A new bilingual podcast series "Hear Hualien—English and Travel Through Sound" premiering on the popular channel English, Listen Up!

(中央社訊息服務20250613 15:25:46)As Hualien County prepares to welcome increasing numbers of international visitors and major global sporting events, the County Government is stepping up efforts to foster a more English-friendly environment. In addition to providing comprehensive English training programs for local tourism professionals and entrepreneurs, Hualien County has partnered with popular podcast host Winnie to produce the new podcast series, Hear Hualien—English and Travel Through Sound. Premiering June 19 on the widely followed English, Listen Up! channel, the series invites global audiences to experience Hualien through immersive soundscapes and engaging storytelling.

According to the Hualien County Government, podcasts have become particularly popular among younger listeners, with growing appeal across diverse age groups in the post-pandemic era. Unlike traditional radio broadcasts, podcasts offer listeners convenient, on-demand accessibility, allowing them to listen anytime, anywhere, with flexible playback options. In this groundbreaking collaboration, the county government and English, Listen Up! are producing a dedicated podcast series designed to bring the distinct sounds and vibrant culture of Hualien directly to listeners. Episodes feature authentic local soundscapes recorded on-site, alongside candid interviews with international travelers and local creators who call Hualien home. Through bilingual narratives in both Chinese and English, listeners will explore a diverse array of local attractions and themes, including festivals, forests, cultural traditions, local markets, cuisine, sports, and startups. The series offers a fresh, immersive, and authentic experience of Hualien’s rich identity, appealing equally to international travelers, domestic tourists, English learners, and local residents.

Podcast host Winnie, a nationally certified foreign-language tour guide and professional voice-over artist, is no stranger to success. Her podcast English, Listen Up! has amassed nearly 3 million plays and previously reached No. 11 on the Taiwan Podcast Chart. Winnie’s episodes cover a wide range of topics—from English learning to cultural exchange and lifestyle—attracting a dedicated and diverse audience. “This collaboration goes beyond simply teaching English,” Winnie noted. “We are creating an immersive cultural journey through sound, giving listeners worldwide a chance to truly hear and appreciate Hualien.”

Hear Hualien—English and Travel Through Sound will be available starting June 19 on major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Linktree, radiotaiwan, and Podcast Republic. Simply search for English, Listen Up! to embark on your audio journey through Hualien.