Time Zone |
Asia/Taipei |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+8 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Time Zone |
Africa/Sao_Tome |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+0 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Pingzhen is located in the western part of Taoyuan City, Taiwan, China. With an area of about 47 square kilometers and a population of about 220,000, the area is a typical metropolitan satellite city. The geographical position is connected to Jhongli District in the north and Bade District in the east, which is an important transportation hub.
Pingzhen was originally Pingzhen Township, which was upgraded to a county municipality in 1992 due to population growth, and was reorganized into a district in 2014 after Taoyuan was upgraded to a municipality. The Hakka people are the main residents of the area, and it retains rich Hakka cultural traditions, including Hakka cuisine and religious activities. The economy is dominated by the manufacturing industry, including machinery, electronics, and textiles.
Important landmarks include the Baodong Shrine (Yimin Temple), Shezi Wetland Park, and Beisi Old Street. The annual Yimin Festival on July 20 of the lunar calendar is an important cultural event that showcases the unique Hakka folklore. Transportation is available via the Taiwan 66 Expressway, National Highway No. 1 and National Highway No. 3, which connects to all parts of Taiwan.
Graça is a town in the Lobata District of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Principe, located on the northeastern coast of the island of São Tomé. An important settlement in the district, Graça is known for its tranquil tropical landscape and traditional Portuguese colonial architecture. Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and cocoa plantations, the town retains a strong agricultural community character.
Graça is located near latitude 0°N and has a typical tropical rainforest climate, with an average annual temperature of about 25°C and abundant rainfall. The town is close to the northeast coast of the island of São Tomé, about 15 kilometers from the capital, São Tomé, and is accessible by coastal road. Its terrain is predominantly hilly and is surrounded by several geological landscapes of volcanic origin.
The economy is dominated by agriculture, historically known for cocoa and coffee cultivation, and the ruins of colonial-era plantations still remain. The architecture is a blend of Portuguese colonial style and indigenous African elements, with low-rise houses in bright colors forming a unique streetscape. The population is mostly Catholic and traditional religious festivals are held annually.
Although not a major tourist destination, Graça's untouched and unspoiled environment attracts some travelers looking for a more in-depth tour. There are hiking trails around the town that lead to the rainforest and black sand coast. The main means of transportation is the road network, with a daily minibus service to and from São Tomé, and the nearest airport is São Tomé International Airport.