees to beautify the environment.
Natural Geography
Terrain Overview
Mountainous Region (East)
The eastern Heping District is located at the southern end of the Xueshan Range. The main peak of Xueshan, at an elevation of 3,886 meters, is the highest point in Taichung. This region is characterized by steep mountains and numerous rivers, with the Dajia River cutting through the area, providing abundant water resources.Plains and Hills (Central)
The central area comprises the Taichung Basin, the most densely populated region, formed by alluvial deposits from the Wu River and Dajia River. The plains here have relatively high elevations, with Fengyuan District reaching up to 200 meters. The Taichung Meteorological Station, at 84.04 meters above sea level, is one of Taiwan's highest-altitude meteorological stations on flat land.Coastal Region (West)
The western area faces the Taiwan Strait and mainly consists of the Qingshui uplifted coastal plain and the Dajia alluvial fan plain. However, the region is separated from the Taichung Basin by the Dadu Plateau. Historically, inconvenient transportation led to relatively independent regional development.
Climate Characteristics
Taichung City has a subtropical monsoon climate, with temperate and subalpine climate characteristics in high-altitude areas to the east. The temperature gradient decreases from east to west. The climate is mild and seasonal, with rainfall concentrated in the summer, relatively dry winters, and minimal typhoon impact.
Seasonal Climate
Spring (March–May):
Temperatures range from 15–26°C, with mostly sunny weather and occasional cold fronts bringing rainfall.Summer (June–September):
Temperatures range from 26–33°C, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. High temperatures often exceed 35°C in July and August.Autumn (October–November):
Temperatures range from 20–30°C, with the least rainfall and a dry climate.Winter (December–February):
Temperatures range from 12–21°C. Cold air masses have a significant impact, and radiative cooling can bring nighttime lows close to 10°C.
Taichung City is not only a vital economic and cultural center but also home to Taiwan’s second-largest port and the largest air force base, Ching Chuan Kang Air Base. Its rich natural resources and diverse geographical features contribute to Taichung’s unique charm, attracting many visitors and residents to settle here.
