TAINAN (Taiwan News) – One of the nation's major cultural events has brought a fresh wave of cultural energy to the southern city of Tainan.
For the first time, Creative Expo Taiwan is being held in the old capital, showcasing the country’s vibrant creative scene. It spans five exhibition zones, including: Tainan Cultural and Creative Park, 321 Arts Village, Xizhuwei Hills Creative Park, Blueprint Cultural and Creative Park, and ICC Tainan.
ICC Tainan serves as the main venue and this marks a significant milestone by combining cultural and commercial exhibitions. The event attracted Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴), who opened the expo on Aug. 26. Long queues formed even before the doors opened, with over 12,000 people attending.
Minister of Culture Li Yuan (李遠) expressed his pride in Taiwan's cultural achievements. He said that in the past "Made in Taiwan" carried a sense of inferiority, but through the collective efforts of Taiwan's people it now symbolizes innovation.
The cultural exhibition on the 3rd floor of ICC Tainan is a magical theater, with a baseball-themed exhibit being the most striking feature. A lifelike pitcher's mound surrounded by stunning visuals and accompanied by the exhilarating sounds of a game evokes the spirit of unity among Taiwanese.
Feng Chien-chang (馮建彰), curator of the technology and performing arts exhibition, uses five LED screens to create installations that resonate with the expo's theme, “A Hundred Faces of Formosa.”
On the first floor of ICC Tainan, IP-licensed brands have taken center stage, attracting over 570 brands and nearly 700 booths. Central and southern Taiwan brands have showcased their creativity, with a participation rate exceeding 40%.
Many beloved characters have turned up, including local YouTuber "Baxuan and Mei," who have gained nearly 1 million fans with their humorous content. Taiwan Creative Content Agency invited 30 international buyers from Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and other countries.
In the evenings, the expo offers a variety of activities, including themed markets, music performances, costume parades, and immersive exhibitions at 321 Art Village, Xizhuwei Hill Creative Park, and Blue Sun Creative Park.
To further enhance the visitor experience, the expo offers a limited-edition Starbucks buy-one-get-one-free coupon to those who take a photo with their favorite exhibit and check in at ICC Tainan.
(Taiwan News, Lyla Liu video)
