Hakka Village History Volume 28 – “Strolling Through Dahu Reviving The Old Town In Memories”

Dahu Township, located in the southern part of Miaoli County, enjoys a mild, rainy climate and is nationally renowned for its strawberries. In ancient times, the area was a basin surrounded by mountains on all sides, with plains blanketed by blooming reeds. When a gentle breeze passed through, the swaying stalks resembled ripples across a lake—hence the name “Dahu” (Great Lake). Originally home to the Atayal indigenous people, the area gradually developed into Dahu Village, Minghu Village, and Jinghu Village as Han settlers arrived in large numbers, eventually forming the Dahu settlement and establishing it as an important political and military center in the mountainous region.
The author of this book, Lin Jun-dong, draws upon the life of his grandfather, Dr. Lin Zeng-zhang, who was born and raised in Dahu. Dr. Lin built his career, married, and raised a family here, witnessing the rise and fall of Dahu from the Japanese colonial period through the 1990s. After his passing, he left behind two antique safes containing numerous old photographs and artifacts. Using his grandfather’s legacy as a foundation, the author guides readers through the history of Dahu, exploring its industries, people, and the changes that have shaped the community over time.

Authors: Yu Yi-chen, Lin Jun-dong