How a devastating earthquake and a rebellion shaped the identity of a Taiwanese city

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Chiayi, a city on Taiwan's Chianan Plain, has been defined by seismic shifts and political upheaval. From its origins as a settlement for indigenous Hoanya people to its modern status as a provincial city, Chiayi’s history is marked by colonial rule, catastrophic earthquakes, and a name bestowed by an emperor.

Originally known as Tirosen, the region was first inhabited by the Hoanya people before Han Chinese immigrants arrived in the 17th century. By 1704, the area became a county seat, eventually renamed Chiayi in 1787 by the Qianlong Emperor. The name, meaning 'commended righteousness,' was a reward for the local citizens' loyalty during the Lin Shuangwen rebellion, where they successfully defended their walls against siege. This legacy of resilience has been tested repeatedly, most notably by the 1906 Meishan earthquake, which leveled over 13,000 houses and claimed more than 1,200 lives, leaving the city in ruins.

The city's administrative status has fluctuated significantly over the last century. After the Japanese era, which saw the construction of the Alishan Forest Railway, the city was integrated into Chiayi County in 1950, a move that hindered its economic development due to a lack of capital. It was not until 1982 that Chiayi regained its status as a provincial city. Today, it is governed directly by the Executive Yuan and is divided into two districts, East and West, serving as a cultural hub known for its annual wind music festival.

Chiayi’s political landscape is equally complex. Historically a pan-Green stronghold, the city has seen a narrowing gap between the Democratic Progressive Party and the Kuomintang. The city also bears the scars of the 228 Incident in 1947, where local negotiators and civilians were executed following clashes at Shueishang Airport. Despite this turbulent past, the city continues to modernize, launching initiatives like solar energy programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Situated near the Tropic of Cancer, Chiayi remains a vital, warm, and humid subtropical center that balances its rich historical landmarks with contemporary urban development.

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