Chiayi County -- Introduction

Chiayi County is located in west-central Taiwan. Its attractions are mostly of cultural and historical interest. Foremost among these is Lan Tan (or Holland Lake), in Chiayi City, which used to be called "foreigner's stockade". This lake covers an area of about two square kilometers and is shaped like a gourd. It was developed by the Dutch in the 1620s as a place to practice naval maneuvers. Now, the lake has been converted into one of the main sources of Chiayi County's water supply. It is also a popular site for the residents of Chiayi City to gaze the moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Also in Chiayi City is the Yimin Pagoda, which is located next to the Mituo Temple. The pagoda was built in 1938 in memory of the 503 persons who died during a local rebellion in 1786.

One of Chiayi County's most famous local sons was Wang De-lu, who rose to a prominent official position in the Qing imperial government and helped suppress the Lin Shuang-wen and Tsai Chian rebellions. He died in the Penghu Archipelago where he was posted in 1841 during the Opium War. His remains were brought back to Chiayi and buried. His grave site now covers an area of about two hectares, with numerous animal and human tomb guardians carved out of stone on both sides. The grave site has been listed as a first-rank historical site.

Below is a map of Chiayi County: