Taoyuan, Taiwan

Taoyuan is a special municipality in northwestern Taiwan, neighboring New Taipei City, Hsinchu County, and Yilan County. Taoyuan District is the seat of the municipal government and which, along with Zhongli District, forms a large metropolitan area. Taoyuan developed from a satellite city of Taipei metropolitan area to become the fourth-largest metropolitan area, and fifth-largest populated city in Taiwan. Since commuting to the Taipei metropolitan area is easy, Taoyuan has seen substantial growth in its population and economy.

History

Taoyuan was originally inhabited by the Taiwanese aborigines, specifically the Ketagalan people. The Spanish arrived in the 17th century, followed by the Dutch, and then the Han Chinese immigrants during the Qing Dynasty. In 1950, Taoyuan County was established by the Republic of China government. In 2014, the county was upgraded to a special municipality.

Geography

Taoyuan is located in the northwestern part of the island of Taiwan, approximately 40 km southwest of Taipei. It is characterized by a diverse landscape, including plains, hills, and mountains. The city is crossed by the Tamsui River and the Laojie River.

Economy

Taoyuan is an important industrial region in Taiwan. It hosts numerous industries, such as logistics, aerospace, electronics, and retail. The city is home to the headquarters of China Airlines, the country's national carrier, and Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, the largest airport in Taiwan.

Culture

Taoyuan is known for its rich cultural diversity, with a large population of mainland Chinese, Hakka, and foreign residents. The city hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year, such as the Longtan Tourist Pond Festival and the Taoyuan Lantern Festival. Taoyuan is also home to several museums, including the Taoyuan Hakka Culture Hall and the Republic of China Air Force Museum.

Cuisine

Taoyuan's cuisine is diverse, reflecting its multicultural population. Local specialties include stinky tofu, beef noodles, and Hakka cuisine. The city is also known for its fresh seafood, thanks to its proximity to the coast.

Education

Taoyuan has a well-developed education system, with numerous public and private schools, colleges, and universities. Notable institutions include Chang Gung University, Chung Yuan Christian University, and Vanung University.

Transportation

Taoyuan is served by a comprehensive transportation network, including the Taiwan High Speed Rail, the Taoyuan Metro, and numerous bus lines. The city is also home to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, the largest and busiest airport in Taiwan.

See Also

• List of cities in Taiwan
• Taiwanese cuisine
• Taiwanese culture

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