Zhongxing New Village was built in 1957 as the administrative town for the Taiwan Provincial Government after it relocated from Taipei to the Taichung area. The planning concept drew from Ebenezer Howard's British garden city model, characterized by a grid street network, low-density housing, and abundant tree-lined avenues. Following the downsizing of the provincial government in 1999, the town's population dropped sharply, but the orderly urban layout and mature tree canopy have been well-preserved to this day, creating a distinctive urban landscape rarely seen elsewhere in Taiwan.
Highlights of Zhongxing New Village
The street system of Zhongxing New Village follows the original provincial government-era planning, with wide pedestrian paths and tree-lined avenues on both main thoroughfares and residential streets. The trees are generally several decades old and form green tunnel effects in summer. Most buildings are government dormitories in styles ranging from the late Japanese colonial period to the early Republic of China era, and some remain in good condition. The Executive Yuan's Central Regional Joint Service Center still operates here, and some of the former buildings have been taken over by creative industries, giving the spaces dual functions of historical preservation and contemporary use.
The atmosphere in Zhongxing New Village is quiet and quite different from typical tourist areas — best explored on foot or by bicycle at a leisurely pace. Guangfu New Village, another planned community from a similar era, is located just south of Zhongxing New Village and has been transformed into a creative market setting. Including both in the same itinerary creates an interesting contrast. Weekend markets occasionally take place in Zhongxing New Village; check in advance for any scheduled events.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Time Required
- Located in Nantou City, about 10 minutes by car from Caotun. Reachable by city bus from the Nantou Bus terminal; driving and parking is more convenient.
- Exploring the main streets on foot takes about 1.5 to 2 hours; combined with Guangfu New Village, a half-day itinerary is recommended.
Nearby Connections
- Caotun is about 15 minutes north; the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute (formerly the Taiwan Handicraft Promotion Center) in Caotun can be included in the same outing.
- There are many local restaurants in Nantou City; you can arrange to have a meal in the city after exploring Zhongxing New Village.
Sources: Executive Yuan Central Regional Joint Service Center, Nantou County Cultural Affairs Bureau related materials. Photos pending replacement with Dio's original shots.