Zhunan

Literally, Zhúnán () means "bamboo south" but in this context, zhú is short for "Hsinchu". Thus, Zhunan lies south of Hsinchu (cf. Zhubei which lies north [běi] of Hsinchu). A previous name of the area was Tiong-káng (), literally "central port", a name preserved in Zhonggang (), one of the 25 constituent villages of Zhunan. The present name was adopted under Japanese rule in 1920. ==Geography==

• Area: • Population: 89,420 (September 2023 estimate) ==Administrative divisions==

The township comprises 25 villages: Dacuo, Dapu, Dingpu, Gangqi, Gongguan, Gongyi, Haikou, Jiaxing, Kaiyuan, Longfeng, Longshan, Qiding, Shanjia, Shengfu, Tianwen, Xinnan, Yingpan, Zhaonan, Zhengnan, Zhonggang, Zhonghua, Zhongmei, Zhongying, Zhunan and Zhuxing. ==Politics==

The township is part of Miaoli County Constituency I electoral district for Legislative Yuan. ==Institutions==

• National Health Research Institutes ==Sights and facilities==

Zhunan was traditionally a beach and fishing community, and is closely associated with Goddess Mazu, who is the Goddess of Sea and Patron Deity of fishermen, sailors and any occupations related to sea/ocean. Zhunan's main tourist attraction is its prominent Mazu Temples like Zhonggang Cihyu Temple and Hotsu Longfong Temple which has a statue of the Goddess that is over 100 feet tall. Zhunan is now part of Taiwan's computer sector and has a large Science Park. Zhunan has wide open beaches and some cycling routes that run parallel to the beaches. Beach access was difficult until a bridge connecting the harbour and the beaches opened in 2008. It is a favourite spot among locals for surfing, kiteboarding, and windsurfing due to the year-round winds. Mountains overlook the town and are within a 20-minute drive. • Longfeng Fishing Port • Qiding Tunnels • Zhonggang Cihyu Temple • Hotsu Longfong Temple • Northern Miaoli Art Center • Ten Ren Tea Culture Museum • Zhunan Brewery ==Infrastructures==

• Miaoli County Refuse Incineration Plant ==Transportation==

Zhunan is served by National Freeway 3 and Provincial Highway 61. The township is accessible from Zhunan Station and Qiding Station of Taiwan Railway. ==Notable natives==

• Kang Shih-ju, member of Legislative Yuan (2009–2012) • Tsai Wan-lin, former businessman • Tsai Wan-tsai, former banker ==References==