Jiji, Nantou
Jiji () or Chichi is an urban township located in the west central portion of Nantou County, Taiwan. Jiji is the smallest of Taiwan's townships by area. The township is a popular destination on the Jiji Railway Line. In March 2012, it was named one of the "Top 10 Small Tourist Towns" by the Tourism Bureau of Taiwan. History. Han Chinese from Zhangzhou began arriving in the area in 1771. The name originates from "Chiv-Chiv", a phrase in the Formosan languages. During the Japanese era (1895–1945), Jiji was a collection and shipping export point for camphor produced  in the surrounding areas. By 1940, it was administrated as Shūshū Town (集集街), Niitaka District (新高郡), Taichū Prefecture (now Taichung.) Jiji township then encompassed a much larger area that included the present-day Shuili Township. In 1946, Niitaka District was renamed Yushan District (玉山區), Taichung County, and Jiji contemporaneously became a township. In 1950, Shuili Township was separated from Jiji. During World War II, a U.S. bomber was shot down by Japanese artillery, killing four airmen. The township was the epicenter of the eponymous and devastating 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake. Demographics. As of December 2016, Jiji was home to a  total population of 11,035, including 5,745 males and 5,290 females. Historically, the population peaked at 16,395 in 1970, and has fallen steadily since then. By contrast, the number of households grew from 2,772 in 1970 to a high of 4,376 in 2014, falling slightly to 4,308 by 2016. Geography. Jiji is bordered by Jhongliao to the north, Mingjian to the west, Jhushan 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 kilometers. The lowest point in the township  is 230 m above sea level and its highest point is Big Jiji Mountain (集集大山) at 1392 m above sea level. The township is rather mountainous and is surrounded by mountains on all sides. Administrative divisions. Jiji is administered as 11 villages: Ailiao, Bazhang, Fushan, Guangming, Heping, Jiji, Linwei, Tianliao, Yongchang, Yuying and Wucuo. Politics. The 2014 mayoral election was won by 29-year-old Chen Chi-heng of the newly formed Trees Party, in what was characterized by the media as a surprise. Transportation. Jiji Township is served by Jiji Station and Longquan Station of the Taiwan Railways Administration  Jiji line.