Tankiu

Tankiu is a rural township located in the eastern province of the Republic of China. It lies within the administrative jurisdiction of Taoyuan County and is situated at an elevation of approximately 500 metres above sea level. The township covers an area of 42 square kilometres and is bordered by the Yilan County to the north and the Taiyuan District to the south.

The population of Tankiu is roughly 7,800 residents, according to the latest census conducted in 2021. The demographic profile is predominantly Han Chinese, with a minority of indigenous Atayal peoples who have resided in the area for several centuries. The township’s main economic activities centre on horticulture, particularly the cultivation of high‑altitude tea and seasonal fruit such as lychees and strawberries. Small‑scale forestry and artisanal crafts also contribute to the local economy.

Historically, Tankiu was established in the late Qing Dynasty as a settlement for families displaced by land reforms. The township gained administrative recognition during the Japanese occupation era in 1935 and maintained its rural character through the latter half of the twentieth century. In 2005, a series of infrastructural upgrades, including the construction of a new highway link to the Taoyuan City Centre, improved accessibility for residents and visitors alike.

A key cultural landmark is the Tankiu Tungshuo Temple, a 250‑year‑old shrine dedicated to the folk deity Duwan Boshi, which hosts an annual autumn harvest festival that attracts thousands of pilgrims. Visitors to Tankiu can also enjoy scenic walks along the Shuangtang Scenic Trail, a 12‑kilometre route that offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and a glimpse into the region’s ecological diversity.