Nanzhuang Township

　　    Most of Nanzhuang Township is mountainous, with Mount Jiali reaching an elevation of 2,220 meters and known as the "Mother Mountain of Miaoli County." Nanzhuang Township is situated in the border region of Miaoli County. Its development began in the 23rd year of the Jiaqing reign during the Qing Dynasty. Nanzhuang once had a “black gold” era when its population approached 30,000, featuring over ten taverns and teahouses, as well as three theaters. However, after coal mining ceased and the forests lost their economic value for logging, Nanzhuang fell into a long period of quiet—remaining largely unnoticed for over a decade. As a result, much of its pristine natural environment has been preserved. Nanzhuang is also home to a mix of Hakka people, the Saisiyat, and the Atayal tribes, making it a prime example of ethnic harmony. The area boasts abundant local produce, with bamboo shoots, trout, and shiitake mushrooms being the three most famous specialties. It is also one of the main production areas for Pleione formosana (a type of orchid) and Lycoris aurea (golden spider lily). In recent years, Nanzhuang has leveraged its natural scenic resources to develop leisure attractions, boosting the local economy. Moreover, the township has been designated as part of a national scenic area, further elevating its tourism industry.