Toucheng Township, located at the northernmost tip of Yilan County, Taiwan, is a coastal town where history, nature, and culture converge. Its geographical area includes the well-known Guishan Island and the Diaoyutai Islands, making it not only geographically representative but also historically significant. Toucheng is honored as the "First Stop in the Development of Yilan" and the "First City of Yilan," as it was here in the first year of the Jiaqing era during the Qing Dynasty (1796) that pioneer Wu Sha began the development of the Yilan region, marking an important starting point for the growth of eastern Taiwan.
The town's territory is long and narrow, bordered by mountains to the west and the vast Pacific Ocean to the east. Whether arriving via the Northern Cross-Island Highway or the Coastal Highway, Toucheng is the first stop on entering the Lanyang Plain. This geographical advantage has made Toucheng an important hub for transportation and commerce since ancient times. During the Qing Dynasty, thanks to the transportation advantages of Wushi Harbor and the Danlan Historic Trail, Toucheng developed into a major commercial center. Even today, historic buildings such as the "Thirteen Rows Site" and old residences can still be found along Heping Street, telling stories of its former prosperity.
With the silting of Wushi Harbor, Toucheng experienced a period of decline. However, in 1998, the completion of the Wushi Harbor deep-sea fishing port project brought new development opportunities to the town. The old harbor area was redesigned into a park and historical site, breathing new life into it.
In terms of natural landscapes, the "Nineteen Bends" road winding through Jinmian Mountain near Shipai offers panoramic views of the Lanyang Plain and the Pacific Ocean, making it a prime spot for sightseeing and photography. Traveling south along the coastal highway reveals a varied sea-eroded landscape and gentle coastline. Honeymoon Bay, known for its fine sandy beach, is a popular spot for swimming and surfing. Fishing ports like Daxi and Gengfang are ideal for enjoying fresh seafood.
Moreover, Toucheng boasts the highest number of railway stations in all of Taiwan—seven in total—highlighting its importance within the transportation network and providing convenient access for tourism and local development.
In summary, Toucheng Township, with its rich history and beautiful natural scenery, is an excellent gateway for exploring the history of Yilan's development and experiencing the charm of a coastal town. It is well worth a visit and exploration.