Chiayi City GovernmentChiayi City Government

Chiayi City Advances New Policy Agenda Centered on Economic Growth and Sustainability Post Date: April 28 Planning Department / Tourism and Information Department Chiayi City Mayor Huang Min-hui delivered a policy report to the Chiayi City Council on April 28, outlining a development agenda centered on economic growth, social innovation, and environmental sustainability. Amid global tariff shifts and the impact of Typhoon Danas, Huang emphasized the city’s resilience, noting that progress has been sustained without incurring new debt or delaying public infrastructure. To stimulate the local economy, the city has introduced a NT$6,000 per-capita cash payout program alongside targeted industry support measures. Chiayi City recorded NT$307.1 billion in business sales in 2025, marking seven consecutive years of growth. Despite nationwide tax shortfalls, the city achieved NT$11.3 billion in tax revenue, standing out as the only jurisdiction in the region with positive growth. Tourism also reached record levels, with more than 2.17 million overnight stays and continued expansion in hospitality revenue. Maintaining long-term fiscal discipline, Chiayi City has remained debt-free for 16 consecutive years. To reinforce economic momentum, the city has launched night market vouchers and accommodation subsidies, attracting over 120,000 applicants and boosting off-season tourism. These measures aim to drive both consumer spending and industry development. Urban development remains a central focus. The “Cultural Silk Road 2.0” initiative integrates transportation, green spaces, and cultural districts to enhance connectivity and revitalization. Land development projects such as Jianguo Second Village and Fuxing New Village have delivered strong investment outcomes, while public-led urban renewal efforts continue to attract private participation. In transportation, the city is advancing railway elevation plans and a comprehensive road network strategy. Mayor Huang reiterated the need for central government support, particularly for the long-promised light rail connection to the High-Speed Rail Chiayi Station, which is expected to strengthen regional integration and economic growth. Public infrastructure projects, including the Chiayi City Civic Center and General Library Park, are progressing steadily, while historic sites are being revitalized through integration with cultural and creative industries. In education, the city continues to expand teacher support and digital learning, and will implement a universal free school lunch program for all elementary and junior high school students starting in the 2026 academic year. The city has also established a Department of Labor and Youth Development to support employment, entrepreneurship, and youth engagement. Expanded childcare services and public health programs further strengthen support across all age groups. In terms of sustainability, Chiayi City leads non-special municipalities in drainage infrastructure coverage and continues to expand flood mitigation capacity. Public parks are being upgraded to provide inclusive, multi-generational spaces that integrate smart management and environmental design. Cultural initiatives and international engagement continue to elevate the city’s profile. Major events such as the Chiayi International Band Festival and large-scale exhibitions have attracted significant participation and generated economic value, while international exchanges have strengthened the city’s global connections. Mayor Huang concluded by thanking citizens for their continued support, noting that Chiayi City ranked first nationwide in public satisfaction with local governance for two consecutive years. She emphasized that steady progress is built through sustained effort, reaffirming the city’s commitment to a resilient, livable, and forward-looking future.  

Premier Cho Visits Chiayi Sports Center as Mayor Huang Seeks Support for Rail Link and Facility Upgrades   Post Date: April 25 Department of Education / Tourism and Information Department Premier Cho Jung-tai visited Chiayi City on April 24 to inspect the nearly completed West District Public Sports Center, accompanied by Deputy Minister of Sports Huang Chi-huang and members of the Executive Yuan. Mayor Huang Min-hui led the city government delegation during the visit, presenting the project's progress and submitting proposals for the High-Speed Rail Chiayi Station light rail connection, seeking continued central government support to enhance regional transportation and overall urban functionality. Mayor Huang noted that Chiayi City, as a key consumption hub in the Yunlin–Chiayi–Tainan region, has a high population density and a strong culture of regular exercise, resulting in growing demand for public sports facilities. The establishment of sports centers in both eastern and western districts has long been a priority for residents. Since taking office again in 2018, she has actively advanced the West District facility, which received NT$200 million in central funding approval in 2021. Despite challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, global labor and material shortages, and rising construction costs, the city government allocated NT$410 million in additional funding, bringing the total investment to NT$610 million. The project’s near completion reflects sustained efforts to deliver on the city’s vision of an inclusive and livable environment for all generations. Mayor Huang stated that while Chiayi City has well-developed plans, continued central support remains essential. She outlined proposals to upgrade facilities at KANO Baseball Stadium, including improvements to high-mast lighting and the installation of a large LED display, both of which require central assistance. A second-phase development within the sports park, including a new badminton and table tennis facility, is also planned with an estimated investment of nearly NT$200 million to further strengthen regional sports infrastructure. The mayor also highlighted the importance of the proposed light rail connection linking the High-Speed Rail Chiayi Station. With annual passenger volume exceeding 14 million across the HSR and TRA Chiayi stations, the project is expected to support regional development, industry, and tourism. She expressed hope that the central government will move forward with the project, enabling integration of high-speed rail, Taiwan Railways, Alishan Forest Railway, sugar railways, and light rail into a comprehensive “five-rail” transport network. Premier Cho cited a well-known remark by baseball legend Wang Chen-chih that “a good environment produces great athletes,” noting Chiayi City’s strong performance in the 2025 Global Views Monthly survey, where it ranked first among non-special municipalities in public sports development and facility satisfaction. He acknowledged the city’s efforts not only in infrastructure development but also in encouraging public participation in sports through effective management. The Premier also recognized the city government’s fiscal commitment, noting that while total project costs for the West District Sports Center increased from NT$350 million to NT$610 million, the additional funding was covered by the city. Regarding proposed upgrades to KANO Baseball Stadium, he indicated that the central government will coordinate with the Ministry of Sports to review and support the proposals. According to Department of Education Director Kuo Tien-tsai, Chiayi City has received top recognition under the “Sports i Taiwan 2.0” program for five consecutive years and ranked first among non-special municipalities in public sports participation in 2025. He added that the new facility is expected to further increase regular exercise participation, supported by expanding school sports clubs and community programs. Located at the former Civic Farm site in Liucuo Village, the West District Public Sports Center spans approximately three hectares. Designed with accessibility in mind, the facility includes all-age fitness spaces to promote inclusive participation. With construction entering its final stage, the city government will ensure quality completion, positioning the silver-level green building as a new landmark that supports health and well-being for Chiayi residents.  

Chiayi City Marks 200-Year Swing Festival Tradition with Taiwan–Japan Cultural Exchange   Post Date: April 18 Civil Affairs Department / Tourism and Information Department The Chiayi City Swing Festival—one of Taiwan’s most distinctive folk traditions, often mentioned alongside the northern sky lanterns and southern beehive fireworks—was held on April 18 at the Wudang Xuantian Shangdi Temple in Guanglu Neighborhood, marking more than two centuries of cultural heritage. Mayor Huang Min-hui attended the event with the city government team, joined by Chiayi City Council Speaker Chen Zi-wen and council members, to offer prayers for peace and prosperity. The festival brought together participants across generations, competing in both skill and courage atop a 12-meter-high bamboo swing structure. This year’s festival also marked a meaningful moment of international exchange, welcoming a delegation from Kumamoto City, Japan, led by Director of Education Endo Hiroshi. Experiencing the event for the first time, the delegation expressed astonishment and praised the experience as truly unique. Mayor Huang noted that the festival traces its origins back more than 200 years to the Qing Dynasty, when early settlers in the Guanglu area faced drought and disease. According to local tradition, residents constructed bamboo swings and performed ritual swinging ceremonies following divine guidance from Xuantian Shangdi to pray for protection and relief. After the crisis subsided, the practice evolved into a recurring event held around the deity’s birthday in leap years. Since 2008, the festival has been held annually, following traditional divination rituals, as part of the city’s efforts to preserve cultural heritage and promote religious tourism. Now officially registered as a folk cultural heritage of Chiayi City, the festival stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving intangible cultural assets. Mayor Huang emphasized that international participation not only highlights Chiayi’s cultural identity but also supports the continued transmission and revitalization of its traditions. According to the Civil Affairs Department, the swing structure is built entirely using traditional techniques. Standing 12 meters tall, it is assembled with bamboo and rattan bindings without the use of nails or screws. Materials are carefully selected and crafted by skilled artisans, preserving knowledge passed down through generations. The city government has also produced educational content documenting the festival’s origins and construction methods to strengthen its cultural and educational value further. The festival features individual and team competitions across multiple age groups, as well as a women’s experience category. In addition to the high-swing contests, the event includes community markets, public outreach booths, and performances by schools and local organizations, creating a vibrant setting that integrates tradition, sport, and community engagement.