Chiayi history

The history of Chiayi City is a narrative of the transformation of a local settlement into a significant administrative and cultural centre. Its story is closely tied to the development of the island and the succession of ruling dynasties, reflected in both the name and the appearance of the city.

Foundation and Early Years

Originally, the site of modern-day Chiayi was home to a settlement of the island's indigenous peoples, specifically the Hoanya and Tsou tribes, who called this area Tirosen. With the arrival of Chinese settlers from Fujian Province in the 17th century, this name evolved into Zhuluosan (諸羅山), often shortened to "Zhuluo". In 1621, a significant group of settlers arrived here, marking the beginning of active land development. In 1704, Zhuluosan officially became the administrative centre of Zhuluo County.

Key Development Factors

The city's development was defined by several key factors:

• Strategic Location: The city is situated on the fertile Chianan Plain, making it a vital centre for agriculture and food production for settlers.
• Administrative Role: In the 18th century, the city was fortified, walled, and became an important defensive and administrative post. Its status was solidified after a successful defence during the Lin Shuangwen rebellion in 1786. In recognition of the residents' loyalty, the Qing Emperor granted the city its current name in 1787 — Chiayi, meaning "commendable loyalty".
• Economic Growth: During the period of Japanese rule (from 1895), the city, then named Kagi, experienced rapid industrial development. A pivotal event was the construction of the Alishan Forest Railway in 1907, designed to transport valuable timber from the mountain forests, transforming Chiayi into a hub of the logging industry.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Chiayi's early economy was based on agriculture, particularly the cultivation of rice and peaches, earning the city the nickname "Peach City". With the development of trade and industry, Chiayi became a crucial economic node connecting the mountain regions and the western plains. The city's cultural heritage was shaped by the traditions of indigenous peoples, Chinese settlers, and Japanese modernisation, traces of which remain visible in the urban architecture and infrastructure today.

Chronology of Chiayi's History

The history of Chiayi is a journey from an indigenous settlement to a major administrative and economic hub. Key events reflect the changing eras and cultural influences that have shaped the city's modern appearance.

• 1621 — A large group of Chinese settlers arrives on lands inhabited by the Hoanya and Tsou tribes, naming the area Zhuluosan.
• 1684 — After Taiwan comes under the control of the Qing Empire, Zhuluo County is established, encompassing these territories.
• 1704 — The settlement of Zhuluosan becomes the administrative centre of Zhuluo County.
• 1787 — For heroic defence during the Lin Shuangwen rebellion, the Emperor grants the city a new name — Chiayi, meaning "commendable loyalty".
• 1895 — Taiwan comes under Japanese governance, and the city receives the Japanese name Kagi.
• 1906 — The devastating Meishan earthquake causes serious damage to the city, leading to its subsequent reconstruction.
• 1912 — Construction of the Alishan Forest Railway is completed, turning Chiayi into the centre of the timber industry.
• 1930 — During the Japanese colonial period, Chiayi is granted the status of an autonomous city within Tainan Prefecture.
• 1945 — Following the end of World War II, Taiwan returns to the jurisdiction of the Republic of China.
• 1950 — During administrative reform, Chiayi City is included within Chiayi County.
• 1982 — Chiayi regains its status as a provincial city, administratively separating from the county of the same name.

Key Milestones in Chiayi's Development

The development of Chiayi City is marked by a series of key events that defined its economic, cultural, and urban character. From a Qing Dynasty administrative centre to a modern industrial and cultural hub, each stage has left its mark on the city's history.

• Becoming an Administrative Centre (1704). Gaining the status of the centre of Zhuluo County, the settlement of Zhuluosan secured its role as a vital governance point on the fertile plains of western Taiwan. This contributed to the growth of its population and political significance.
• Receiving the Name "Chiayi" (1787). After successfully defending the city against rebels, the Qing Emperor bestowed upon it the name "Chiayi", meaning "commendable loyalty". This event not only changed the name but also enhanced its prestige, becoming an important part of the city's cultural identity.
• Reconstruction After the Earthquake (1906). The destructive Meishan earthquake led to a massive reconstruction of the city under the direction of the Japanese administration. A new urban street grid was created, and modern buildings and infrastructure appeared, laying the foundation for future urban development.
• Construction of the Alishan Forest Railway (1912). The launch of this railway transformed Chiayi into the main centre of Taiwan's logging and wood processing industry. Built to transport valuable timber from the Alishan mountain forests, the railway became a powerful economic engine and a symbol of the city's industrialisation.
• Gaining City Status (1930). During the Japanese rule, Chiayi was officially recognised as a city, confirming its growing economic and administrative importance.
• Post-War Industrialisation. After World War II, the city's economy began to diversify. Alongside wood processing, the food industry, mechanical engineering, and other sectors began to develop, contributing to further economic growth.
• Restoration of Provincial City Status (1982). This step returned administrative independence to Chiayi from the county of the same name, highlighting its role as an independent economic and cultural centre of the region.
• Development as a Cultural Centre. In recent decades, Chiayi has actively developed its cultural potential. The city has become known for hosting the International Band Festival, as well as preserving its rich historical heritage, including the Alishan Forest Railway, recognised as a significant cultural asset.

The architectural landscape of Chiayi represents a multi-layered canvas upon which various historical eras have left their mark. The city's urban development reflects its transition from a traditional Chinese settlement to a modernised centre under Japanese influence and subsequent contemporary development.

Qing Dynasty and Traditional Development

During the Qing Dynasty, Chiayi, then known as Zhuluosan, developed as a typical Chinese administrative centre. The layout was characterised by narrow streets, traditional courtyard houses, and Southern Chinese-style temples. The city was surrounded by walls for protection. Although most original structures from that time have not survived, the influence of this era can still be traced in the layout of old districts and the architecture of active temples, such as the Chenghuang Temple (City God Temple), which remains an important religious and cultural centre.

Japanese Colonial Period (1895–1945)

This period was decisive in shaping modern Chiayi. Following the devastating earthquake of 1906, the city underwent large-scale reconstruction by the Japanese administration. The architecture of this time was dominated by:

• Japanese Style with Western Influence: Administrative buildings, public institutions, and residential houses were built combining elements of European modernism, Art Deco, and traditional Japanese architecture. A striking example is the Chiayi Old Prison — the only preserved prison in the world with a fan-shaped cell layout, constructed from Hinoki wood.
• Industrial Architecture: A key project was the Alishan Forest Railway, built for timber transport. Related facilities, such as Beimen Station and sawmills, are iconic examples of early 20th-century industrial architecture. Today, these areas have been transformed into cultural parks, such as the Alishan Forest Railway Garage Park and Hinoki Village, where wooden Japanese structures have been preserved.

Post-War and Modern Periods

After 1945, urban planning followed global trends. Many functional concrete buildings, characteristic of post-war development, appeared in the city. In recent decades, Chiayi's architecture has been enriched by modern projects. One of the most notable is the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum, located in Chiayi County. Its futuristic design, inspired by Chinese calligraphy, symbolises the fusion of tradition and modernity. The city is also actively creating new public spaces and revitalising historic industrial zones, turning them into cultural and tourist attractions.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Chiayi

Chiayi City has given Taiwan and the world many talented individuals whose achievements have left a significant mark on culture, art, and politics. Here are some of them:

• Chen Cheng-po (1895–1947) — Artist. One of the most famous Taiwanese painters and a pioneer of modernist art on the island. Educated in Tokyo and Shanghai, his works were exhibited at prestigious Japanese exhibitions. Chen Cheng-po tragically died during the "228 Incident," becoming a symbol of that era. His work is considered a national treasure.
• Lin Yushan (1907–2004) — Artist. A master of ink painting who combined traditional Chinese techniques with the Japanese Nihonga style. Together with Chen Cheng-po, he was part of the so-called "Three Great Artists of Chiayi". His works made a huge contribution to the development of 20th-century Taiwanese visual arts.
• Pu Tian-sheng (1912–1996) — Sculptor. Considered one of the founders of modern Taiwanese sculpture. He studied in Japan and created many famous works, including busts of prominent figures and monumental pieces. His style was distinguished by realism and deep psychological insight.
• Vincent Siew (born 1939) — Politician. A prominent statesman who served as Premier (1997–2000) and Vice President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) (2008–2012). A native of Chiayi, he played a significant role in Taiwan's economic development and international policy.
• Chang Po-ya (born 1942) — Politician and physician. One of the most influential women in Taiwanese politics. She was the first female mayor of Chiayi City, served as Minister of Health, and headed the Control Yuan — the highest supervisory body of government in Taiwan.
• Wu Bai (born 1968) — Musician, singer, and songwriter. Born in Chiayi County. Known as the "King of Live Music", he is one of the biggest stars of the Asian rock scene. His music, blending rock, blues, and local motifs, has had a tremendous influence on several generations of listeners.
• Huang Min-hui (born 1959) — Politician. Repeatedly elected as Mayor of Chiayi City, becoming a key figure in local politics. Her activities largely define the modern development and urban improvement of the city.