Wei Ming-ku, the Magistrate of Changhua County, led head officials from related county government bureaus to give a briefing on the “Lukang National Historic Scenic Area” project and “Changhua Green Energy Industry Project” on the afternoon of August 25th at the Executive Yuan. Minister Without Portfolio Chang Jing-sen presided over the meeting, which was attended by officials representing the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Labor, Environmental Protection Administration and various other governmental departments to discuss matters relating to subsidy applications by Changhua County Government. Both plans received support from the Executive Yuan and Minister Without Portfolio Chang instructed various departments to assist the county government with the proposed plans in the hope that Changhua County will optimize its advantages in cultural tourism and the green energy industry to create a county with a booming green energy sector and a buoyant cultural life. During the briefing, the Changhua County Department of City and Tourism Development proposed 5 major parts to the Lukang National Historic Scenic Area plan which the Changhua County Government wishes to implement. “The museum project” is targeted at the core museum, satellite museums, public and privately-owned museums, and street museums. “The environmental scenery project” targets renovation of old houses, Jiugang River, cultural streets and roadside scenery. “The cultural project” targets inspection and repair of cultural assets, cooperation with the National Taiwan College of Performing Arts, annual cultural events, and creative culture production competitions. “The tourism project” targets development of a tour guide database, industry guidance, festival events (i.e. Dragonboat Festival, Lantern Festival, temple celebrations and more), as well as small town art festivals. “The transportation project” targets bus depots, quick buses, city transfers, roadside parking fees and more. The funding sought for the Lukang National Scenic Area plan is NT$4.2 billion over the next four years of economical and infrastructure planning, with which the project hopes to preserve both tangible and intangible cultural assets of Lukang through the National Historic Scenic Area project, stimulating Changhua County’s tourism and travel developments. Minister Without Portfolio Chang stated that, to aid the county government’s implementation efforts, the central government will fully support the Lukang National Historic Scenic Area plan, delegating various departments with the responsibility of recreating the splendor of the Jiugang River, fully utilizing Radio Taiwan International air time, preparing Lujiang Junior High School, developing traditional crafts, martial arts and theater, as well as using other means. In the briefing, the Changhua County Department of Economic Affairs explained that Changhua will become an important development base for wind and photovoltaic power in the future, in relation to the green energy industry exemplary plan. Minister Without Portfolio Chang delegated the MOFA’s Bureau of Energy to form a project team with the county government in order to discuss subsequent plans and construct an ecological, green energy renewable energy zone suitable for sightseeing and recreation. Source: Changhua County Government Information Website

　　On the morning of August 11th, the Changhua County Cultural Affairs Bureau held the “Flipping Changhua with A Card – Library Card V.S. Electronic Fare card” press conference in the courtyard of the county government building. Wei Ming-ku, the Magistrate of Changhua County, attended the press conference and announced the Cultural Affairs Bureau’s new service to the public: combining Changhua County public library cards with electronic fare cards. Members of the public can now apply for use of their electronic fare cards as library cards if they bring their original ID card, Changhua County public library card and their own non-contact electronic fare card (e.g. iPass, EasyCard). After the application process is complete, users will be able to access Changhua County public libraries and public libraries throughout 16 townships and cities in Changhua County with one card. Magistrate Wei hopes that this new service will help young scholars visit public libraries more often to enjoy the pleasure of reading. 　　With the advance of modern technology, almost every person in modern society uses electronic fare cards such as the iPASS or EasyCard. In order to promote reading, nurture reading habits and make borrowing books easier, the Changhua County Government has now combined library cards with electronic fare cards. The public can now borrow books from Changhua County and city/township libraries across 16 townships and cities with the use of one card. The hope is that in the future all 26 townships and cities within the county will implement this measure, allowing more people to enjoy the pleasure of reading. 　　In order to improve services and provide a better reading environment, the Changhua County Cultural Affairs Bureau is now providing a new service: combining Changhua County public library cards with electronic fare cards. Members of the public can now visit the service counters at any Changhua County public library and township/city libraries in any of the 16 townships/cities in Changhua County (Changhua City, Yuanlin City, Lukang Township, Hemei Township, Beidou Township, Tianjhong Township, Shengang Township, Sioushuei Township, Huatan Township, Fenyuan Township, Fangyuan Township, Dacheng Township, Shetou Township, Pitou Township, Sijhou Township, Erhshui Township) with their original ID card, Changhua County public library card, and their own non-contact electronic fare card (iPASS or EasyCard) to apply for the use of an electronic fare card in place of a library card. The fare card can then be used to borrow books from the library locations mentioned above. 　　In order to actively promote reading within Changhua County and enhance the quality of modern cultural life, the Cultural Affairs Bureau has combined the electronic fare card that is commonly utilized amongst the student and youth population with public library services. The integration of the two cards reduces the amount of cards members of the public must carry, making reading more convenient and easy. Source: Changhua County Government Information Website

In order to consolidate tourism resources in the Bagua Mountain scenic area, the Changhua County Government has established the Bagua Mountain skywalk as a means to connect scenic spots in the south-north direction, expanding the scope of the Bagua Mountain Scenic Area. On the morning of July 10th, 2016, the Bagua Mountain Skywalk opening ceremony was held at the plaza to the left of the Bagua Mountain Great Buddha. The hope is that the establishment of the skywalk will allow the public to walk amongst the forest while taking in a view of Changhua City, effectively connecting tourism resources in the Great Buddha scenic area, revitalizing local tourism development and creating a new attraction in Changhua. All are invited to walk upon the skywalk and experience the natural sights and fine artistic attractions of Bagua Mountain, appreciating Changhua’s sacred Bagua Mountain with each twist and turn of the topography. 　　Bagua Mountain is a sacred mountain in Changhua County, with a diverse ecology including various butterflies, insects, beetles, etc. In addition, there is the Great Buddha of Bagua Mountain, National Changhua Living Art Center, Changhua Arts Senior High School and other cultural sites. Many were gathered at the opening of the skywalk. The gentle incline of the bridge makes it suitable for all ages and activities, ranging from hiking to walking and exercise. The hope is that the skywalk will become a scenic attraction that will draw visitors to Bagua Mountain, stimulating tourism and industrial development within Changhua County. The Bagua Mountain Great Buddha scenic area is a well-known scenic spot throughout Taiwan. In order to connect various existing tourism resources, the Changhua County Government constructed the Bagua Mountain skywalk to link north-south directional scenic spots through points, lines and planes, expanding the scope of tourism in the Bagua Mountain Great Buddha scenic area. This creates a recreational environment for children’s ecological education while forming a new impression of the Great Buddha, stimulating tourism development within Changhua County to create a more comfortable recreation environment for the public. The structure of the skywalk is comprised of a light steel frame with fence type contours. The bridge passes above Guashan Road and follows the meandering mountain path where the Great Buddha sits. Seven entrances were constructed along the bridge, across a footpath 1km in length. The bridge goes from Changhua’s landmark, the Bagua Mountain Great Buddha and continues all the way to the National Changhua Living Art Center. On the way, one can admire the lotus ecological park, Martyr’s Shrine, baseball stadium, Changhua Arts Senior High School and other scenic spots. There are dynamic as well as still attractions, historical sites, cultural sites and more. Not only are visitors able to enjoy the unparalleled view from this vantage point, they can stroll through the forest and experience ecological beauty at the canopy level, like a bridge in the air. Source: Changhua County Government Information Website

　　On June 8, CCTIA held the “second general assembly in the first year and anniversary” in the afternoon. County magistrate M.K. Wei celebrated the anniversary with the Director General of CCTIA and the President of Ribbon Museum S.C. Wu. Magistrate Wei expressed gratitude for the association’s effort in supporting tourism development and expected the partnership to generate more momentum to expand souvenir market and to maximize the visibility of the county in the tourism market, yielding a more-than-additive effect. 　　According to Magistrate Wei, the Association has been under good management and the number of members continued to grow thanks to Director General Wu’s leadership. The members may vary in profession, but all efforts contribute to tourism promotion. The county government is planning to make Lukang a national spotlight of history and scenery, where the restrictions on hostels will be lifted to shed light on culture-based tourism and economic boost. 　　Taichung, Changhua, Nantou and Miaoli (i.e. CCNM) has formed a tourism alliance named the Mid-Taiwan Tourism Development Promotion Committee (MTDPC) to open more opportunities and to request assistance from national departments. Any recommendation of partnership from CCTIA is welcomed. 　　CCTIA is one of the few alliances of different industries and has played a major role in local tourism marketing and development by creating the platform integrating related industries and supporting MTDPC’s policies. 　　CCTIA’s effort in local tourism promotion is demonstrated by the activity in tourism forum as well as exhibitions of souvenirs, health promotion and travel. It is planned to visit Hong Kong Int’l Travel Expo with the Department of City and Tourism. 　　For the county government, CCTIA is the important portal for industries to tourism diversity. By combining accommodation, catering, transportation and other industries into innovative packages, it is possible to maximize its economic potential. Source: Changhua County Government website

　　The second day of the CCNM Manager Consensus Workshop was held on 29th day of May in the Talent Development Institute for Local Government. In the beginning, C.T. Huang, associate professor of the Department of Tourism, Providence University, provided a speech on regional tourism development, and it is followed by the tourism development strategy and tourism forum. Changhua County Magistrate M.K. Wei, Taichung City Mayor C.L. Lin, Miaoli County Deputy Magistrate G.J. Deng and Nantou County Deputy Magistrate C.S. Chen as well as industrial, official and academic representatives to contribute to the development of Mid-Taiwan by integrating tourism resources and taking the role of influence. 　　Nantou Homestay Tour Association President C.Y. Peng, Miaoli County Tourism Association President D.L. Chiang, Changhua County Tourism Industry Association President S.C. Wu, Taichung Government Department of Tourism Director General S.S. Chen, Nantou County Government Department of Tourism Director General Y.C. Wang, Miaoli County Government Culture and Tourism Bureau Director General P.S. Chiu, Department of City and Tourism F.P. Tian, and the high-tier managers from these administrative regions are all participate in this workshop. 　　According to Magistrate Wei, the CCNM tourism forum provides each administrative region the chance to promote its characteristic of interest: Nantou is featured with natural scenery, Taichung is a Mid-Taiwan metropolis, Miaoli presents Hakka culture, while Changhua preserves the cultural heritage. By using regional platform, we can integrate these advantages to greatly improve the outcome. 　　The Changhua County Government has been active in tourism development focused on promotion of Lukang National Region of History and Scenery, material assets such as historical sites, religious buildings and cultural objects as well as spiritual assets such as arts, traditional talents and key national artists for in-depth planning and development of Lukang. The Ching Shui forests in southeast Changhua can be combined with the scenery of Eight Trigram Mountain as an attraction for camping and nature lovers. Most importantly, diverse marketing is to be exercised for key tourism zones. 　　While different in tourism-based industries and resources, this is a good chance for the representatives to introduce tourism resources and events, and to share thoughts on development strategies. World Tourism Organization’s 2015 report shows that 9.91 million persons visited Taiwan in 2014 (31st in the world), creating USD 14.7 billion national income (24th in the world). This suggests the importance of tourism to Taiwan. As modern people value recreation and tourism, more efforts have been addressed on tourism development. While each of the CCNM regions has its characteristics and strategies, it is expected that integration will improve visibility and influence for better overall competence and regional development. 　　Instead of a well-decorated slogan, regional partnership creates the platform for information exchange and experience share in order to secure a positive feedback loop. Changhua County Government is currently on the preliminary progress of establishing “Lukang National Region of History and Scenery” via internal taskforce assignment, public advocacy, and communication with the central government and all related industries to realize sustainable local cultural and tourism development as well as connection with available resources. 　　Changhua is the home of the only fan-shaped locomotive garage in Taiwan, oyster trucks, cultural heritage, variable industries and special foods. Visitors may not find the most spectacular sceneries but the delicate network of culture, industries and local specials is ideal for family visits. Changhua is a pivotal region for in-depth travel of popular sites in the CCNM region, which facilitates cooperative marketing and economy development. Source: Changhua County Government website

　　In order to market and promote development of the local grape-growing industry at Dacun Township, the Changhua County Government planned the construction of a grape production installation at the entrance of Dacun Train Station, inspected on May 20th, 2016. Grape statues stand at either side of the station’s entrances for photos and selfies while wall stickers, colorful tiles, light boxes and other elements incorporate grape imagery along the stairs, ceiling, waiting room and platforms. The designs dazzled tourists passing through, as they began snapping photos early in the morning. The Changhua County Government hopes that the station’s grape imagery design will effectively exert industry characteristics and expand the location’s notability as a production region. Changhua County is the nation’s most important grape-growing region. On average, one in every two grapes comes from Changhua County. As Dacun Township was the first location in Changhua to cultivate grapes, which was why it was the location selected for the grape imagery art installation. Dacun Train Station is a key location where tourists flock, so 8 grape imagery art installations were established at the station, expanding grape imagery from Dacun Train Station onwards so that all travelers who pass through Dacun Train Station learn that Changhua is the home of grapes. The Changhua County Government’s assertive efforts to commission public art for Dacun Train Station depicting grape imagery is also in line with the Taiwan Railway Administration’s one specialty per station policy. Not only does this public art provide travelers with an aesthetic surprise, it also beautifies Dacun Train Station and promotes Dacun Township’s local grape industry. This enhances the notability of grapes from Dacun Township. All are welcome to visit Dacun, enjoy grapes, purchase grapes, and get to know the industry. Source: Changhua County Government Information Website

“Lukang National History Scenic Area” is an important policy regarding tourism that was enthusiastically promoted by the Changhua County Government. This project depends on the people recognition and the funds from the Central Government to accomplish successfully. On the 11th, Changhua County Government held the second local presentation on “Lukang National History Scenic Area” and the first Promotion Committee meeting at the 4F Hall of Lukang Township Office. Hosted by Magistrate Wei Ming-ku of Changhua County, Mr. Tian Fei-peng, the head of the Department of City and Tourism, Changhua County Government briefed on the project. Voices from different places and sectors were heard and collected to make the project more complete. In order to preserve the traditional historic and cultural features of Lukang, the city intends to integrate re-utilization and cultural innovation to achieve the goals of sustaining preservation and revitalization of cultural assets and the development of greater Lukang tourism. Improving local urban landscape and quality of everyday life, Changhua County Government is active in securing support for the “Lukang National History Scenic Area project.” Local presentations are scheduled to be held before, during, and after the planning meeting once repectively. This planning meeting was scheduled at the first promotion committee meeting. At present, the county government has divided the funds secured from the central government for the development of Lukang National History Scenic Area into two parts: the “Economic Development Project” and “Sustainable Development Project.” In this meeting, it mainly focused on the discussion of the four-year economic development plan that is highly related to locals. Now, the county government has stipulated five major plans: the “Museum Plan,” “Environment Landscape Plan,” “Culture Plan,” “Sightseeing Plan,” and “Transportation Plan” to facilitate its promotion. The county government prepared to release related the information at the business zone of the Department of City and Tourism after this meeting as a references of all. Source: Changhua County Government website

　　“2016 Changhua Matsu Joint Patrol Blessing Activities” will be held by 12 temples in Changhua jointly. It was scheduled to hold the diving blocks tossing ceremony at Hexin Temple in Beitou on March 17th. The Deputy Magistrate Chen Shan-bao of Changhua County tossed the divine blocks on behalf of Magistrate Wei Ming-ku. This year (2016), the incense burner host – Yang Long-he, the Chair of Hexin Temple, and other important members attended the ceremony. They prayed to Matsu for her divine decree. She indicated that September 25th (Sunday) (August 25th of the lunar calender) should be the day of commencement of “2016 Changhua Matsu Joint Patrol Blessing Activities.” When Matsu patrols around the neighborhood, the goddess also blesses the worshipers, who pray for mild weather and plenty of rainfall, prosperity to the country and peace to the people, ceremonies on eight festivals, prosperity to the governing of Changhua County Government, and wellbeing to all Changhua folks. All the people pray sincerely for the blessing of the goddess to bring them and their families peace and good health. 　　 Source: Changhua County Government website

　　On 10th (March 2nd of the lunar calender), Changhua County Government and Changhua Municipal held the ceremony for tossing the divination blocks at Lukang Longshan Temple to request divine guide for the execution of “2016 Lukang Dragon Boat Festival activities series – Ritual of the Dragon King”. Hosted by Magistrate Wei Ming-ku, who tossed the divination blocks, he prayed for the divine answer from Guanyin Bodhisattva and Long Wang (Dragon King). It was decreed that May 15 (Sunday) (April 9th of the lunar calender) as the commencing day of the “2016 Lukang Dragon Boat Festival” activities series and the ritual day of the launching of dragon boats. Lukang should be the best place in central Taiwan for holding dragon boat race because its location meets all the requirements for an international dragon boat race. Magistrate Wei would like to invite all the people in Taiwan to visit Lukang and tour around Changhua by that time. Following the public opinions, Lukang Dragon Boat race had started to be held at Fulu River since last year. It was expected to raise the tourism there. In this year, different from that of last year, the dragon boat race will be held in the evening. What is more special is that the dragon boats will be decorated with colorful lights. At both sides of the river and the banks will also be decorated with colorful lights and rainbow bridges. By doing so, it is hoped that all the industries there can revive their past glories. On the day of the “Ritual of Dragon King,” there will be a parade formed by dragon boats and folk arrays accompanying the Dragon King to patrol around the neighborhood. In addition, the “Dotting the Dragon’s Eyes and River Blessing Ritual” will be held to announce the commencement of the Dragon Boat Festival activities. During the activities, there will also be “International Dragon Boat Invitation Contest,” “Tour to the Dragon Boat Festival,” and “Folklore Exhibitions.” In addition to the tradition Dragon Boat race, a special “Dragon Boat Competition” is scheduled to be held this year. It is expected to be more exciting and interesting. Source: Changhua County Government website

　　In order to encourage youths to learn and explore more of Taiwan while stimulating youth travel and learning, the Ministry of Education’s Youth Development Administration began issuing the Youth Travel Card on August 25th, 2006, targeted at both domestic and overseas youths aged 15 to 30. Governmental departments and relevant tourism operators also coordinated to form a discount network, offering various ticket, accommodation, transportation, cuisine and shopping discounts to young cardholders. However, in order to enhance individual learning and growth capacities amongst the youth, the Ministry will focus primarily on travel experiences and learning experiences which will enhance youth competitiveness in the future. Thus, various discounts offered by vendors working with the Youth Travel Card will terminate after December 31st, 2016. Related time schedule: Starting from this day onwards, the Ministry of Education’s Youth Development Administration will not process any new applications for vendors to be included in the Youth Travel Card discount network. Card discounts can be used until December 31st, 2016. The service will officially be terminated on January 1st, 2017. Once cards in stock are distributed, no further applications will be processed, so please make applications early at a distribution point. Source: Ministry of Education’s Youth Development Administration