Covering an area of 120 square kilometers, Hsin Tien is bordered by the Taipei suburbs of Mucha and Chingmei in the northeast and the industrial communities of Chung Ho and T'uch'eng in the northwest. The southern area is bounded by scenic Wulai and the charming community of Sanhsia. Hsin Tien is 70% mountainous, an important factor shaping its rather unique development.
Before the arrival of the first Chinese settlers this area was inhabited by groups of aborigines. The first wave of Chinese settlement began about 200 years ago when a pioneer from the Ch'uan Chou region of Fukien province, named Lin Chang-t'un travelled to the northern basin region and made trade contacts with the aborigines. His flourishing trade allowed him to set up a small shop and soon more Chinese settlers immigrated to the region. The mountain juncture made the area an excellent site for trading. Since the region had no formal name and as the area became known for trade, visiting people began to call it "Hsin Tien" or new shop as it roughly translates into English.
The majority of the first settlers were engaged in farming. The rugged terrain, and damp climate encouraged the cultivation of tea and oranges.
The past 30 years have seen Taiwan evolve from an agricultural based economy to that of an industrial-based nation. Industrial development in the Taipei basin spurred the growth of many satellite communities such as Yung Ho, Chung Ho and Pan Ch'iao. Hsin Tien with its rather mountainous nature was not affected as much. Even today there are only two major industrial consortiums in the region, Yue Loong (cars) and General Electric.
The current population of Hsin Tien stands at 190,000, 60% of whom arrived in the past few years. This new wave of residents represents the young middle class couples who can't afford to invest in a Taipei home. Therefore, coupled with its attractive scenery, lower house prices are certainly a great inducement to move into the region. These people work and shop in Taipei and use Hsin Tien as a bedroom community. Despite its propitious name, Hsin Tien has not developed a substantial commercial core. City mayor, Ch'en Chung-tso says that because of Hsin Tien's close proximity to Taipei and the lack of any substantial commercial development, the city's only recourse has been to promote its natural potential as a major tourist area.
Originating in the mountains of the region, the lovely Hsin Tien River runs the length of the city area. Not only is the river the major source of the area's tourist potential, it is also the fresh water source for the 7 million inhabitants of the greater Taipei region.
Pi T'an (Green Lake), is considered one of Taiwan's most beautiful scenic areas. Part of the river system, Pi T'an is framed by magnificent mountain slopes. The lake area reminds one of a scene from a traditional Chinese landscape painting. The summer months draw the greatest number of visitors to the lakeshore. Couples, families, and groups of friends come to enjoy boating, swimming, fishing or brief respite from the heat of summer. Twenty boat shops rent out more than 700 craft to the public. Young couples are the biggest customers. Larger boats complete with a boatman can accommodate up to eight persons. There are even small vending boats which sell refreshments and snacks to the visitors.
The Pi T'an Suspension Bridge, which spans 200 meters, is one of Taiwan's longest and oldest hanging bridges, being constructed in 1937. The boatmen who rent out the boats have seen the lake through all its many phases.
The many other scenic spots in the Hsin Tien region provide relaxing, natural settings ideal for picnics, barbecues and camping. The Fei Ts'ui reservoir, which is still in the construction stages will add yet one more scenic recreation spot for the general public. According to plans, the reservoir will be the largest on the island of Taiwan.
The river divides the area into two distinct environments. The west bank region retains a rural agricultural flavor with hill slopes planted in tea and orange groves. Farmhouses dot the landscape and are connected by a loose network of small mountain roads. Tea farmers produce Wen-shan tea, one of the island's most outstanding varieties. The handpicked leaves thrive in the well-drained mountain soil. Farmers toil laboriously processing the leaves in a process that often has them working well into the night. The planter's reward for his efforts are well worth the trouble--orders from buyers are made before the harvest and one kilogram can bring up to US$30 from wholesale buyers.
The east area of the river has been developed into a residential district for those seeking relief from the crowded urban environment. Lavish villas have been constructed in the natural setting providing a quiet retreat for the wealthy. Apartment complex areas like Garden City and the villa development at neighboring New Taipei City offer stunning mountain vistas for residents. Garden City also has its own amusement area open to the public. Gate receipts are used to cover the maintenance cost of the area. New Taipei City is one of Taipei's more exclusive residential areas. Exquisite two-story villas with large yard areas and complete security rival the more established areas of Yangmingshan and T'ien Mu. There are currently 20 mountain residential developments in the Hsin Tien area.
Amidst all this development there are the voices of caution and warning. Assistant professor of architecture, Wang Hsiao-lin offers a few words of caution. She stresses that developers should pay more attention to land management when going ahead with their plans. Most of the housing units in the area are not built with the surrounding environment in mind. Instead of trying to be in harmony with the mountains and foliage, the houses stand apart. They also suffer from poor construction. Director of the department of architecture at Tung H'ai University, Chian Yao-wen states that as a new developing region, Hsin Tien can't be compared with Yangmingshan or T'ien Mu, which were developed under different circumstances, and in the case of Yangmingshan is under the special jurisdiction and restrictions of the government.
Hsin Tien with its natural beauty and lack of real industrial and commercial development has a great deal of potential. Residents are proud to boast of their town being the freshest and most scenic in the Taipei area. As the future unfolds, however, Hsin Tien must be careful to control development, lest it destroys this special environment it so proudly cherishes.
(Gerald Hatherly)
[Picture Caption]
1. Lovely Pi T'an (Green Lake) is one of Hsin Tien's most beautiful tourist areas and a popular spot for young couples. 2. The Pi T'an Suspension Bridge is one of the longest and oldest suspension bridges on Taiwan.
1.2. Originating in the mountains of the region, the sparkling waters of the Hsin Tien River are enjoyed by a windsurfer and a couple savoring a romantic moment in a row boat. 3. A young girl feeds her little brother. 4. Hsin Tien residents thoroughly wash and sweep the area in front of their home. 5. A delicate bird cage graces the front of a resident's home.
Hsin Tien Road is Hsin Tien's oldest artery. It still retains a rustic flavor with its traditional shops. 1. A traditional cake and bread shop displays some freshly prepared treats. 2. A shop selling prepared ointments and remedies uses a traditional advertisement board to inform its clientele. 3. A Chinese medicine shop. 4. Large earthenware jars are used by residents to pickle and preserve food.
1. A home on Hsin Tien Road displays the simple beauty of the door matching the floral pattern of the window curtains. 2. Hsin Tien Road still has buildings retaining the architectural style of Fukien province. 3. One of the lush rice paddies found in the agricultural west sector. 4.5. Wenshan tea is one of Hsin Tien's most important agricultural products. Pictured is a mountain slope plantation (4) and (5) workers process the leaves by hand.
1. A young child is all set to catch butterflies in the Garden City amusement park. 2. Garden City's public pool is often crowded during the summer vacation. 3. The light of a full moon enhances the nighttime beauty of Garden City. 4. An angle shot looking up the colorful brick steps of a Garden City residence.
1. Lush vegetation lines the central walkway of the Air Force Public Graveyard, one of the region's major tourist sites. 2. A local resident engaged in the raising of pigeons stands on his sun deck signaling his flock. 3.4. Several lavish villas have been built on the scenic mountain-slopes. 5. The elegant, quiet environs of the region's New Central village. 6. Swallow Lake with its beautiful scenery is a popular summertime destination for sightseers.
The Pi T'an Suspension Bridge is one of the longest and oldest suspension bridges on Taiwan.
Originating in the mountains of the region, the sparkling waters of the Hsin Tien River are enjoyed by a windsurfer and a couple savoring a romantic moment in a row boat.
Originating in the mountains of the region, the sparkling waters of the Hsin Tien River are enjoyed by a windsurfer and a couple savoring a romantic moment in a row boat.
A young girl feeds her little brother.
Hsin Tien residents thoroughly wash and sweep the area in front of their home.
A delicate bird cage graces the front of a resident's home.
Hsin Tien Road is Hsin Tien's oldest artery. It still retains a rustic flavor with its traditional shops. 1. A traditional cake and bread shop displays some freshly prepared treat.
2. A shop selling prepared ointments and remedies uses a traditional advertisement board to inform its clientele.
3. A Chinese medicine shop.
Large earthenware jars are used by residents to pickle and preserve food.
1. A home on Hsin Tien Road displays the simple beauty of the door matching the floral pattern of the window curtains.
2. Hsin Tien Road still has buildings retaining the architectural style of Fukien province.
3. One of the lush rice paddies found in the agricultural west sector.
4.5. Wenshan tea is one of Hsin Tien's most important agricultural products. Pictured is a mountain slope plantation （4） and （5） workers process the leaves by hand.
4.5. Wenshan tea is one of Hsin Tien's most important agricultural products. Pictured is a mountain slope plantation （4） and （5） workers process the leaves by hand.
1. A young child is all set to catch butterflies in the Garden City amusement park.
2. Garden City's public pool is often crowded during the summer vacation.
3. The light of a full moon enhances the nighttime beauty of Garden City.
4. An angle shot looking up the colorful brick steps of a Garden City residence.
1. Lush vegetation lines the central walkway of the Air Force Public Graveyard, one of the region's major tourist sites.
2. A local resident engaged in the raising of pigeons stands on his sun deck signaling his flock.
3.4. Several lavish villas have been built on the scenic mountain-slopes.
3.4. Several lavish villas have been built on the scenic mountain-slopes.
5. The elegant, quiet environs of the region's New Central village.
6. Swallow Lake with its beautiful scenery is a popular summertime destination for sightseers.
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