Jiji or Chichi (Chinese: 集集; pinyin: jíjí; Wade–Giles: Chi-chi; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Chip-chı̍p) is an urban township located in the west central portion of Nantou County in Taiwan. In past years, the Jiji township encompassed a much larger area and included the present-day Shuili rural township, but today's Jiji is well known as now being, by area, the smallest of Taiwan's townships. The epicenter of the major 1999 earthquake in Taiwan was located in and named after the township. Jiji today is a popular destintation for domestic tourists and daytrippers. The township's famous early-20th century Japanese-era railway station, the government-run Endemic Species Research Institute, the annual lantern exhibition held during Chinese New Year, as well as other features, attract many weekend visitors. The most popular activity among visitors to Jiji, however, is cycling. Visitors may rent bicycles, tandem bicycles, three-wheeled tricycles or electric-powered bicycles to tour the area's many backroads. A wide selection of local agricultural products can be seen for sale around the township.
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Han Chinese from Zhangzhou began arriving in the area in 1771.[1] The name originates from "Chiv-Chiv", a phrase in the Formosan languages. During the Japanese era (1895-1945), Jiji was a collection and shipping point for camphor produced in the surrounding areas.
Population: 12,384[2]
Villages: 11
Jiji is bordered by Zhongliao to the north, Mingjian to the west, Zhushan and Lugu to the south, and Shuili to the east. The Zhuoshui River flows westward along the south border of the township. Jiji Township has a total area of 49.72 square kilometres. The lowest point in the township lies at 230m above sea level and its highest point is Big Jiji Mountain at 1392m above sea level. The township is very mountainous and is surrounded by mountains on all sides.[2]
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