Major Rivers of Taiwan

Taiwan's steep, short rivers flow from the Central Mountain Range to the plains. Key rivers:

• Zhuoshui River (濁水溪) – Longest (186 km), forms boundary between north/central Taiwan.
• Gaoping River (高屏溪) – Largest drainage area (3,257 km²), southern Taiwan.
• Tamsui River (淡水河) – Northern Taiwan, flows through Taipei; major shipping/historic route.
• Dajia River (大甲溪) – Central, noted for hydroelectric dams (Techi, Qingshan).
• Wu River (烏溪) – Central, tributary of Zhuoshui.
• Houlong River (後龍溪) – Northwest, Miaoli County.
• Putuo River (蒲頭溪) – Alternative name for lower Zhuoshui.

Most rivers are flash-flood prone, heavily sediment-laden, and critical for irrigation, hydropower, and water supply. Many have been channelized for flood control.