Ta An district, with an area of 1,056 hectares and a population of 280,000 covers one of the largest, most modern and fastest-growing sectors of Taipei. Towering mansions, broad and spacious boulevards, and tranquil and picturesque precincts make this one of the most attractive residential areas of the city. Ongoing construction of new high-rise buildings, to house offices and shops as well as homes, bear testimony to the wealth and selfconfidence of this prospering district. Like Rome, Ta An district was not built in a day. It is the result of a project worked out by the government 20 years ago, and still continuing to the present. Before the project started, the area was a hodgepodge of rice and vegetable fields, weed-covered wasteland, shacks and wooden huts. The bullock cart, pedicab, hand-cart and bicycle which were the main means of transport, did little to disturb the picture of sleepy rusticity. Along some of the main roads, there might be the odd barber shop, grocery, herbal medicine store, tea shop or chop house, but all lacked the bright neon lights that characterize the area today. The property owners led contented and quiet lives, little dreaming that one day they would be millionaires. At that time the only features to break up the rural scene were the lines of government workers' dormitories along Hoping East, Hsinyi, Jenai and Hsinsheng Roads Most of these dormitories were housed in old Japanese style bungalows, which satisfied the occupants even though the buildings were only one-story and the lighting poor. When the sun shone, children would play games amid the ducks and chickens raised by the families to supplement food supplies Even though their lives today are immeasurably better, some residents still feel nostalgia for the old pastoral pleasures. Ta An district was by no means the first one to be developed in Taipei. Historical records show that Chen Lai An originally opened up what was once the wasteland in the Taipei basin in 1709 during the reign of the Emperor Kang Hsi of the Ching dynasty. Since Ta An is some distance from the Tamsui river, it was not until the Yung Cheng era (the third emperor of the Ching dynasty) that a start was made on development of the area. When Taiwan was returned to the Republic of China after 50 years of Japanese occupation in 1945, the government decided to combine six villages, Chao Ho, Chin, Fu Chu, Tungmen East. Ta An and Luchangli into the newly formed Ta An district. At present, 32 leading educational establishments, including four universities (National Taiwan University, National Normal University, Center for Public and Business Administration Education of the National Chengchi University and the downtown headquarters of the Tamkang College of Arts and Sciences), two technical academies, eight senior commercial high schools, seven junior high schools and 11 elementary schools are located in the district. Of the 238,476 residents aged over six years of age, 22,330 are college graduates, (master's degree, 701; in graduate schools, 655; with bachelor's degree 14,320; in universities or colleges, 6,654). All these schools are noted for their highly qualified teachers, modern facilities, scientific management and conscientious students. The convenient location and scholarly atmosphere of the schools make it understandable why a high 10 percent of the population is made up of college graduates. Some of Taiwan's best hospitals are also located in Ta An district, including the Central Clinic, Country Hospital, China Medical Center, Central Hospital and Cathay General Hospital. With their comfortable, clean and luxurious wards, well-equipped clinics and highly qualified doctors it is no wonder the hospitals are always well patronized in spite of their high charges (although low compared with most other countries). Among religious centers, there are the Taipei Mosque, a Catholic church and a Wesley. Methodist church. Replacing the small, dingy shops of former days are large and sumptuous department stores such as the Far Eastern branch on Jenai Road and Shinkong on Hsinyi Road. The display windows are laid out in a chique and alluring fashion, and at night when the neon lights sparkle, shoppers flock to the emporia, many of them in their own cars. High-rise buildings such as the Esquire building, Lincoln Center, Ai-chun mansion and Palace mansion contain luxury suites for the well-heeled members of the community. Two luxury hotels, the Regency and the Sesame are also located in the district. But perhaps one of Ta An's greatest attractions is a throwback to its earlier history-- the trees and grass that adorn its broader boulevards such as the elegant Jenai Road. Here, the dense foliage, chirping birds and silver spray of fountains can easily make one forget one is in the middle of a bustling commercial district. Despite the lack of space, residents of the apartment houses which abound in Ta An district, are determined not to be denied the joys of the countryside even while they are at home. Potted plants, shrubs and flowers line balconies and windowsills, and help to give a colorful atmosphere to the living environment. On section 3 of Jenai Road, opposite the China Television Co., is a famous garden that sells all kinds of potted plants, many of which can be seen hanging in planters from the ceiling. Patterns of many colors back the proprietor as he urges passers-by to decorate their homes in a natural way. The sturdy Chinese evergreen is among the most popular plant for the home, since it is not only a symbol of longevity, but is also easy to grow. In spite of the success of their efforts, apartment dwellers still envy those lucky enough to live in the old-style houses who have enough space to plant full-size trees and banks of flowers in their spacious gardens. The living quarters for professors of the National Taiwan University are examples of such increasingly rare buildings. After a day's hard work, the professors can go home to their greenery and be transported into Ta An's past. One building which stands in stark contrast to the towering apartment blocks and shopping centers in Ta An district is the Taiwan Provincial Taipei Junior Teachers' College located in section 2 of Hoping East Road. The redbrick classical-style building set amid spacious lawns has a scholarly atmosphere which soothes alumni and passers-by alike. The building symbolizes the contrast of Ta An district, ranging from the lofty mansions and broad thoroughfares to the quaint corners of the older sections. It is quite clear even on the most casual inspection that the district's prosperity has only been built up as a result of the labor, sacrifice and time put in by both the Taipei City Government and the residents. It is this combination of care, patience and effort which is mainly responsible for what Ta An district is today, and is its best guarantee of continuing development in the future.