Holding the title of Taiwan’s smallest township, Jiji Township lies along the banks of the Zhuoshui River west of Nantou County. It’s a popular stop on the Jiji Railway Line, with an atmospheric railway building, a 19th-century academy and a camphor tree-lined cycling route to explore.
Things to do in Jiji Township
An architectural highlight of Jiji Township is its railway station, which was established in the 1920s during Japanese rule to transport materials to the nearby power station. It forms part of a 30-kilometre-long tourist railway that winds through the rural landscapes of Nantou where farmers grow guavas, grapes and bananas. Outside the Jiji Railway Station is a vintage locomotive that provides a popular photo opportunity.
If you want to get up close to retired fighter jets, battle tanks and rocket launchers, head to the Jiji Military History Park, which showcases equipment belonging to the Republic of China Armed Forces. It’s a short walk from the Mingxin Academy, an educational centre built in 1885 under Qing Dynasty rule. Admire the traditional handicrafts on display, together with 19th-century bookshelves, desks and chairs.
Connecting Jiji Township with neighbouring Mingjian Township is the Jiji Green Tunnel, a 4.5-kilometre-long road that roughly follows the Jiji Railway Line. It’s a particularly popular cycling route, with shady camphor trees lining the way and the opportunity to watch the Jiji Tourist Train chug by.
Getting around Jiji Township
Jiji Township is around an hour’s drive from the centre of Taichung City and Taichung International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Asia. Regular trains connect to the Jiji railway station while buses travel throughout the township. The centre of Jiji Township is compact enough to explore on foot.