In this paper, we investigate the formation and changes of settlements, migration and progression of families, and man-land relationships at Nanliao, Hsinchu City in the last century. References are made to the special ecological environments and developmental progression traits unique to the western coastal line in Taiwan. Nanliao is bordered by lagoons to the west and a plain to the east. The continuing disappearance of wetlands has helped to form a special kind of man-land relationships that are uniquely Nanliao. We found that the spatial structure in traditional settlements is greatly influenced by the natural environment and kindred relationship.