Zhunan

Zhunan Township (竹南鎮) is a rural-urban township in Miaoli County, Taiwan. It lies along the western coastal plain of the island, within the western part of Miaoli County, and forms part of the economic and geographic corridor that connects northern and central Taiwan. The township administers several villages and serves as a local center for nearby rural communities.

Economy in Zhunan blends agriculture with light industry. The area includes industrial parks and manufacturing facilities that produce electronics components and other goods, complementing agricultural activities such as farming and market trading. This mix supports local employment and contributes to the broader economy of Miaoli County.

Transportation and access are well developed. Zhunan Station on the Taiwan Railways Administration Western Line provides passenger rail service, linking the township with major cities such as Taipei, Taichung, and Hsinchu. The locality is also connected by regional roads and is accessible from national highways, facilitating commuter and commercial traffic.

History and name. The name Zhunan means “bamboo south” in Chinese, reflecting historical bamboo resources in the area. Over the late 20th century, the township expanded from an agricultural base into a center of light industry, aligning with Taiwan’s broader industrial development.

Education and culture. Zhunan hosts several primary and secondary schools and features local temples and markets. Community festivals and temple fairs reflect traditional Taiwanese cultural practices and provide social cohesion for residents.