Evaluation of Taiwan's aboriginal development before Ching Dynasty

Abstract

This study makes use of information on geography, climate, immigration, history and anthropology to analyse interactions between changes in terrain and migration developments in these two areas from 1624 to 1894. Bangang, on the Yunlin-Chiayi plain, was the biggest city in Taiwan during the period 1624–1720. However, the terrain of this area has changed greatly with the coastline moving toward the west about 20 meters per year. Therefore, many cities and harbours in this area were gradually replaced. As a result, much new land was created and many races immigrated into the area. The first Han Chinese migration was led by Yen Shih-Chi and Cheng Chih-Lung in 1624, and entered the coastal area of Yunlin-Chiayi for exploitation. By 1650 it had grown to 25 000 people and that huge number forced the Tsou tribe to begin moving toward Ali Mountain.