Guanxi

Founding and Historical Name

The history of Guanxi dates back to the period of active land cultivation by settlers during the Qing Dynasty. Originally, the settlement was named Xiancaiweng, which literally translates to "Jar of Salted Vegetables." According to one version, the name arose because the local terrain resembles the shape of a vessel; another version suggests it was due to the well-developed local production of traditional pickles.

The city received its modern name in 1920. The phonetic sound of the old name in the local dialect resembled the word "Kansai" (a region in Japan), which led to the official renaming that remains to this day.

Key Factors in Development

The transformation of a small settlement into an important town in Hsinchu County was driven by several factors:

• Geography and Resources: Its location in the Fengshan River valley provided access to water and fertile soil, while the surrounding hills offered natural protection and ideal conditions for farming.
• Transportation Hub: Guanxi historically served as a link between the mountainous regions, where resources were extracted, and the lowland commercial centers.

Early Culture and Economy

The cultural identity of Guanxi was strongly influenced by the Hakka people, whose traditions, architecture, and dialect have dominated the region since its founding. The industriousness of the settlers allowed them to quickly adapt to the challenging landscapes.

The economic foundation of early Guanxi was tea production and camphor extraction. Local tea was famous for its quality and was an important export commodity, contributing to the influx of capital and the development of local infrastructure as early as the 19th century.

Main Milestones in the History of Guanxi

• 1793 — The beginning of active land development by settlers who laid the foundation for the future settlement in the Fengshan River valley.
• 1895 — The region comes under Japanese administration, sparking the development of infrastructure and industry.
• 1920 — During an administrative reform, the settlement is officially renamed from Xiancaiweng to Guanxi (Kansai).
• 1937 — Founding of the Formosa Black Tea company, transforming the town into the island's largest center for tea production and export.
• 1946 — Confirmation of Guanxi's status as a township within Hsinchu County following post-war administrative reorganization.
• 1993 — Opening of National Highway No. 3, making the town an important transportation hub.
• Early 21st Century — Economic shift toward agro-tourism and the establishment of the town’s status as the capital of Mesona grass jelly production.

Key Stages of Development and Transformation in Guanxi

The evolution of Guanxi is a journey from a secluded rural Hakka settlement to a major tourism and transportation hub in Northern Taiwan. Below are the key moments that defined the city's modern character and economy:

• The Boom of the Tea Industry (1930s): The founding of the Formosa Black Tea Co. was a turning point for the region's economy. Guanxi transformed from a simple supplier of raw materials into a center for tea processing and international export. This led to an influx of capital, increased prosperity for residents, and the emergence of high-quality brick buildings that replaced traditional huts.
• Construction of the Dong'an Bridge (1933): The erection of this elegant five-arch bridge over the Niulan River was a vital urban planning decision. It not only reliably connected the old center with new districts but also showcased the high level of engineering skill of the time. Today, the bridge is a city symbol and a popular cultural landmark.
• Creation of a Tourism Cluster (1979): The opening of the Leofoo Village theme park in the immediate vicinity of the city radically changed the local employment structure. Tourism became a powerful economic driver, stimulating the development of the service, catering, and hotel industries, allowing the city to thrive even after the industrial decline.
• The Transport Revolution (1993): The launch of National Highway No. 3 brought Guanxi out of relative geographical isolation. Travel time to major metropolises (Taipei and Hsinchu) was reduced, attracting new residents who preferred suburban life and providing a major boost to "weekend tourism."
• Branding as the "Home of Mesona" (Late 20th — Early 21st Century): In response to changes in the agricultural market, local farmers successfully pivoted to growing Mesona (the plant used to produce grass jelly). Guanxi now produces the vast majority of this product in Taiwan. This created a unique gastronomic brand for the area, which now centers around annual festivals and cultural events.

Architectural Character and Urban Planning

The architecture of Guanxi reflects its evolution from a rural Hakka settlement into a vital commercial and transportation hub. The urban fabric is a blend of traditional Chinese structures, colonial heritage from the Japanese period, and modern functional buildings.

Historical Eras and Styles

The city's architectural landscape can be divided into several key layers, each corresponding to a specific historical period:

• The Qing Era and Hakka Traditions (19th — early 20th century):

  Characterized by traditional sanheyuan residential layouts (U-shaped courtyard houses). These structures were built using sun-dried bricks and red brick with tiled roofs. The settlement layout was dictated by the terrain and the need for defense, forming compact clusters along the river.

• Japanese Colonial Period (1895–1945):

  A time of active modernization. The architecture is dominated by brick eclecticism and elements of Western classicism adapted to local conditions. Shophouses with covered galleries (arcades) appeared along main streets—a feature characteristic of tropical climates. Advanced engineering solutions, such as bridges and factories, were also introduced during this period.

• Modern Stage (from 1945):

  Post-war development is represented by utilitarian modernism. These are primarily low-rise concrete buildings clad in ceramic tiles, typical of the Taiwanese countryside. The urban planning focus shifted toward expanding the road network and creating tourism infrastructure.

Iconic Architectural Landmarks

A number of preserved buildings and structures define Guanxi’s recognizable historical landscape:

• Dong'an Bridge: Built in 1933, this five-arch bridge is an outstanding example of Japanese-era engineering. Constructed from local stone and red brick, it combines aesthetics with functionality. The bridge is still in use today and serves as a symbol of the city.
• Guanxi Old Street: The area around Zhongzheng Road, where the facades of mid-20th-century merchant houses are preserved. Here, you can see the characteristic arcades (qilou) that protect pedestrians from rain and sun, as well as decorative brickwork.
• Formosa Tea Factory: A complex of industrial buildings that has retained its historical appearance. The architecture is utilitarian but features typical 1930s industrial traits: large windows for natural light, high ceilings, and the use of wooden structures in the interior.
• Taihe Temple: The city's primary religious center. Although the building has been rebuilt several times, it follows the canons of traditional Southern Chinese temple architecture, featuring richly decorated "swallowtail" roofs and intricate stone and wood carvings.

Notable Figures of Guanxi

The history of the city is inextricably linked with the names of people who laid the foundation for its economy, culture, and education. A special role in the development of Guanxi was played by the influential Luo clan, whose members shaped the region's character for generations.

• Luo Jui-chang — Industrialist and Administrator (1878–1948)
  A key figure in the city's history. Serving as the mayor of Guanxi during the Japanese administration, he initiated numerous infrastructure projects. However, his primary legacy was the founding of the Formosa Black Tea Co. in 1937. Thanks to his efforts, local tea entered the international market, and Guanxi became the economic center of the region.
• Chen Xingcun — Patron and Philanthropist (20th Century)
  Known for his contributions to the development of education and culture. Chen Xingcun donated a plot of land to the city for the construction of a public library. His act became an example of civic responsibility, and the library still bears his name today, serving as an important educational center for local residents.
• Zhu Yuying — Politician and Statesman
  A native of Guanxi who became the first Hsinchu County Magistrate elected from this town. During his tenure, he focused heavily on developing the road network, which helped bring Guanxi out of transport isolation and connect it with the island's major metropolitan areas.
• Luo Ching-jen — Diplomat and Entrepreneur
  The son of Luo Jui-chang, who continued the family business. He not only successfully managed the tea factory during the challenging post-war years but also represented the region's interests on an international level. His efforts helped maintain the export potential of local tea in a changing market.
• Luo Jiluan — Educator and Calligrapher
  A prominent cultural figure who dedicated his life to preserving Hakka traditions and educating the youth. His calligraphy works are highly valued in Taiwan, and his teaching activities contributed to improving literacy rates in the rural areas of Guanxi.