Taichung County

Infobox ROC county
englishname = Taichung County
chinesename = 臺中縣


emblem = Taichung_County_emblem_white_background.pngabbreviation = Central County (中縣)


county seat = Fengyuan City
region = Central Taiwan
countymagistrate = Huang Chung-Sheng (黃仲生)
totalarea = 2,051.4712
arearank = 8
percentwater = n/a
totalpop = 1,522,986 (2004)
poprank = 4
density = 742
citiesno = 3
townshipno = 18
countyflower = Cotton tree ("Bombax ceiba")
countytree = Chinese Banyan ("Ficus microcarpa")
countybird = Formosan Blue Magpie ("Urocissa caerulea")
website = taichung.gov.tw (Chinese)

Taichung County (zh-tptwp|t=臺中縣 or 台中縣|hp=Táizhōng Xiàn|tp=Táijhong Siàn|w=T'ai-chung Hsien|poj=Tâi-tiong-kōan) is a county in central Taiwan, surrounding but not including Taichung City. The name means "central Taiwan". Taichung County is officially administered as a county of Taiwan Province, Republic of China.

Administration

Taichung County controls three township-level cities (縣轄市), five urban townships (鎮), and 13 rural townships (鄉).

"See also:" Administrative divisions of the Republic of China

Transportation

Freeway

*National Highway No. 1
*National Highway No. 3
*National Highway No. 4

Education

*ASIA UNIVERSITY [http://www.asia.edu.tw]

Railway

*Taichung Line
*Coast Line (TRA)

High-speed rail

*Taiwan High Speed Rail Taichung Station

Harbor

*Taichung Harbor

Airport

*Taichung Airport

Tourism

*921 Earthquake Museum of Taiwan

Taichung County is home to some of the highest mountains in Taiwan, and therefore North East Asia.

Xue Shan (Snow Mountain) is the third highest mountain in Taiwan standing at over 3750m.

It is a fantastic mounatin to climb, taking two days to go up and down from the road, moving through tropical rain forest, pine, bamboo, grass to snow and rock at the top.

Tai Ping, situated at the edge of Taichung City is about 30 minutes by bicycle from the city centre, it was badly hit by the earthquake which although terrible disaster for many of the residents helped make the closest mountain walk into an awesome ride for cross country mountain biking.

Art Street near Dong Hai University, in Long Jing Village, is also worth a visit.

Art Street in Taichung County is one of the most progressive areas for urban living in Taiwan. Art Street is situated at the summit of Da Du Mountain next to Dong Hai University overlooking Taichung City below. Art Street is a model of urban planning for people-friendly living spaces. The narrow, one-way street with raised cobbled intersections slows traffic enough to allow people to pleasantly walk along the street, encouraging a pedestrian friendly environment. This alone is very rare in Taiwan.

The focus of the area is a small square, which at ground level is mostly occupied by coffee and gift. The second story, with a surrounding outdoor walkway, features cheap rent studios that attract art studios, galleries and small artisan workshops that make, amongst other things, trinkets, custom-made spectacle frames, musical instruments and stereo systems. The square is designed with steps and a natural stage in the center, which is often used for events. On sunny days it is a popular meeting place for all the community, young and old. Children play in the square while adults sit on the steps and seats shaded by trees to chat.

The area has an active community of residents and shop owners who work together to put on festivals promoting the area as a local tourist destination. The popularity of the area has attracted fashion boutiques, restaurants and cafes. As one of the few areas in Taiwan with traffic calming and being in close proximity to both a large university and Taiwan's third biggest city, it is a very popular area for accommodation of students from around the world, so it is also sometimes called ‘International Street.’

Art Street is 500 meters from Taichung Harbour Road, the biggest and busiest city thoroughfare, which links Taichung City with the harbour 20km away. City buses run up Harbour Road from the City every three minutes, and a bus stop is located at the junction of the Art Street area access road.

The area is residential. A one-way network has been used to prevent through traffic. Car parks are located all along the access road to the Art Street area. This junction is five minutes from Art Street.

Trees and flowerpots line the street. Special surfacing and lighting give the street an attractive and calming visual impression. The area attracts families and lovers during weekends, giving a safe and friendly feel.

The Street has special surfacing for traffic calming, and lighting with trees and flowers for about a 500-meter stretch. The whole street is popular during weekends, with many groups of all ages wandering along the road. Outdoor cafes and specialty stores line the whole street. The square is the main focus. All ages and income groups use the area as a recreational space.

The square and its cafes are popular meeting points. The area is popular with all age groups and has a friendly atmosphere. Local artists, musicians and dance groups often use the square for street performances. The local residents are proud of Art Street and encourage visitors from the city, particularly as they represent the main source of income for the shops and restaurants.

External links

* [http://www.taichung.gov.tw/ Taichung County Government Official Website zh] [http://www.taichung.gov.tw/english/index.asp en]