View source for Nantou County

{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2025}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name                   = Nantou County
| official_name          = <!-- Official name in English if different from 'name' -->
| native_name            = {{nobold|{{lang|zh-hant|南投縣}}}}
| other_name             = Nan-t'ou
| settlement_type        = [[County (Taiwan)|County]]
| image_skyline          = Nantou County Montage.png
| image_caption          = Top：Shuili Water Creek in Shuili Township, 2nd left:Mount Yu, 2nd right:Nantou County Museum of History in Nantou City, 3rd left:View of Sun Moon Lake, from Xuanzang Temple in Yuchi Township, 3rd right:Evergreen Glassland in Renci Township, Bottom left:Tou George Pond in Taiwan Educational University of Nature, Bottom right:Mount Hehuan
| image_flag             = File:Flag of Nantou County.svg
| image_seal             = Seal of Nantou County.svg
| seal_type              = Logo
| image_map              = Taiwan ROC political division map Nantou County.svg
| image_map1             = {{maplink|frame=yes|frame-width=265|frame-align=center|plain=yes|type=shape|stroke-width=2|stroke-color=#000000|zoom=8}}
| map_caption            = 
| coordinates            = {{coord|23|54|9|N|120|41|24|E|region:TW_type:adm1st|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type       = Country
| subdivision_name       = {{ROC-TW}}
| subdivision_type1      = Province
| subdivision_name1      = [[Taiwan Province|Taiwan]] (''de facto'' defunct)
| iso_code               = TW-NAN
| seat_type              = Seat
| seat                   = [[Nantou City]]
| seat1_type             = Largest city
| seat1                  = Nantou City
| parts                  = 1 city, 12 (4 urban, 8 rural) townships
| governing_body         = {{unbulleted list
  |[[Nantou County Government]]
  |[[Nantou County Council]]}}
| leader_party           = [[Kuomintang|KMT]]
| leader_title           = County Magistrate
| leader_name            = [[Hsu Shu-hua]]
| area_total_km2         = 4,106.436
| area_water_percent     = 0
| area_rank              = [[List of administrative divisions of Taiwan|2 of 22]]
| population_total       = 479666
| population_as_of       = January 2023
| population_rank        = [[List of administrative divisions of Taiwan|15 of 22]]
| population_density_km2 = auto
| timezone               = [[National Standard Time]]
| utc_offset             = +8
| website                = {{url|www.nantou.gov.tw/english/|www.nantou.gov.tw}}
| module                 = {{Infobox place symbols
 |embedded               = yes
 |flower                 = [[Prunus mume|Plum blossom]] (''Prunus mume'')
 |tree                   = Camphor Laurel (''[[Cinnamomum camphora]]'')
 |bird                   = 
 }}
}}
{{Infobox Chinese|t=南投縣<!--|s=南投县-->|hp=Nántóu Xiàn|mi={{IPAc-cmn|n|an|2|.|t|ou|2|-|x|yan|4}}|bpmf=ㄋㄢˊ&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ㄊㄡˊ&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ㄒㄧㄢˋ|gr=Nantour Shiann|w=Nan²-tʻou² Hsien⁴|tp=Nántóu Siàn|mps=Nántóu Shiàn
|poj=Lâm-tâu-koān|tl=Lâm-tâu-kuān|phfs=Nàm-thèu-yen|showflag=ppojphfs}}

'''Nantou'''{{Efn native lang|tw|t=南投縣|p=Nántóu Xiàn|m=Lâm-tâu-koān|s=Nàm-thèu-yen}} is the second largest [[County (Taiwan)|county]] of [[Taiwan]] by area. Located in the central part of the island, and containing its [[geographic center of Taiwan|geographic center]], it is the only non-coastal county in Taiwan. Its landscape is mountainous, with the east containing parts of the [[Central Mountain Range]], including Taiwan's highest mountain, [[Yu Shan]]. The diverse landscape supports rare species such as the [[Taiwanese pangolin]] and [[leopard cat]], and the county remains home to some of the [[Taiwanese Indigenous peoples]].

What is now Nantou supported a number of indigenous groups that retained autonomy from central government during [[Taiwan under Qing rule|Qing rule of the island]]. Settlement was initially banned, but in the late 19th century it was encouraged. Many [[Hoklo people|Hoklo]] and [[Hakka people]] moved in during this period. Under [[Taiwan under Japanese rule|Japanese rule]], the area was brought fully under government control, a sometimes violent process that shaped local ethnic identities. The region began to industralize, while also seeing increased agricultural production. Following the [[retrocession of Taiwan]], Nantou County was separated from [[Taichung County]]. In the late 20th century, the area saw an increase in tourism, which has become a prominent part of the local economy. Famous sites include [[Sun Moon Lake]], the largest lake in Taiwan.

The county is home to the [[Thao people]], who live around Sun Moon Lake. Other indigenous groups with communities in the area include the [[Atayal people|Atayal]], [[Bunun people|Bunun]], [[Seediq people|Seediq]], [[Tsou people|Tsou]], and various [[Plains Indigenous peoples]]. Two of the county's [[Township (Taiwan)|townships]] are classified as indigenous townships. The total population of the county is around 470,000.

The county is led by [[List of county magistrates of Nantou|a magistrate]], who heads the [[Nantou County Government]]. The economy still includes extensive agricultural components in addition to tourism, and the region produces hydroelectric power. In modern times, the indigenous people are reflected in the education system, and retain their own cultural practices.

==History==
===Early history===
Before the arrival of [[Han Chinese]] to Nantou, the [[Atayal people|Atayal]], [[Bunun people|Bunun]] and [[Tsou people|Tsou]] tribes were distributed throughout the northern and central Nantou. These groups pioneered the early development of mountain regions in Nantou.<ref name="nantou.gov.tw">{{cite web |title=Nantou of Yesterday |url=http://www.nantou.gov.tw/english/content.asp?dptid=376480000&catetype=02&cid=387&cid1=398 |website=Nantou County Government |access-date=8 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107153222/http://www.nantou.gov.tw/english/content.asp?dptid=376480000&catetype=02&cid=387&cid1=398 |archive-date=7 January 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> The name derives from the [[Hoanya people|Hoanya]] [[Taiwanese aborigines|Taiwanese aboriginal]] word ''Ramtau''.<ref name="南投的地方起源與變遷">{{cite web |url=http://www.taiwan123.com.tw/local/name03-8.htm |script-title=zh:南投的地方起源與變遷 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206023503/http://www.taiwan123.com.tw/local/name03-8.htm |language=zh-tw |archive-date=6 February 2012 |quote=此地原本為平埔族Arikun族南投（Ramtau）社之故址所在，此「南投」之地名即翻譯自平埔族語。 }}</ref>

===Kingdom of Tungning===
In 1677, Lin Yi ({{zh|c=林圯|link=no}}), a general under the command of [[Koxinga]], led soldiers to establish residence in ''{{Interlanguage link multi|Shalianbao|zh|3=沙連堡}}'' (modern-day [[Zhushan, Nantou|Zhushan]]). The [[Han Chinese]] began to enter Nantou via two main routes, the [[Zhuoshui River]] and [[Maoluo River]].<ref name="nantou.gov.tw"/>

===Qing rule===
[[File:1894 Taiwan.svg|thumb|alt=Map of Taiwan showing what is now Nantou divided between different administrative units, including a long central one covering much of the island's interior|Qing administrative divisions in 1894, a few years after Taiwan was established as a separate province]]
What is now Nantou County was then part of different administrative divisions under [[Taiwan under Qing rule|Qing rule]].<ref name="Hao2023">{{cite book |author=Yaguang Hao |date=2023 |title=Grassroots Governance in Taiwan |publisher=Springer Nature |isbn=9789811998294 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=57mpEAAAQBAJ }}</ref>{{rp|2}} However, actual control was limited, with [[Taiwanese indigenous people|indigenous populations]] in the area remaining largely isolated. In 1740, Qing authorities assigned the indigenous people the surname [[Pan (surname)|Pan]]. Contact between these people and [[Han Chinese]] settlers often resulted in violence. Stone border markers may have been in place as early as 1713.<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|5–6}} 1723 saw the start of heavy logging in until then-Thao areas. Conflicts erupted in 1725, and in response to an incidence of [[headhunting]] by a Thao hunter, in 1726 the Qing governor launched an invasion of the area. The invasion brought an end to the Thao practice of headhunting.<ref name="Liao2022">{{cite thesis |author=Tzu-Hsiang Liao |date=January 2022 |title=Land Use Planning and the Indigenous People in Taiwan – case study of the territory of the Thao nation and Katratripulr tribe, from the 17th- contemporary period |url=https://etheses.bham.ac.uk/id/eprint/12269/7/Liao2022PhD.pdf |degree=Doctor of Philosophy |publisher=University of Birmingham }}</ref>{{rp|157–158}}

In 1744, Qing authorities banned Han land claims in indigenous land, and in 1752 set out formal border markers which Han Chinese were not allowed to pass. Detailed mapping in 1790 led to further demarcation.<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|5–6}} During the [[Lin Shuangwen rebellion]] in the late 1780s, the Thao people assisted the Qing governor, and became recognized as a "civilized" tribe.<ref name="Liao2022"/>{{rp|157–158}} The first written record of [[Sun Moon Lake]] comes from a 1782 government report.<ref name="SunMoonLake2004">{{cite book |title=交通部觀光局日月潭國家風景區管理處五週年慶專刊 |date=2004 |publisher=Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration |isbn=9789570199000 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=T04Z4R2HVzMC }}</ref>{{rp|10}}

[[File:Puli basin settlement contract.jpg|thumb|alt=A chinese character contract signed with four hand prints|A settlement contract from when the [[Plains Indigenous peoples]] moved into the Puli Basin]]
The Puli basin became an important area for indigenous peoples. In 1814, a group of over 100 Han Chinese led by Guo Bainian<!--郭百年--> massacred indigenous people living in the Puli basin.<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|9}} Guo Bainian was arrested in 1816, and the territory was returned to the Thao.<ref name="Liao2022"/>{{rp|158}} More [[Thao people]] migrated to the area from the southwest in 1823.<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|9}} Around 30 [[Plains Indigenous peoples]] who had lost territory elsewhere also migrated to the basin, invited by the Thao. This event has been described as a [[mass migration]].<ref name="Ahuan2019">{{cite magazine |author=Kaisanan Ahuan |date=December 2019 |title=The Central Taiwanese Plains Indigenous Peoples |url=https://www.cdway.com.tw/gov/ipcfmaz/PDFX/26eng.pdf |magazine=Indigenous Sight |volume=26 |publisher=Indigenous Peoples Cultural Foundation }}</ref>{{rp|36}}<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/archives/2019/04/28/2003714178 |title=Taiwan in Time: The antirebels of the Qing era |author=Hua Cheung |work=Taipei Times |date=28 April 2019 |access-date=26 September 2025 }}</ref> Around 3,000 settlement contracts are known from the Puli basin. From 1850 to 1874, there are three recorded official movements of Thao people from other areas to Sun Moon Lake, and new settlements were established.<ref name="Liao2022"/>{{rp|158}} Some Thao became landlords, employers Han farmers. This introduced new agricultural techniques to the area, but also plagues.<ref name="Liao2022"/>{{rp|159}} An alliance between the Thao and the Plains Indigenous peoples led to groups including the [[Atayal people|Atayal]] and [[Seediq people|Seediq]] being restricted to mountainous areas.<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|9}} The Seediq did have contact with the Qing government however, and were part of recognized chiefdoms. Some of these joined into larger confederations.<ref name="Simon2015">{{cite book |author=Scott Simon |date=2015 |chapter=Making Natives: Japan and the Creation of Indigenous Formosa |editor=Andrew D. Morris |title=Japanese Taiwan: Colonial Rule and its Contested Legacy |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |isbn=9781472576743 }}</ref>{{rp|87}}

In 1848, the local government began to more actively develop the area. Water infrastructure was developed to improve agriculture, and a small number of Han settlers began to enter the area. The ban on Han settlement was removed in 1874.<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|6}} This was part of an initiative to increase government access and control of Taiwan's mountainous areas,<ref name="Liao2022"/>{{rp|159}} launched to counter Japanese claims that there was no effective sovereignty over the area.<ref name="Simon2015"/>{{rp|79}} The government established schools for indigenous children in 1876. In 1877, what would later become [[Puli, Nantou|Puli]] town was founded by the military as a base of operations in the area. A local police force was created in 1884, and the town continued to develop throughout the remainder of Qing rule.<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|6}} Former indigenous towns around Sun Moon Lake became majority Chinese.<ref name="Liao2022"/>{{rp|159}} A Chinese school was built on the sacred [[Lalu Island]] (then a mountain), and plagues pushed Thao away from the lake while also reducing their numbers. In 1897, the number of Thao was recorded as 352, down from 861 in 1847.<ref name="Liao2022"/>{{rp|160}} Settlement by [[Hoklo people]] and [[Hakka people]] occurred during this time.<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|8}}

A pottery industry developed in the 19th century around the [[Maoluo River]], and spread to other nearby towns. The region's 20 to 30 kilns included the largest in Taiwan.<ref name="SunMoonLake2004"/>{{rp|29}}

===Japanese rule===
{{See also|Taiwan under Japanese rule}}
[[File:Thao's canoe, Taiwan 1900 (No.7337).jpg|thumb|alt=Damaged black and white photo showing two people and log canoes on a lakeshore|[[Thao people]] in 1900]]
Following the Japanese annexation of Taiwan through the [[Treaty of Shimonoseki]] in April 1895, Japanese forces arrived at Puli on 28 July. A civilian government was set up shortly afterwards.<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|6–7}} In 1901, during [[Taiwan under Japanese rule|Japanese rule]], {{nihongo||南投廳|Nanto Chō|lead=yes}} was one of twenty local administrative offices established. In 1909, part of {{nihongo4||斗六廳|Toroku Chō}} was merged into Nanto Cho. A major reorganization occurred in 1920, in which the area was administered under [[Taichū Prefecture]] together with modern-day [[Changhua County]] and [[Taichung City]].

It was under Japanese rule that indigenous groups came under the control of the central government.<ref name="Simon2015"/>{{rp|79}} Existing tribal confederations were broken up by Japanese attempts to [[divide and conquer]].<ref name="Simon2015"/>{{rp|87}} Indigenous languages and practices were banned under Japanese rules due to assimilation policies.<ref name="Ahuan2019"/>{{rp|37}} Facial tattoos, formerly a sign of beauty for women in some groups, were banned. The removal of existing tattoos often left faces disfigured.<ref name="Simon2006">{{cite web |url=https://apjjf.org/scott-simon/1565/article |title=Formosa's First Nations and the Japanese: from colonial rule to postcolonial resistance |author=Scott Simon |work=The Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus |publisher=Asia-Pacific journal |date=4 January 2006 |access-date=26 September 2025 }}</ref> Those who were not given last names under Qing rule were given last names by the Japanese authorities.<ref name="Simon2015"/>{{rp|91}} In establishing property laws, Japan declared that any land without explicit title was government land.<ref name="Simon2015"/>{{rp|81}} While the western areas of what is now Nantou County were part of normal administrative districts, a mountain district containing what is now eastern Nantou County was considered fully state-owned, with no recognized land title.<ref name="Liao2022"/>{{rp|103–104}} Around Sun Moon Lake, the Thao and Chinese settlers were relocated to enable the construction of the [[Mingtan Pumped Storage Hydro Power Plant]]. Sun Moon Lake was viewed by the government as a potential source of [[hydropower]] that could boost industrialization in the area.<ref name="Liao2022"/>{{rp|160}} By 1934, the lake was {{convert|7|m|ft}} deeper, with many formerly Thao areas thus flooded.<ref name="Liao2022"/>{{rp|161}}

It is likely that [[Seediq people]] from Nantou migrated east during the Japanese period. While some likely occurred autonomously, following the 1914 [[Truku War]] and the 1930 [[Musha Incident]] such resettlement was encouraged and sometimes forced by the government.<ref name="Simon2015"/>{{rp|84}}Following the 1914 war, Japan established schools, clinics, police stations, and Shinto shrines in indigenous areas in an attempt to pacify local tribes. The village of {{ill|Musha, Taiwan|ja|霧社|lt=Musha}} in what is now Nantou County turned into a model village, focused on the harvesting of [[camphor]]. However, for reasons that are disputed, on 27 October 1930 more than 300 Tkedaya (Seediq) men from six communities led by [[Mona Rudao]] attacked 12 police stations, killing all Japanese staff. The Japanese staff were preparing to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Japan's annexation of Taiwan. At a planned celebration later that afternoon, a gathering of other Japanese officials and their families was attacked. In total, 134 Japanese were killed. Following the Japanese military response, including both Japanese forces and rival tribes, about half of those communities were either killed or committed suicide. More died during later events, and survivors were relocated.<ref name="Simon2015"/>{{rp|88}} The various relocations under Japanese rule broke up kin groups and brought members of different groups, including hostile ones, into the same settlements.<ref name="Simon2015"/>{{rp|85}} They also shifted people used to living in forests into plains, forcing them out of a [[hunter-gatherer]] lifestyle and into the [[Monetary economics|cash economy]].<ref name="Simon2006"/> Opposition to Japanese actions played a significant role in [[Ethnogenesis|establishing the ethnic identities]] of today's indigenous groups.<ref name="Simon2015"/>{{rp|91}} Some indigenous people also have overall fond memories of Japanese rule, especially contrasted with the subsequent rule of the KMT.<ref name="Simon2006"/>

The Japanese period also saw the development of a sugar industry driven by the [[Formosa Sugar Company]]. A railway was constructed in 1918 linking Nantou County with [[Taichung]] for sugar export.<ref name="Chang2015">{{cite book |author=Bi-yu Chang |date=2015 |title=Place, Identity, and National Imagination in Post-war Taiwan |publisher=Routledge |isbn=9781317658122 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hgaUBwAAQBAJ }}</ref>{{rp|150}} The construction of the Mingtan Pumped Storage Hydro Power Plant also saw the construction of the {{convert|29.7|km|mi}} [[Jiji line]]. Finished in 1922, this line significant enhanced the capacity of goods transport between the interior and the coast. Economic growth occurred along the line.<ref name="BureauofCulturalHeritage">{{cite web |url=https://nchdb.boch.gov.tw/assets/overview/historicalBuilding/20041221000003 |title=集集火車站 |publisher=Bureau of Cultural Heritage |access-date=26 September 2025 |language=zh }}</ref> The Jiji line and a sugar line both had a western terminus at [[Ershui railway station]], and ran parallel until [[Zhuoshui railway station]]. From there, the sugar line went north towards [[Nantou City]], while the Jiji line continued east into the interior.<ref name="Katakura2020"/>{{rp|46}} The Jiji line also boosted initial tourism activities, providing easy access to Sun Moon Lake.<ref name="SunMoonLake2004"/>{{rp|10}}

Natural resources extracted along the lines could be transferred to the [[Western Trunk line]] at Ershui.<ref name="Teng2025"/> The line terminated at its eastern end in natural basin around [[Checheng]]. Agricultural areas along the line began to [[Banana production in Taiwan|produce bananas]], which were often exported to Japan.<ref name="Katakura2020">{{cite web |url=https://www.koryu.or.jp/Portals/0/images/publications/magazine/2020/%EF%BC%99%E6%9C%88/2009_09katakura.pdf |title=集集線の歴史～台湾中部を走る地方路線 |author=Katakura Yohsifumi |publisher=Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association |date=September 2020 |access-date=23 September 2025 |language=ja }}</ref>{{rp|45}} Banana exporting peaked in 1930.<ref name="BureauofCulturalHeritage"/> Other agricultural products included rice, [[camphor]], sugar, and various fruits. The line also facilitated the export of wood from the interior {{ill|Mount Xiluanda|zh|西巒大山}} and [[Mount Danda]].<ref name="tcmb">{{cite web |url=https://tcmb.culture.tw/zh-tw/detail?indexCode=Culture_Place&id=262188 |title=集集火車站 |publisher=National Museum of Taiwan History |access-date=26 September 2025 |language=zh }}</ref> This wood was also exported, with a ''[[torii]]'' at Tokyo's [[Meiji Shrine]] being built with wood from Danda. Checheng's forestry sector significantly expanded.<ref name="Teng2025">{{cite web |url=https://www.taiwan-panorama.com/en/Articles/Details?Guid=c751efd7-c43f-4e9c-b149-f267eee59883 |title=Checheng An Old Logging Town Reborn |author=Cathy Teng |date=April 2025 |access-date=23 September 2025 }}</ref>

===Republic of China===
After the [[Retrocession of Taiwan|handover of Taiwan from Japan]] to the [[Republic of China]] on 25 October 1945, the present day area of Nantou County was administered under [[Taichung County]] of [[Taiwan Province]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ncpd.gov.tw/eng/content/index.aspx?Parser=1,18,153,146 |title=History |publisher=Nantou County Police Department |access-date=26 September 2025 }}</ref> Settlements in what became the county were affected by the [[February 28 incident]].<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|7}} On 16 August 1950, a law reorganizing [[Taiwan Province]] was passed by the [[Executive Yuan]].<ref>{{cite book |title=台灣省參議會運作功能之研究 |chapter=第五章 台灣省參議會在行政區劃政策之功能評析 |chapter-url=http://api.lib.ntnu.edu.tw:8080/server/api/core/bitstreams/2a12f35f-baf1-4003-b083-8a93865a3d7b/content |page=130 |language=zh }}</ref> '''Nantou County''' was established by its separation from Taichung County, and [[Nantou City|Nantou Township]] was designed as the [[county seat]]. The [[Nantou County Government]] was created on 21 October, with the first elections taking place the next year.<ref name="NantouGovHistoricSites">{{cite web |url=https://www.nantou.gov.tw/english/introduction-administrative-1.php?dptid=376480000&cid=517 |title=Historic Sites in Nantou County |publisher=Nantou County Government |access-date=24 September 2025 }}</ref> Taichung continued to provide Prosecutors Office service, although this office opened a branch in Nantou County in 1982. An independent Nantou Prosecutors Office was only set up on 1 July 1994.<ref name="ProsecutorsOffice">{{cite web |date=12 August 2019 |url=https://www.ntc.moj.gov.tw/297482/297486/297488/297498/513410/post |title=History |website=Taiwan Nantou District Prosecutors Office |access-date=26 September 2025 }}</ref>

On 1 July 1957, the [[Zhongxing New Village]] in Nantou Township was designated as the capital of [[Taiwan Province]], replacing the former capital [[Taipei]]. It remained the capital until the province was reorganized in 1997.<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|1}}<ref name="NantouGovHistoricSites"/> Construction of Zhongxing New Village began in 1956, and it was intended to be a model of Chinese rule and represent a vision for the future.<ref name="Chang2015"/>{{rp|16}} The location was chosen both for its centrality and for its relatively security from invasion, although it was a second choice after a location in [[Taichung County]].<ref name="Chang2015"/>{{rp|115}} The move of the government occurred before the new site was ready, leading many departments needing to find temporary accommodation. Many employees were unhappy with the move, as the new Nantou County location was seen as quiet and remote.<ref name="Chang2015"/>{{rp|117}} The remoteness also created logistical issues, including there not being enough food to feed all the newly translocated government employees.<ref name="Chang2015"/>{{rp|121}} In 1981, the county seat was upgraded from Nantou [[Township (Taiwan)|Township]] to Nantou [[county-administered city|City]].

Under the Republic of China, some areas assigned to the Thao by Japanese authorities were retaken by the state.<ref name="Liao2022"/>{{rp|163}} Indigenous people were assigned reserves, however these sometimes overlapped with otherwise restricted areas. For example, {{convert|758|ha}} of the {{convert|1169|ha}} within [[Xinyi, Nantou|Xinyi]] fell within the [[Yushan National Park]].<ref name="Liao2022"/>{{rp|128–129}} One Bunun village that fell within Yushan National Park had its traditional graves extracted to enhance the park.<ref name="Liao2022"/>{{rp|131}} A land registration program in 1964 favored Chinese settlers, and many Thao who either did not know they needed to register or could not afford to ended up as tenants on state land. Other Thao land was appropriated for tourism purposes. A [[ring road]] built around Sun Moon Lake in 1969 increased immigration and tourism. The Sun Moon lake area was declared protected in 1970, however this policy did not provide land to the Thao people.<ref name="Liao2022"/>{{rp|163–165}}

In 1960 {{ill|Sun Hai|zh|孫海}} founded a logging company in Checheng, which quickly expanded and revitalized the town.<ref name="SunMoonLake2004"/>{{rp|29}} However, the government banned logging in 1985. While the industry attempted to shift to processing imported wood, the forestry sector declined.<ref name="Teng2025"/>

In the 1970s road transport improvements included the opening of [[Provincial Highway 16 (Taiwan)|Provincial Highway 16]]. Rail transport decreased. The Jiji line was considered for closure in 1986, however it was reopened as a tourist railway. Tourism proved a success, and in the 1990s the line saw 1,000 tourists every weekend.<ref name="Yang2011">{{cite web |url=https://www.taiwan-panorama.com/en/Articles/Details?Guid=39bc5f66-ef3c-44e6-8a95-44d0bc3e6c1c |title=Ride the Jiji Line to Small-Town Taiwan |author=Lavai Yang |date=September 2011 |access-date=26 September 2025 }}</ref> Railway tourists brought a new economic lease of life to the declining towns along the railway.<ref name="Teng2025"/>

The new authorities built more tourism sites at Sun Moon Lake, and in 1992 declared it a special {{convert|1974|ha}} development area.<ref name="SunMoonLake2004"/>{{rp|10}} While the pottery industry had declined with the arrival of plastic products, some kilns such as the [[Shuili Snake Kiln Ceramics Cultural Park|Shuili Snake Kiln]] were recontextualized as educational and entertainment facilities.<ref name="SunMoonLake2004"/>{{rp|29}}

After the provincial government of Taiwan Province was removed due to streamlining, Zhongxing New Village began to decay,<ref name="Chang2015"/>{{rp|16}} although it remains the official administrative center.<ref name="Chang2015"/>{{rp|65}}

The [[1999 Jiji earthquake]] struck the region at 1:47am on 21 September. Measuring 7.3 on the [[Richter scale]], it caused substantial damage to infrastructure and loss of life.<ref name="NantouGovHistoricSites"/> 136 schools were rebuilt.<ref name="NantouGovSocial">{{cite web |url=https://www.nantou.gov.tw/english/introduction-administrative-1.php?dptid=376480000&cid=526 |title=Social Culture & Education - Knowledge of Supreme Quality |publisher=Nantou County Government |access-date=26 September 2025 }}</ref> The Thao community organized to assist in reconstruction, and also pushed for reconstruction to be done in a way that restored their culture. In 2001, the Thao people were recognized as Taiwan's 10th indigenous group.<ref name="Liao2022"/>{{rp|173–174}}

Following the earthquake, the area around Sun Moon Lake was reorganized under the Tourism Bureau, with the Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area created on 24 January 2000. This new body was tasked with both reconstruction and expanding tourism to the area.<ref name="SunMoonLake2004"/>{{rp|2}}

In 2001, [[Typhoon Toraji (2001)|Typhoon Toraji]] brought {{convert|650|mm|in}} of rainfall, causing landslides and flooding.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/local/archives/2001/07/31/0000096454 |title=Nantou battles flood, mudslides |author=Joyce Huang |work=Taipei Times |date=31 July 2001 |access-date=29 September 2025 }}</ref>

==Geography==
[[File:Hehuanshan Cuesta.JPG|thumb|[[Hehuanshan]] is one of the higher mountains in Nantou County.]]
Nantou County has an area of {{convert|4106.436|km2|abbr=on}} with a width of {{convert|72|km|abbr=on}} and length of {{convert|95|km|abbr=on}}. It is the second largest county in Taiwan after [[Hualien County]].<ref name="nantou.gov.tw1">{{cite web |url=http://www.nantou.gov.tw/english/content.asp?dptid=376480000&catetype=02&cid=387&cid1=397 |title=Profile of Nantou County |publisher=Nantou County Government |date=2015 |access-date=24 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826133818/http://www.nantou.gov.tw/english/content.asp?dptid=376480000&catetype=02&cid=387&cid1=397 |archive-date=26 August 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Located at the middle of the island,<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|2}} its borders are about {{convert|25|km|mi}} from the eastern and western coasts and {{convert|100|km|mi}} from the north and south of the island. The [[geographic center of Taiwan]] is on {{ill|Mount Hutou|zh|虎子山 (埔里)}}, in the [[Puli, Nantou|Puli]] township.<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|4}} It is the only landlocked county in Taiwan, bordering [[Taichung County]] on its north, [[Hualien County]] to the east, [[Chiayi County]] and [[Kaohsiung]] to the south, and [[Changhua County]] and [[Yunlin County]] to the west.<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|1}} Many of these borders follow natural features. The western border lies on the [[Bagua Plateau]], while the eastern border lies along the [[Central Mountain Range]]. The north and south borders also follow [[Drainage basin|watersheds]].<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|4}}

There are 41 mountains taller than {{convert|3000|m|ft}}.<ref name="NantouGovHomeland">{{cite web |url=https://www.nantou.gov.tw/english/introduction-administrative-1.php?dptid=376480000&cid=396 |title=A Homeland of Mountains & Waters |publisher=Nantou County Government |access-date=24 September 2025 }}</ref> The tallest is [[Yu shan]] in [[Xinyi, Nantou|Xinyi Township]], the highest peak in Taiwan with a height of {{convert|3952|m|ft}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.taiwan-panorama.com/en/Articles/Details?Guid=216132a9-8725-4259-b949-12422bd41898 |title=The Main Peak of Yushan—Symbol of the Best in Taiwan |author=Chang Chiung-fang |publisher=Taiwan Panorama |date=January 2014 |access-date=26 September 2025 }}</ref> Around 83% of Nantou County area is covered by hills and mountains.<ref name="NantouGovHomeland"/> Large areas of forest and wilderness remain in the mountains. Between some of the mountains lie the [[Puli Basins]].<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|4}} These basins, while limited by surrounding mountains, are large areas of flat terrain that is condusive to agriculture.<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|10}}

The two major water sources are the [[Dadu River (Taiwan)|Dadu River]] and [[Zhuoshui River]]. The Zhuoshui River is the longest in Taiwan.<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|4}} Named for its murky water, it originates from [[Hehuanshan]] in the [[Central Mountain Range]], flowing {{convert|186|km|mi}} west.<ref name="Katakura2020"/>{{rp|46}} Also in the county is [[Sun Moon Lake]], the island's largest lake.<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|4}} Other inland waterbodies include [[Wushe Dam|Wushe Reservoir]], {{ill|Liyu Lake|zh|鯉魚潭 (埔里)}}, and {{ill|Cilin Lake|zh|麒麟潭}}.<ref name="NantouGovHomeland"/>

The mountains have created different environments of different soil types, while also reducing the impact of rainfall coming from the Pacific.<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|2}}

70% of [[List of mammals of Taiwan|Taiwan's mammal species]] are found in the county, as are 81% of [[List of amphibians of Taiwan|its amphibians]].<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|4}} The [[Taiwan Biodiversity Research Institute]] is located in [[Jiji, Nantou|Jiji]], serving as an educational facility and wildlife sanctuary.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sunmoonlake.gov.tw/en/attractions/detail/114 |title=Endemic Species Research Institute |publisher=Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Headquarters |access-date=26 September 2025 }}</ref> The sanctuary treats injured wildlife, notably the endangered [[Taiwanese pangolin]] and [[leopard cat]]. Other species include sparrows, swifts, [[black-faced spoonbill]]s, [[collared scops owl]]s, [[masked palm civet]]s, [[Formosan ferret-badger]]s, [[crested goshawk]]s, and [[black-crowned night heron]]s.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2023/08/16/2003804815 |title=Nantou wildlife rescue center treats 600 animals |author1=Hsieh Chieh-yu |author2=Jason Pan |work=Taipei Times |date=16 August 2023 |access-date=26 September 2025 }}</ref> [[Puli, Nantou|Puli]] was once a famous butterfly collection spot.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.taiwan-panorama.com/en/Articles/Details?Guid=deda24a4-8a94-49ab-8494-3a21b23853ed |title=Butterflies Formosa:Showcasing the History of Taiwan's Butterflies |author=Kuo Li-chuan　 |publisher=Taiwan Panorama |date=August 2010 |access-date=26 September 2025 }}</ref> The subspecies ''[[Papilio machaon]] sylvina'' present on the island may have become extinct due to the [[1999 Jiji earthquake]].<ref name="Nazari2024">{{cite journal |author=Vazrick Nazari |author2=Shen-Horn Yen |author3=Yu-Feng Hsu |author4=Galina Shapoval |author5=Nazar Shapoval |author6=Valentina Todisco |date=20 November 2024 |title=Wiped out by an earthquake? The 'extinct' Taiwanese swallowtail butterfly (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae) was morphologically and genetically distinct |journal=PLOS ONE |volume=19 |issue=11 |article-number=e0310318 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0310318 |pmid=39565827 |pmc=11578470 |bibcode=2024PLoSO..1910318N |doi-access=free }}</ref>

===Climate===
The mountainous geography of the county has created multiple climatic zones.<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|2}}
The annual average temperature is {{cvt|23|°C}} on level ground and {{cvt|20|°C}} on mountains. The annual average rainfall is less than {{cvt|1,750.|mm}} in non-mountainous areas and {{cvt|2,800.|mm}} in mountainous areas. The rainy season lasts from April to September and the dry season lasts from October to March.<ref name="nantou.gov.tw1"/> Historically water shortages have occurred in the spring and autumn, similar to the [[Chiayi–Tainan Plain]]. In 1925, [[Puli, Nantou|Puli]] went 151 days without rain.<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|4}}

==Government==
[[File:New Hall of Nantou County Council.JPG|thumb|[[Nantou County Council]]]]
[[Nantou City]] is the seat of the county.<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|5}} Executive authority is exercized by the [[Nantou County Government]],<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|16}} which has 15 departments. The [[Nantou County Council]] is made up of 37 councilors.<ref name="NantouGovOrganization"/>

Local government is led by the [[List of county magistrates of Nantou|Magistrate of Nantou County]], who is elected and limited to two four-year terms.<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|18}} Since the position was first filled on 1 June 1951, the majority of its officeholders have been members of the [[Kuomintang]] party.<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|19–22}} The incumbent is [[Hsu Shu-hua]] of the Kuomintang.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202507130013 |title=DPP Nantou County councilor survives recall vote |work=Focus Taiwan |date=13 July 2025 |access-date=27 September 2025 }}</ref>

===Administrative divisions===
[[File:南投行政區劃.png|thumb|Nantou County Administrative Divisions]]
Nantou County consists of 1 [[county-administered city|city]], 4 urban [[Township (Taiwan)|townships]], 6 [[Township (Taiwan)|rural townships]], 2 [[Township (Taiwan)|mountain indigenous townships]], 128 villages and 133 neighborhoods.<ref name="NantouGovOrganization">{{cite web |url=http://www.nantou.gov.tw/english/content.asp?dptid=376480000&catetype=02&cid=391&cid1=399 |website=Nantou County Government |title=Organization |date=2015 |access-date=24 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227104018/http://www.nantou.gov.tw/english/content.asp?dptid=376480000&catetype=02&cid=391&cid1=399 |archive-date=27 December 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="TaiwanGeographicNames">{{cite web |date=16 June 2011 |script-title=zh:臺灣地區鄉鎮市區級以上行政區域名稱中英對照表 |url=http://placesearch.moi.gov.tw/translate/Admin1000616.pdf |page=9 |publisher=Online Translation System of Geographic Name, [[Ministry of Interior of the Republic of China|Ministry of Interior]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325205328/http://placesearch.moi.gov.tw/translate/Admin1000616.pdf |archive-date=25 March 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.moi.gov.tw/files/site_stuff/321/1/month/m1-07.xls |script-title=zh:1.7-鄉鎮市區戶口數 |trans-title=Population for Township and District |date=August 2020 |access-date=21 September 2020 |website=[[Ministry of the Interior (Taiwan)|Ministry of the Interior]] |quote=南投縣 Nantou County南投市 Nantou City埔里鎮 Puli Township草屯鎮 Caotun Township竹山鎮 Jhushan Township集集鎮 Jiji Township名間鄉 Mingjian Township鹿谷鄉 Lugu Township中寮鄉 Jhongliao Township魚池鄉 Yuchih Township國姓鄉 Guosing Township水里鄉 Shueili Township信義鄉 Sinyi Township仁愛鄉 Renai Township |language=zh-tw,en }}</ref>

{|class=wikitable
!Type!!Name<ref name="TaiwanGeographicNames"/>!!Chinese<ref name="TaiwanGeographicNames"/>!![[Taiwanese Hokkien|Taiwanese]]!![[Taiwanese Hakka|Hakka]]!![[Formosan languages|Formosan]]
|-
|align=center|'''[[County-administered city|City]]'''
|[[Nantou City]]||{{large|{{linktext|lang=zh-tw|南投|市}}}}||Lâm-tâu||Nàm-thèu||
|-
|rowspan=4 align=center|'''[[Township (Taiwan)|Urban<br />townships]]'''
|[[Caotun]]||{{large|{{linktext|lang=zh-tw|草屯|鎮}}}}||Chháu-tūn||Chhó-thùn||
|-
|[[Jiji, Nantou|Jiji]]||{{large|{{linktext|lang=zh-tw|集集|鎮}}}}||Chi̍p-chi̍p||Si̍p-si̍p||
|-
|[[Puli, Nantou|Puli]]||{{large|{{linktext|lang=zh-tw|埔里|鎮}}}}||Po͘-lí||Phû-lî||
|-
|[[Zhushan, Nantou|Jhushan <small>(Zhushan)</small>]]||{{large|{{linktext|lang=zh-tw|竹山|鎮}}}}||Tek-san||Tsuk-sân||
|-
|rowspan=6 align=center|'''[[Township (Taiwan)|Rural<br />townships]]'''
|[[Guoxing|Guosing <small>(Guoxing)</small>]]||{{large|{{linktext|lang=zh-tw|國姓|鄉}}}}||Kok-sèng||bgcolor=pink|Koet-siang||
|-
|[[Lugu, Nantou|Lugu]]||{{large|{{linktext|lang=zh-tw|鹿谷|鄉}}}}||Lo̍k-kok||Lu̍k-kuk||
|-
|[[Mingjian]]||{{large|{{linktext|lang=zh-tw|名間|鄉}}}}||Bêng-kan||Miàng-kiên||
|-
|[[Shuili|Shueili <small>(Shuili)</small>]]||{{large|{{linktext|lang=zh-tw|水里|鄉}}}}||Chúi-lí||bgcolor=pink|Súi-lî||
|-
|[[Yuchi, Nantou|Yuchih <small>(Yuchi)</small>]]||{{large|{{linktext|lang=zh-tw|魚池|鄉}}}}||Hî-tî|| Ǹg-tshṳ̀ ||bgcolor=wheat|Qabizay<span style="font-size:x-small;">[[Thao language|Thao]]</span>
|-
|[[Zhongliao|Jhongliao <small>(Zhongliao)</small>]]||{{large|{{linktext|lang=zh-tw|中寮|鄉}}}}||Tiong-liâu||Chûng-liàu||
|-
|rowspan=2 align=center|'''[[Township (Taiwan)|Mountain<br />indigenous<br />townships]]'''
|[[Ren'ai, Nantou|Ren-ai <small>(Ren'ai)</small>]]||{{large|{{linktext|lang=zh-tw|仁愛|鄉}}}}||Jîn-ài||Yìn-oi||bgcolor=wheat|<span style="font-size:x-small;">[[Atayal language|Atayal]], [[Bunun language|Bunun]], [[Seediq language|Seediq]]</span>
|-
|[[Xinyi, Nantou|Sinyi <small>(Xinyi)</small>]]||{{large|{{linktext|lang=zh-tw|信義|鄉}}}}||Sìn-gī||Sin-ngi||bgcolor=wheat|Nehunpu-siang<span style="font-size:x-small;">[[Bunun language|Bunun]]</span>
|}
Colors indicate statutory language status of [[Taiwanese Hakka|Hakka]] and [[Formosan languages]] in the respective subdivisions.

===Politics===
[[File:南投縣長林明溱 (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|[[Lin Ming-chen]], a former [[List of county magistrates of Nantou|Magistrate of Nantou County]]]]
[[File:2023 Nantou County Constituency 2 By-election Result Map.svg|thumb|alt=Map of the southern part of Nantou County listing the percentage of the vote the DPP and KMT candidates obtained in different areas|The {{ill|2023 Nantou County 2nd Constituency by-election|zh|2023年南投縣第二選舉區立法委員缺額補選}} saw the election of a [[Democratic Progressive Party]] legislator, rare in the county]]
Elections in Nantou County for representation in the [[Legislative Yuan]] and for county-wide offices are generally won by [[Kuomintang]] (KMT) candidates.<ref name="Pan2023">{{cite news |url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2023/03/05/2003795509 |title=DPP's Tsai Pei-hui narrowly wins Nantou by-election |author=Jason Pan |work=Taipei Times |date=5 March 2023 |access-date=29 September 2025 }}</ref> While there are no county-wide KMT factions, there is internal factional politics at the town and city level.<ref name="Wu2003">{{cite journal |author=Chung-li Wu |year=2003 |title=Local factions and the Kuomintang in Taiwan's electoral politics |journal=International Relations of the Asia-Pacific |volume=3 |issue=1 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/26156590 |pages=93, 110 |jstor=26156590 }}</ref>

Nantou County voted for KMT legislators in both of its seats during the [[2016 Taiwanese general election|2016 Republic of China legislative election]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://vote2016.cec.gov.tw/en/T1/n707010000000000.html |title=2016 The 14th Presidential and Vice Presidential Election and The 9th Legislator Election |access-date=24 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304122924/http://vote2016.cec.gov.tw/en/T1/n707010000000000.html |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The {{ill|2023 Nantou County 2nd Constituency by-election|zh|2023年南投縣第二選舉區立法委員缺額補選}} saw a [[Democratic Progressive Party]] candidate elected by 1,925 votes.<ref name="Pan2023"/> However, in the [[2024 Taiwanese legislative election|2024 election]] the 2nd constituency flipped again, voting in a KMT legislator.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://globaltaiwan.org/2024/01/the-outcomes-of-taiwans-2024-legislative-elections/ |title=The Outcomes of Taiwan's 2024 Legislative Elections |author1=John Dotson |author2=Ben Levine |publisher=Global Taiwan Institute |date=24 January 2024 |access-date=29 September 2025 }}</ref>

==Demographics==
{{Historical populations
|type = Taiwan
|footnote = Source:{{cite web |url=http://www.ris.gov.tw/zh_TW/346 |publisher=[[Ministry of the Interior (Taiwan)|Ministry of the Interior]] Population Census |title=Populations by city and country in Taiwan |access-date=1 May 2016 |archive-date=16 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216064040/http://www.ris.gov.tw/zh_TW/346 |url-status=dead}}
|1985 |535572
|1990 |536479
|1995 |546517
|2000 |541537
|2005 |535205
|2010 |526491
|2015 |509490
}}
[[File:County Highway 139 and Provincial Highway 3 intersection 20110716.jpg|thumb|[[Nantou City]], the county seat of Nantou County]]

The county remains home to a large number of ethnic groups,<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|4}} and includes the traditional lands of a number of [[Taiwanese indigenous peoples]], including the [[Atayal people]], [[Bunun people]], and [[Seediq people]].<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|1}} Altogether there are around 30,000 people registered as indigenous, mostly living in [[Puli, Nantou|Puli]], [[Ren'ai, Nantou|Ren'ai]], [[Xinyi, Nantou|Xinyi]], and
[[Yuchi, Nantou|Yuchi]].<ref name="NantouGovTourism">{{cite web |url=https://www.nantou.gov.tw/uploadfile/Hb2yN5GNCr60nq6s.pdf |title=Tourism Capital & Livable Haven An Overview of Nantou County Government Initiatives |publisher=Nantou County Government |access-date=26 September 2025 }}</ref>{{rp|1}}

The largest population of Atayal people is in [[Ren'ai, Nantou|Ren'ai]]. Many Bunun people live in Ren'ai and [[Xinyi, Nantou|Xinyi]]. Xinyi also has a distinct [[Tsou people|Tsou]] population. The [[Yuchi, Nantou|Yuchi]] and [[Shuili]] townships are home to the [[Thao people]].<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|5}} The Thao were recognized as separate from the Tsou only in 2001, and less than 1,000 people are registered as Thao.<ref name="Liao2022"/>{{rp|54}} The Seediq are divided into three dialect groups, the Truku,{{efn|The recognized [[Taroko people]] is related to this group, however those in Nantou did not support the campaign for a separate identity.<ref name="Simon2006"/>}} Teuda, and Tkedaya, each with roughtly equal populations. These were historically antagonistic groups, up until at least some time during the Japanese period. The Nantou Seediq have a mixed relationship with Seediq in neighboring Hualian County, with views stretching from viewing them as part of the same dialect groups to asserting that they should be viewed as a different ethnic group entirely.<ref name="Simon2015"/>{{rp|87}}

Non-indigenous ethnic groups include the [[Hoklo people]], [[Hakka people]], and ''[[Waishengren]]''.<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|8}} Large Hakka communities are found in [[Caotun]], [[Guoxing]], [[Nantou City]], [[Puli, Nantou|Puli]], and [[Shuili]].<ref name="NantouGovTourism"/>{{rp|1}}

There are around 500 registered surnames in the county.<ref name="nantou.gov.tw"/>

===Population===
Nantou County has a population of 471,647 people as of February 2025. Of these, 11,948 were recent immigrants.<ref name="NantouGovTourism"/>{{rp|1}}

* The following information is as of January 2023 [https://household2.nantou.gov.tw/09census/?c_year=2023&c_month=1&pid=&btn_search=%E6%9F%A5%E8%A9%A2&form_action=search 資料]
{| class="wikitable sortable" 一
! City Name !! acreage<br><small>(km²)</small> !! 下轄村<br>里數 !! 下轄<br>鄰數 !! Population !! 人口<br>消長 !! The population density <br><small>(人/km²)</small> !! Postcode !! Geographical division
|-align=center
|[[Nantou City]]|| align="right" |71.6021||34||753||align=right|97,403||align=right|<span style="color: blue">+42</span>||1,386||540||烏溪
|-align=center
|[[Puli, Nantou|Puli]]|| align="right" |162.2227||33||569||align=right|77,340||align=right|<span style="color: blue">+96</span>||490||545||烏溪
|-align=center
|[[Caotun, Nantou|Caotun]]|| align="right" |104.0327||27||608||align=right|96,778||align=right|<span style="color: blue">+132</span>||939||542||烏溪
|-align=center
|[[Zhushan, Nantou|Jhushan (Zhushan)]]|| align="right" |247.3339||28||482||align=right|51,840||align=right|<span style="color: red">-1</span>||217||557||濁水溪
|-align=center
|[[Jiji, Nantou|Jiji]]|| align="right" |49.7268||11||126||align=right|10,073||align=right|<span style="color: blue">+5</span>||212||552||濁水溪
|-align=center
|[[Mingjian]]|| align="right" |83.0955||23||372||align=right|36,212||align=right|<span style="color: red">-22</span>||454||551||濁水溪
|-align=center
|[[Lugu, Nantou|Lugu]]|| align="right" |141.8981||13||174||align=right|16,457||align=right|<span style="color: red">-20</span>||122||558||濁水溪
|-align=center
|[[Zhongliao|Jhongliao (Zhongliao)]]|| align="right" |146.6541||18||258||align=right|13,819||align=right|<span style="color: red">-22</span>||98||541||烏溪
|-align=center
|[[Yuchi, Nantou|Yuchih (Yuchi)]]|| align="right" |121.3735||13||191||align=right|14,900||align=right|<span style="color: blue">+8</span>||128||555||烏溪
|-align=center
|[[Guoxing|Guosing (Guoxing)]]|| align="right" |175.7042||13||159||align=right|17,224||align=right|<span style="color: red">-32</span>||103||544||烏溪
|-align=center
|Shueili (Shuili)|[[Shuili]]|| align="right" |106.8424||19||209||align=right|16,359||align=right|<span style="color: red">-28</span>||161||553||濁水溪
|-align=center
|[[Xinyi, Nantou|Sinyi (Xinyi)]]|| align="right" |1,422.4188||15||121||align=right|15,573||align=right|<span style="color: red">-19</span>||11||556||濁水溪
|-align=center
|[[Ren'ai, Nantou|Ren-ai (Ren'ai)]]|| align="right" |1,273.5312||16||192||align=right|15,688||align=right|<span style="color: red">-24</span>||12||546||烏溪
|-align=center
|'''Nantou County'''|| align="right" |4,106.4360||263||4,214||align=right|'''479,666'''||align=right|<span style="color: blue">'''+71'''</span>||'''120'''||||
|}
* The population growth and decline is calculated by subtracting the population of the previous month from the current month's population. Negative values are represented by red letters, positive values are represented by blue letters, and no growth is represented by green letters.
* The population density of each district is calculated by rounding 4 to 5 to 1 decimal place
* Population growth：
** 高度成長 High growth    （年成長率高於1%）      ：NA（updated 2020）
** 穩定成長 Steady growth  （年成長率0.1%~1%）    ：草屯 Caotun
** 成長停滯 Stagnant growth（年成長率±0.1%）      ：NA（updated 2020）
** 輕度流失 Mild loss      （年成長率-0.5%~-0.1%）：南投、仁愛
** 中度流失 Moderate Churn （年成長率-1%~-0.5%）  ：埔里Puli、名間、魚池
** 高度流失 High churn     （年成長率-2%~-1%）    ：鹿谷、竹山、中寮、信義、水里、集集
** 嚴重流失 Severe drain   （年成長率低於-2%）    ：國姓

===Language===
The official language of the county is [[Taiwanese Mandarin|Mandarin]]. [[Taiwanese Hokkien]], [[Hakka Chinese|Hakka]], English and [[Formosan languages|aboriginal languages]] are also spoken.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nantou.gov.tw/english/content.asp?dptid=376480000&catetype=01&cid=397 |title=Profile of Nantou County |date=7 January 2015 |access-date=25 May 2019 |publisher=Nantou County Government |quote=Language: Mandarin is the official language; Taiwanese, Hakka, English and dialects of aborigines are also spoken. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171119040649/http://www.nantou.gov.tw/English/content.asp?dptid=376480000&catetype=01&cid=397 |archive-date=19 November 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> The county is the only place where the [[Thao language]] is spoken. Other aboriginal languages include [[Atayal language|Atayal]], [[Bunun language|Bunun]], and [[Tsou language|Tsou]].<ref name="Liao2022"/>{{rp|127}} The Nantou Hakka Cultural Academy promotes the [[Hakka Chinese]] language.<ref name="NantouGovTourism"/>{{rp|12}}

==Economy==
[[File:Xiangbi Mountain, viewed looking south-southeast from the roadside near New Jiji Tunnel in the morning on 3 July 2021.jpg|thumb|Agriculture in Nantou County]]
Due to its landlocked nature, the county's economy depends mainly on [[agriculture in Taiwan|agriculture]].<ref name="ProsecutorsOffice"/><ref>{{cite web |date=28 March 2007 |url=https://www.nantou.gov.tw/english/content.asp?dptid=376480000&cid=392&cid1=524 |title=Agriculture, Industry & Commerce - Transformation, Metamorphosis |website=Nantou |access-date=2 March 2023 }}</ref> Other important industries in the county include forestry, fishery, and animal husbandry. Tourism and manufacturing are also important.

As of 2016, there are 28,000 registered businesses and 5,205 registered companies in the county with a total capital of NT$5,609 million and NT$80,024 million respectively. There are 938 factories operating in the county as of 2015.<ref name="InvestTaiwan">{{cite web |date=23 March 2021 |url=https://investtaiwan.nat.gov.tw/showInvestInfoPage?lang=eng&IIFCity=8 |title=Nantou County |website=InvesTaiwan |access-date=2 March 2023 }}</ref>

Many areas along the Jiji line are still agricultural. While [[Banana production in Taiwan|banana production]] has decreased from historical levels, other crops include [[Pitaya|dragon fruit]] and oranges.‍<ref name="Katakura2020"/>{{rp|45}} The Jiji line has also proved a significant tourism draw, going through picturesque countryside. A railway museum has been opened at its terminus.<ref name="Yang2011"/> [[Assam tea]] is cultivated around [[Sun Moon Lake]]. This tea was first introduced the area by the Japanese. Also grown around the lake are mushrooms and orchids. Plums are grown in [[Shuili]], which also serve as a tourist attraction when they blossom in December. The plums are processed into various products, including dry fruit, vinegar, and wine.<ref name="SunMoonLake2004"/>{{rp|25}} [[Dong Ding tea]] is cultivated in [[Lugu, Nantou|Lugu]]. A unique variation, [[Gui Fei Oolong]], was developed after the [[1999 Jiji earthquake]]. It is created from tea leaves that secrete honey-flavored defences against ''[[Jacobiasca formosana]]'' insects.<ref name="Wong2024">{{cite news |url=https://edition.cnn.com/travel/bug-bitten-oolong-taiwan-honey-flavored-tea-hnk-intl |title=Bug-bitten oolong? The secret behind Taiwan's rare honey-flavored tea — and where to enjoy it |author=Maggie Hiufu Wong |work=CNN |date=28 November 2024 |access-date=26 September 2025 }}</ref>

Sun Moon Lake also supports a small fishery, holding [[sharpbelly]] and [[predatory carp]]. Sharpbelly are a traditional part of the Thao diet. As the fish are small, it is common to salt or deep fry them. Predatory carp are larger, reaching {{convert|30|cm|in}}. They became known as "President's Fish" as [[Chiang Kai-shek]] was known to eat them whenever visiting the lake.<ref name="SunMoonLake2004"/>{{rp|30}}

The Nantou governmnet has sought to encourage international as well as domestic tourism. It has also sought to develop industrial parks in [[Zhongxing New Village]],<ref name="InvestTaiwan"/> and is developing similar industrial parks elsewhere.<ref name="NantouGovTourism"/>{{rp|21}} Events held by the government include a [[lantern festival]], a Coffee and Chocolate Festival, a tea expo, and the Sun Moon Lake Swimming Carnival.<ref name="NantouGovTourism"/>{{rp|3, 17}} [[Huhuanshan]] was certified as a [[Dark-sky preserve]] by [[DarkSky International]] in 2019, the first Dark-sky preserve in Taiwan.<ref name="NantouGovTourism"/>{{rp|1}} A tourist shuttle bus network connects many key points within the county.<ref name="NantouGovTourism"/>{{rp|23}} Old logging buildings in [[Checheng]] have been preserved for tourists.<ref name="SunMoonLake2004"/>{{rp|29}} The [[Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village]] is a joint amusement park and education center for all the [[Taiwanese indigenous peoples]].<ref name="SunMoonLake2004"/>{{rp|30}}

===Tourist attractions===
[[File:Totem poles in Formosa Aboriginal Cultural Village.jpg|thumb|[[Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village]]]]
* [[Chung Tai Chan Monastery]]
* [[Ci En Pagoda]]
* [[Paper Dome]]
* [[Fonghuanggu Bird and Ecology Park]]
* [[Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village]]
* [[Geographic center of Taiwan]]
* [[Jufang Hall]]
* [[Lalu Island]]
* [[Ming Shan Resort]]
* [[Nantou County Culture Park]]
* [[Qingjing Farm]]
* [[Shanlinxi Forest Recreation Area]]
* [[Shuili Snake Kiln Ceramics Cultural Park]]
* [[Shuiyuan Suspension Bridge]]
* [[Sun Moon Lake]]
* [[Sun Moon Lake Wen Wu Temple]]
* [[Taroko National Park]]
* [[Wushe Incident Memorial Park]]
* [[Xitou Nature Education Area]]
* [[Xuanzang Temple (Taiwan)|Xuanzang Temple]]
* [[Yushan National Park]]
* [[Zhushan Zinan Temple]]

==Education==
[[File:U Chi Nan Library and Information Building SW side.jpg|thumb|[[National Chi Nan University]]]]
As of 2007, there were 2 colleges, 13 senior high and vocational schools, 30 junior high schools, 149 elementary schools, 106 kindergartens, and 84 day care centers in the county.<ref>{{cite web |title=About the Schools in Nantou County |url=http://www.nantou.gov.tw/english/content.asp?dptid=376480000&catetype=02&cid=387&cid1=527 |website=Nantou County Government |date=2007 |access-date=24 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826115249/http://www.nantou.gov.tw/english/content.asp?dptid=376480000&catetype=02&cid=387&cid1=527 |archive-date=26 August 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> This changed to 2 colleges, 15 high schools, 23 junior high school schools, 139 elementary schools, and 180 kindergartens in January 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nantou.gov.tw/english/introduction-administrative-1.php?dptid=376480000&cid=527 |title=About the Schools in Nantou County |publisher=Nantou County Government |access-date=26 September 2025 }}</ref> In preschools linked to elementary schools, there is a student-teacher ratio of 12:1.<ref name="NantouGovTourism"/>{{rp|5}} Since 2005, students from third grade up are required to take at least on English class each week. The county operates one community college, distributed through 10 branches.<ref name="NantouGovSocial"/> Notable universities in the county are [[National Chi Nan University]], [[National Chung Hsing University]] and [[Nan Kai University of Technology]].

An Indigenous Community College has been established by the governmnet to help create locally-generated curriculumns that reflect traditional cultures.<ref name="NantouGovTourism"/>{{rp|11}}

==Energy==
[[File:Taiwan Power Ccopany Mingtan Power Station.JPG|thumb|[[Mingtan Dam|Mingtan Pumped Storage Hydro Power Plant]]]]
Nantou County houses Taiwan's first [[Pumped-storage hydroelectricity|pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant]], the [[Minghu Dam|Takuan Pumped Storage Hydro Power Plant]] commissioned in 1985 with an installed capacity of 1,008 MW. It also houses Taiwan's largest pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant, the [[Mingtan Dam|Mingtan Pumped Storage Hydro Power Plant]] with an installed capacity of 1,602 MW. Both power plants are located in [[Shuili|Shuili Township]] along the [[Shuili River]].

Both the [[Dadu River (Taiwan)|Dadu River]] and [[Zhuoshui River]] have reservoirs used to generate hydroelectric power.<ref name="InvestTaiwan"/> The [[Shuili River]] supports three power plants.<ref name="SunMoonLake2004"/>{{rp|26}}

==Culture==
The [[Taiwanese indigenous peoples]] in the county retain many distinct customs.<ref name="Hao2023"/>{{rp|5}} In many cases these are retained from previous homelands, following migration to the Puli basin in the 19th century.<ref name="Ahuan2019"/>{{rp|37}}

Different [[Plains Indigenous peoples]] with communities in the Puli basin have different ceremonies as part of [[ancestor worship]]. The [[Papora people]] hold an annual ancestor worship ceremony at the start of the seventh month in the [[lunar calendar]], called the "Alomai". This ceremony has never been open to those outside of the community. The [[Taokas people]] hold the "Chian Tien" ritual from the 15th day of the seventh month to the 15th day of the eighth month. For this, three large flags are created. On the final day, the flags are each assigned their own flag bearer and two guards for a ritual march, and a flag falling indicates misfortune. The [[Babuza people]] similarly celebrate "Chian Tien", but within their households rather than on a community basis. [[Arikun people|Arikun]] and [[Lloa people|Lloa]] communities celebrate on the 20th day of the seventh month. Their rituals take place in front of a sacred ''[[Bischofia javanica]]'' tree.<ref name="Ahuan2019"/>{{rp|38}}

The [[Pazeh people|Pazeh]] and [[Kaxabu people|Kaxabu]] communities celebrate "Azem" on the 15th day of the 11th month.<ref name="Ahuan2019"/>{{rp|38}}

However, many groups share a common practice of offering [[rice cake]]s as part of ancestor worship, although different names are used by each group.<ref name="Ahuan2019"/>{{rp|37}}

There are a number of registered historical sites in the county, including {{ill|Lantian Academy|zh|藍田書院 (臺灣)}}, [[Mingxin Academy]], {{ill|Dengying Academy|zh|登瀛書院}}, Linfongshih Tomb, [[Nuomi Bridge]], the {{ill|Yidu Stele|zh|永濟義渡碑}}, {{ill|Dunlun Hall|zh|草屯燉倫堂}}, the Cyubing remains, {{ill|Longde Temple|zh|月眉厝龍德廟}}, the Manshe School ruins<!--in Nanzihjiao-->, and Jingsheng Pavilion<!--in Sheliao-->.<ref name="NantouGovHistoricSites"/>

==Sports==
Notable sporting events held by Nantou County include:
* [[2003 Asian Canoe Slalom Championships]]
* [[2011 Asian Women's Softball Championship]]
* [[2013 Asian Canoe Slalom Championships]]
* 2023 and 2025 [[U-15 Women Softball Asia Cup]]

==Transportation==
[[File:TRA Checheng Station.JPG|thumb|[[Checheng Station]]]]
[[National Freeway 3]] and [[National Freeway 6]] connect the county to other parts of the country.<ref name="InvestTaiwan"/>
[[Provincial Highway 16 (Taiwan)|Provincial Highway 16]] is built within the county.<ref name="Yang2011"/>

[[Taichung International Airport]] and the [[Port of Taichung]] are within half an hour of the county.<ref name="InvestTaiwan"/>

===Rail===
Nantou County is served by the [[Jiji line]] of [[Taiwan Railways Administration|Taiwan Railways]], the longest branch line in Taiwan. It consists of [[Tianzhong railway station]], [[Ershui railway station]], [[Zhuoshui railway station]], [[Longquan railway station]], [[Jiji railway station]], [[Shuili railway station]], and [[Checheng railway station]]. The Jiji line connects Nantou County to the [[Taiwan High Speed Rail]] line, as its western terminus at Tianzhong station is connected by express bus to [[Changhua HSR station]].<ref name="BureauofCulturalHeritage"/><ref name="Shan2017">{{cite news |last=Shan |first=Shelley |date=28 April 2017 |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2017/04/28/2003669573 |title=Faster access to the Jiji Line launched |work=Taipei Times |access-date=26 September 2025 }}</ref> There are plans to directly connect the Jiji line to Changhua HSR station.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://publicworks.chcg.gov.tw/07other/other01_con.aspx?topsn=4506&data_id=18590 |title=業務專區-中央前瞻基礎建設計畫-交通部-軌道建設計畫 |publisher=Department of Public Works |access-date=23 September 2025 |language=zh }}</ref> It has also been proposed to extend the [[Taichung MRT]] to [[Zhongxing New Village]] in Nantou County.<ref name="InvestTaiwan"/>

==See also==
* [[Administrative divisions of Taiwan]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}
=== Words in native languages ===
{{notelist-ur}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Nantou County}}
{{Wiktionary|Nantou|Nan-t'ou}}
{{Wikivoyage|Nantou County}}
* [http://www.nantou.gov.tw/english/ Nantou County Government]
* {{osmrelation-inline|2497975}}

{{Geographic Location
|Centre    = {{flag|Nantou County}}
|North     = {{flag|Taichung}}
|Northeast =
|East      = {{flag|Hualien County}}
|Southeast =
|South     = {{flag|Kaohsiung}}
|Southwest = {{flag|Chiayi County}}
|West      = {{flag|Yunlin County}}
|Northwest = {{flag|Changhua County}}
}}

{{Administrative divisions of the Republic of China}}
{{Taiwan Nantou divisions}}

[[Category:Nantou County| ]]