Jiji Township is located in central Nantou County. It is the smallest administrative district in the county in terms of area and population, yet it is widely known across Taiwan as a railway tourism town. In the Bunun language, its name is Miavaz, while in Taiwanese Hokkien it is pronounced Chi̍p-chi̍p-tìn. Although the township has only about 9,800 residents, it is famous for the Jiji Railway Line, its distinctive streetscapes, and being the epicenter of the 921 Earthquake.
In terms of geography, Jiji lies between the alluvial plain of the Zhuoshui River and the surrounding hilly terrain, with elevations ranging from 230 to 1,424 meters above sea level. The highest point is Mount Jiji in the northeast, at 1,392 meters. The eastern Jiji alluvial fan is the township’s most prosperous area, with concentrated population and well-developed living functions, while the western Zhuoshui alluvial plain is mainly farmland. Most of Jiji’s land is hilly, forming a natural watershed with Zhongliao Township to the north.
The climate is classified as subtropical monsoon with four distinct seasons. The annual average temperature is about 21.9 °C, with the hottest month being July (average 26.6 °C) and the coldest January (average 15.3 °C). Annual rainfall reaches 2,448 millimeters, peaking in June and lowest in November, creating favorable conditions for crops and fruit cultivation.
Although small in scale, Jiji is renowned for its charming tourism features. Attractions such as the Jiji Railway Station, the Green Tunnel, the Mingxin Academy, and preserved historical sites from the 921 Earthquake endow the township with rich cultural stories and strong tourism appeal.
