T'AO-YAN

hsien (county), northern Taiwan, with an area of 471 sq mi (1,221 sq km). It is bordered by the hsiens of T'ai-pei (north), I-lan (east), and Hsin-chu (south) and by the Taiwan Strait (west). Ranges of the Hseh-shan Shan-mo (mountain range) extend over most of the southeastern part of the county and gradually merge with the fertile alluvial coastal plains to the northwest where paddy rice, sweet potatoes, tea, and citrus fruits are grown. The Shih-men Shui-k'u (reservoir), on the Tan-shui Ho (Tamsui River), provides irrigation and hydroelectricity to nearby textile, cement, and small machinery industries. The T'ai-pei oil and gas fields are in the northeast; coal, iron ore, and nickel are mined. A network of northsouth running railways and roads connect T'ao-yan city, the administrative seat, with Hsin-chu (southwest), I-lan (southeast), and Chi-lung (Keelung; northeast). The Chiang Kai-shek International Airport (opened 1979) is located at T'ao-yan city. Hsin-wu, a coastal village noted for historical architecture, and the Chung-cheng Sports Park, at Kui-shan, are the major tourist attractions. The mountainous region in the south is inhabited chiefly by Atayal aborigines. Pop. (1983 est.) 1,129,576. shih (municipality) and seat of T'ao-yan hsien (county), northern Taiwan, situated 13 mi (21 km) southwest of Taipei city, in the northern part of the western coastal plain. Developed during the early 18th century, the city grew as an agricultural market centre for the surrounding fertile plain that raises rice and tea. Major industries produce textiles and cement; clay and iron ore are extracted nearby. The proximity to Taipei city, Taiwan's capital, has been instrumental in T'ao-yan's economic development, including its status as a tourist and recreational centre. Near the city is one of the largest camping areas on Taiwan. The beach resort of Chu-wei is 9 mi northeast. The North-South freeway and the West Line railway link T'ao-yan city with Chi-lung (Keelung) and Hsin-chu. The Chiang Kai-shek International Airport opened at T'ao-yan in 1979. Pop. (1982 est.) 185,257.