Luodong Township is located in central Yilan County, Taiwan. It serves as a key town and transportation hub in the southern part of the Lanyang Plain and is the core area of the Xinan region. Covering an area of only about 11.34 square kilometers and with a population of around 70,000, Luodong is the smallest township by area and the most densely populated in Taiwan. It is also the smallest administrative division among counties on Taiwan’s main island, reflecting a high degree of urbanization and intensive development.
Historical Background and Development
Formerly known as "Laodong," Luodong gained governmental attention as early as the late Qing Dynasty, when the Qing court established the Bali-Sha Land Reclamation Office here. Along with Sanxing, it became a center for developing Yilan's inland areas. During the Japanese colonial period, the Governor-General of Taiwan designated Luodong as a key logistics transfer point. The exploitation of forest resources from Taiping Mountain further propelled the local timber industry. During its peak, this industry not only laid the economic foundation for Luodong but also spurred the formation of city streets and vibrant commercial activity.
Although logging restrictions in the 1970s led to a decline in the timber industry, Luodong continued to thrive due to its advantageous location on the main transport route between Yilan and Su’ao. This was especially true after the opening of National Freeway No. 5 in 2006, which greatly improved external connectivity and kept commercial activity strong. As urban development expanded, the population gradually began to spill over into nearby areas such as Wujie and Dongshan. Including its satellite towns, the overall population of Luodong’s living circle reaches approximately 120,000.
Remnants of Luodong’s forestry legacy remain today—for example, Zhongshan Park in the town center showcases a historic logging locomotive and a bronze statue of the first town mayor, Chen Chun-Ching, commemorating the area’s development history.
Geography and Hydrology
Luodong lies in the heart of the Lanyang Plain, featuring flat terrain with an elevation ranging from about 4 to 13 meters, gradually sloping from west to east. It borders Wujie, Dongshan, and Sanxing townships. The open landscape makes it suitable for both residential and commercial development.
Hydrologically, Luodong is situated within the watersheds of the Lanyang River and the Dongshan River. The Lanyang River, originating from the Central Mountain Range, is one of Yilan’s major rivers. On the plain, it branches into several tributaries before merging with the Dongshan River and flowing into the Pacific Ocean. These water systems provide abundant water resources, supporting local agriculture and daily living needs.
Climate Features
Luodong has a subtropical climate characterized by abundant rainfall and high humidity. The annual average rainfall ranges between 2,500 and 3,500 millimeters, with precipitation fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. Major sources of rainfall include the plum rain season (May–June), typhoons (July–August), and the northeast monsoon in autumn and winter. There is no pronounced dry season, ensuring a stable water supply.
In terms of temperature, the coldest months are January and February, with average temperatures around 16.1°C. The hottest month is July, averaging about 29.9°C. During winter, cold air masses from the north can sometimes bring temperatures below 10°C, resulting in a damp and chilly feel.
Conclusion
With its advanced urban functions, rich forestry heritage, and advantageous transportation geography, Luodong Township stands as one of the most representative metropolitan townships in Yilan County. From its origins as a logistical hub during the Japanese era to its current role as a thriving commercial center, Luodong is not only a crossroads of culture and history but also a modern symbol of development on the Lanyang Plain.