The northwestern coastal region of northern Taiwan, beginning from the Tanshui Estuary to Tousien Estuary of Hsinchu Hsien, is formed by a very long coastal platform. Economically it is a less developed region. The purpose of this study is to analyse comprehensively its developmental situation, while attempting to provide a developmental policy for future planning, with the purpose of reducing the traffic situation of the tableland and hill areas east to the study area. Through planning of the traffic system, the study area is expected to become a significant traffic corridor between the old Taipei-Keelung industrial area and the new Hsin-Chu industrial area.
Findings of the research can be summarized as follows:
1) The population is aging an indicated by its age structure.
2) The living-spheres of the places covered in this study coincide roughly with those designated by the Comprehensive Planning in Taiwan Area.
3) The structure of the employment of this region is dominated by the primary sector. However, proportion of the employed population in the secondary and tertiary sectors are increasing significantly.
4) The recreational resources of this region are not sufficient to meet the increasing demand. The development of the resources for the agricultural tourism at sea coasts must be stressed.
5) According to its physical and human environments, Tatan Village, Kuanyin Hsiang, is supposed to be a suitable site for establishing the polluted industries.
6) In order to improve the regional development of the Tan-Hsin corridor, enforcement of the transportation systems and establishment of the recreational facilities would be the most important strategies.
7) Improvement of transportation systems, Particularly Tai-route No. 15, 4, 110, and 112, and Chu-route No. 6, should be carried out in order to meet the targets of the regional development.
