| Dasi | |
|---|---|
| — township — | |
| Coordinates: | |
| Country | Republic of China |
| County | Taoyuan |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Huang Rui-Song |
| Area | |
| • Total | 40.6 sq mi (105.1 km2) |
| Population (2010) | |
| • Total | 92,399 |
Dasi (Chinese: 大溪; Tongyong Pinyin: Dàsī; Hanyu Pinyin: Dàxī; Wade–Giles: Ta-hsi; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Tāi-khoe; also seen as "Tahsi"), is an urban township in eastern Taoyuan County of Taiwan.
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During the early years of Han Chinese settlement in Taipei Basin, the Atayal people that originally inhabited the basin gradually moved upstream along Dahan River (大漢溪), which they called Takoham in their native language. Han people began to populate the Takoham region in the 18th century, and the region saw the Han and Atayal people intermingled. The settlement later became an important trading post in 19th century due to infightings of Han people in Taipei region.
In 1803, open fighting broke out between two rival factions of Han people in Taipei, and many refugees fled south for safety. Among the refugees was the Lin clan, which was one of the wealthiest clans in Taiwan. The clan settled in Takoham and invested its fortunes in the settlement, which brought prosperity to the whole region. Due to its strategic location and the investments from the Lin clan, Takoham became the center of trading and transportation between Taipei and the south. Goods would arrive here to be transported to Taipei via Dahan river, and many traders opened their shops in the area; some of the shops still exist today in the old town section.
When the North-South Railway, which bypasses the Takoham settlement, was completed in 1909, the importance of river trade decreased. Takoham lost its significance in North-South transportation, and is no longer a trading port. On the other hand, it became famous for the production of wooden furniture. In 1920, the Japanese government renamed this area Daikei (大溪, meaning "big creek"). After World War II, the ROC government has promoted the Mandarin romanizations Ta-hsi, and more recently Dasi, as its official name.
Dasi is known for its dried tofu, (大溪豆干), which is a popular dish in Taiwanese cuisine.[1] Dasi is also home to the mausoleums of two late presidents of Republic of China. The late president Chiang Kai-shek is temporarily entombed in nearby Cihu. His son Chiang Ching-kuo is entombed at Touliao, a mile down the road.
Dasi is served by National Highway No. 3 and Provincial Highway No. 66.
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