In the early days, Gengxin” (更新), an administrative district formerly known as “Gengfang” (梗枋), served as a key gateway to and from the Lanyang Plain. Gengxin, connected to Sandiao in the north and Wushi Harbor in the south, is a strategically vital location for guarding the Northguan Scenic Area. The term “geng” (梗) in Hokkien means “to block,” while “fang” (枋) refers to wooden planks. It is speculated that early Han settlers named the area after wooden barriers they set up to fend off Indigenous people and wild animals. However, according to local elders, “Gengfang” is a straightforward transliteration from Hokkien, meaning “a place where the mountains collapse with great force.” During the Qing dynasty, the area was part of the Gengfang Village. In 1900 (i.e., during the early Japanese colonial period), the Gengfang Village was divided into four settlements—Gengfang, Jiangliao, Shikong, and Shanyangdong. In 1901, these settlements were merged back into the Gengfang Village. In 1920, the village was reorganized into a “Daiji” (large administrative unit), encompassing the two subdivisions of Gengfang and Shikong. After Taiwan’s retrocession, Daiji was renamed the Gengfang Village. On October 3, 1969, following the devastating landslides caused by Typhoon Flossie, the area was renamed the “Gengxin Village” at the request of local residents.
Gengxin is the closest point between Guishan Island and Toucheng Township, serving as a key access point for boats traveling between the island and the mainland. Situated along the northern coastal area of Toucheng Township, Gengxin is a picturesque agricultural and fishing village, boasting convenient roads and railway. It has been designated by the central government as a priority area for the development of “Rich and Beautiful Fishing Villages” and “Rich and Beautiful Leisure Farms.” In addition to the Gengfang Fishing Harbor, the area is home to popular attractions such as the Toucheng Leisure Farm and Cang Jiu Winery , drawing numerous visitors on weekends. Also, Gengxin is an excellent destination for leisure, vacationing, and seafood shopping.