Hualien County Gov. Fostered an International-Friendly Environment as Visitors from Around the World Experienced the Charm of Fenglin’s Hakka Slow Town

(中央社訊息服務20260601 10:29:04)Source: Department of Administration and Research, Development & Evaluation

To deepen international residents’ understanding of Hualien’s Hakka culture and encourage meaningful engagement with local communities, the Hualien County Government organized the “Fenglin Hakka Slow Travel Experience” on May 23. A total of 24 participants from 10 countries across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Caribbean joined the tour, exploring Fenglin Township through plant-dyeing workshops, cross-cultural exchanges, and an e-bike slow-travel journey that highlighted the cultural richness and relaxed lifestyle of Hualien’s Hakka settlements.

The program began at the Fenglin Floral Handkerchief Plant Dye Workshop, where local artisans introduced participants to traditional Hakka plant-dyeing techniques and guided them through a hands-on dyeing experience. From preparing natural dyes to unwrapping and drying the finished fabric, participants gained insight into the cultural significance and practical wisdom behind this traditional craft.

A cross-cultural discussion was also held under the theme, “Does your country have similar traditional handicrafts?” International participants enthusiastically shared stories from their own cultures. Shaquel from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines noted similarities to local fabric-dyeing traditions in his homeland. Timothy from Germany and the United Kingdom spoke about Easter customs in Germany, where eggs are wrapped in cloth and dyed to create decorative patterns. Linh Bao Nguyen from Vietnam introduced traditional wax-resist dyeing techniques used to create intricate designs, while Lisye from Indonesia shared the history of Batik, Indonesia’s renowned wax-dyeing art recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Though each tradition differs in technique, all reflected a shared appreciation for craftsmanship, cultural memory, and heritage preservation, turning the workshop into a meaningful intercultural dialogue.

At lunchtime, participants enjoyed local cuisine at Min Viet Eatery before embarking on an afternoon e-bike tour through Fenglin. Stops included Liao Kuai Tobacco Barn, Meihao Peanuts(Good Eatss), Jinpin Sauce, and Fenglin Park, where participants learned about the township’s tobacco-barn heritage, Hakka industries, and local stories while sampling regional specialties. The group also visited the Principal’s Dream Factory, gaining insight into Fenglin’s reputation as the “Hometown of Principals” and its unique educational history.

The Hualien County Government noted that Hualien is one of Taiwan’s most culturally diverse regions, home to the nation’s largest Indigenous population and an increasing number of international residents who choose to live, study, and travel in the county. Through ongoing efforts to enhance bilingual services, host international lectures, and promote multicultural exchange programs, the county aims to create a welcoming environment for international residents while showcasing Hualien’s distinctive slow-living lifestyle, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant local communities.