Like most of northern Taiwan, Sanzhi was formerly the territory of the Ketagalan aborigines, who called the area Siaojilongshe. During the Ching Emperor Yongjheng’s reign, Chinese from Tongan County in Cyuanjhou and Yongding County in Dingjhou began to arrive. During the reign of Guangsyu, the area was designated part of Jhilansanbao. Under the Japanese Occupation, it became Sanzhijhuang, and, after Restoration, Sanzhi.

Everyone knows that Sanzhi is thehometown of former President Li Deng-hui; it is not that easy to find.

Sanzhi is located just west of Taiwan’s northernmost point. Shimen is to the north; Danshui to the south; Jinshan to the east; Datunshan forms a boundary with Taibei; and the Taiwan Strait lies to the west. Coastal Route 2 is Sanzhi’s main transport artery. Going north, one can travel to Jinshan and Wanli and pick up the expressway; going south takes you past Danshui to Taibei. There is also County Route 101 to Danshui and County Route 101A to Taipei via Yangmingshan National Park.