Jiaoxi

Origins and Etymology

The history of the area where Jiaoxi is located today dates back to the era when the Lanyang Plain was inhabited by the indigenous Kavalan people. Active development of these lands by settlers began in the late 18th century, around 1796.

The name of the town (Jiaoxi) translates as "Reef Creek" or "Dry Creek." This name arose due to the characteristics of the local river: during dry periods, the water would recede, exposing a stony bed reminiscent of reefs.

Key Factors of Formation

The transformation of a small agricultural settlement into a significant town was driven by a unique combination of geographic and infrastructural conditions:

• Unique Geology: The primary factor in its development was the hot springs. This is a rare type of lowland thermal water that lacks a sulfur smell, making it highly attractive for use.
• Transport Accessibility: A crucial stage was the construction of the railway in the early 20th century. The arrival of a station allowed residents from other regions to easily reach the springs, stimulating trade and the service sector.
• Geographical Location: Situated on a fertile plain at the foot of the mountains, the location provided residents with both resources and protection.

Early Culture and Economy

Initially, Jiaoxi's economy relied on traditional agriculture. However, as bathing culture became popular in the early 20th century, the direction of development shifted toward recreation.

The town began to see an increase in public bathhouses and inns. A special culture of hospitality emerged, catering to travelers arriving for health treatments. It was this early tourist flow that laid the foundation for Jiaoxi's modern status as one of the region's premier thermal resorts.

Key Development Milestones

• 1796: A group of settlers led by Wu Sha began active development of the Lanyang Plain, triggering the emergence of permanent settlements in the area.
• 1812: The region officially entered the administrative system, facilitating the regularization of land use and agricultural development.
• Late 19th Century: Local hot springs, known then as "Tangwei," began to attract attention as a site for therapeutic bathing.
• 1919: Construction began on the Yilan Railway Line, designed to improve transport links between the east coast and the north of the island.
• 1924: The opening of the Jiaoxi Railway Station made the hot springs accessible to mass travelers, transforming the village into a tourist hub.
• 1950: As a result of administrative reform, Jiaoxi was confirmed as a township within Yilan County.
• 1960s: Active construction of hotels and health resorts began around the springs, forming the town's modern resort appearance.
• 2005: The opening of Tangweigou Hot Spring Park, which became an important public space and a symbol of the revival of bathhouse culture.
• 2006: The commissioning of the Hsuehshan Tunnel shortened the travel time from Taipei to 40 minutes and triggered unprecedented growth in tourist traffic.
• 2012: Jiaoxi was included in the list of the "Top Ten Tourist Small Towns," solidifying its reputation as one of the region's main recreational centers.

City Evolution: From Settlement to Resort

The development of Jiaoxi is a story of how a geological feature determined the fate of an entire town. Economic and urban transformations here have always gone hand in hand with efforts to effectively utilize natural resources.

• Railway Integration (1924)
  The opening of the station on the Yilan Line was a turning point for the economy.
  Significance: The town emerged from isolation. Hot springs ceased to be a local curiosity and turned into a commercial product available to residents of the island's densely populated north and west.
• Formation of the Hotel Cluster (1960s–1970s)
  A period of active development in the central part of the city with multi-story hotels and health resorts.
  Significance: A fundamental change in the urban landscape. Agricultural land in the center gave way to dense urban development oriented exclusively toward the service sector.
• Urban Revitalization (2005)
  The opening of Tangweigou Hot Spring Park on the site of old canals.
  Significance: A major urban planning step. Authorities moved away from dense commercial development of a valuable site in favor of creating a green public space that became the city's cultural heart.
• Transport Revolution: Hsuehshan Tunnel (2006)
  The launch of high-speed communication through the mountain range.
  Significance: Jiaoxi effectively became part of "Greater Taipei" (travel time reduced to 45–50 minutes). This triggered a real estate boom, an influx of capital from the capital, and the town's transformation into a popular weekend destination.
• Development of Agrotourism and the "Jiaoxi" Brand
  Promotion of local products (vegetables grown with mineral water and kumquats) as unique souvenirs.
  Significance: Economic diversification. Agriculture adapted to the needs of tourism, creating a symbiosis between farming and the recreation industry.

Architectural Evolution and Urban Landscape

The architectural identity of Jiaoxi is an eclectic blend of traditional Taiwanese culture, Japanese heritage, and modern resort urbanism. The city's urban development was dictated by the presence of hot springs: construction concentrated around thermal water vents and the railway station, creating a dense and vibrant center.

Unlike many cities that grow outward, Jiaoxi has reached upward in recent decades. Due to the limited territory on the plain and high tourist demand, a skyline of high-rise hotels and residential complexes has emerged—a unique feature for a small town.

Eras and Architectural Styles

Several key layers of construction can be traced in the city, each corresponding to a specific historical period:

• Traditional Minnan Style (19th Century – Present)
  Characteristic of religious buildings and the oldest residential structures. This style, brought by settlers from southern China, features "swallowtail" curved roofs, rich decor, stone and wood carvings, and the use of red brick.
  Example: Jiaoxi Sietian Temple.
• Japanese Colonial Functionalism and Landscape Design (1895–1945)
  While few original Japanese buildings remain, this era established the urban structure. Public baths and park areas along streams were created. The architecture leaned toward the use of wood and natural stone, harmonizing with the landscape.
  Heritage: The layout of the district surrounding Tangweigou Park.
• Taiwanese Modernism and Commercial Development (1960s–1990s)
  The era of rapid economic growth brought concrete multi-story buildings, often faced with small tiles. A characteristic feature is the "qilou" (arcades on the ground floors), protecting pedestrians from rain and sun. This is a utilitarian style designed for maximum spatial efficiency.
  Where to see: Commercial streets around the station and Jiaoxi Old Road.
• Modern Resort Architecture (2000s – Present)
  Following the opening of the Hsuehshan Tunnel, the city experienced a boom in high-rise construction. New buildings are constructed in postmodern and high-tech styles with elements of eco-architecture. Significant use of glass, steel, vertical gardening, and complex geometric shapes emphasize its status as a premium resort.

Iconic Architectural Landmarks and Districts

The look of Jiaoxi is shaped by several key points of interest reflecting different facets of its history:

• Sietian Temple — The architectural dominant of the historical center. Built in honor of Guan Yu, it is a masterpiece of temple architecture with its complex bracket system (dougong) and expressive dragons on the roof.
• Tangweigou Hot Spring Park — An example of modern urban revitalization. This is not just a park, but an architectural and landscape complex where concrete embankments have been transformed into cozy green zones with wooden pavilions mimicking ancient bathhouses.
• Wunquan Road District — The "hotel heart" of the city. This area boasts the highest density of hotels, creating a modern, neon-lit nightscape that contrasts with the quiet rural outskirts.

Notable Figures of Jiaoxi

The history of Jiaoxi is inextricably linked with the people who developed these lands, cultivated the local culture, and brought fame to the region at the national level. Below are key figures whose lives are intertwined with this town.

• Wu Sha — Pioneer and Founder of Settlements (1731–1798)
  Although Wu Sha was born in China, he is the most significant historical figure for the entire Lanyang Plain region. In 1796, he led a group of settlers who began the development of these lands. His tomb is located in Jiaoxi (Kailan Village), and the site is revered as a historical monument symbolizing the beginning of the region's development.
• Huang Zhaotang — Political Figure and Activist (1932–2011)
  A native of Jiaoxi who became a prominent figure in the political history of Taiwan in the second half of the 20th century. He dedicated his life to public service and the protection of democratic values. His contribution lies in the development of civil society and the theoretical foundation for political reforms on the island.
• Lin Huan-chang — Poet and Children's Author (born 1939)
  Born and raised in Jiaoxi. He is one of Taiwan's most famous modern literati specializing in children's poetry and prose. Lin Huan-chang founded the Children's Literature Association and actively promotes reading among youth. His work often draws inspiration from the nature of his homeland.
• Zhou Cheng — Artist and Calligrapher (born 1941)
  A renowned master of traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy born in Jiaoxi. His works, combining classical techniques with local motifs, are exhibited in leading Asian museums. He played an important role in preserving and popularizing traditional arts in modern Taiwanese society.
• Liao Feng-de — Historian and Statesman (1951–2008)
  Born in Jiaoxi. He combined a career in politics with academic research. As a historian, he made a significant contribution to the study of local folklore and the settlement history of Yilan. His works help preserve the cultural memory of the region, while his political career contributed to the development of the county's infrastructure.