Chiayi City GovernmentChiayi City Government

Chiayi’s Culinary and Cultural Charms Win Over Malaysia as Mayor Huang Strengthens Tourism Ties   Post Date: June 3, 2025 Tourism and Information Department   Chiayi City Mayor Huang Min-Hui and Deputy Mayor Lin Rui-Yan are leading a five-day visit to Malaysia to strengthen city diplomacy and promote tourism. On June 3, accompanied by Chou Shih-Pi, Director of the Taiwan Tourism Administration’s Kuala Lumpur Office, the delegation met with the Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association (MCTA), a key player in Malaysia’s tourism sector, for in-depth discussions on expanding tourism cooperation. Mayor Huang noted that although this is Chiayi’s first official tourism promotion event in Malaysia, the city enjoys longstanding cultural, artistic, and educational exchanges with Malaysia. She emphasized the many shared cultural and culinary affinities between the two places, which create strong potential for tourism growth. She also commended MCTA’s significant contributions to international tourism and congratulated the association on receiving Taiwan’s Tourism Contribution Award this year. Mayor Huang invited more Malaysian travelers to begin their Taiwan journey in Chiayi, gateway to Alishan, and experience its culinary specialties—such as chicken rice, fish head casserole, and cold noodles—as well as its rich cultural identity as a "City of Wood, Art, and Music." Chiayi, located on the Tropic of Cancer, is affectionately known as the "City You’ll Love." Looking ahead to tomorrow’s tourism showcase, Mayor Huang highlighted the event’s cultural performances, including a traditional "jiajiang" street procession and a joint appearance by Chiayi’s "Big White Bear" mascot and Taiwan Tourism’s "OhBear." She also extended a personal invitation to MCTA members to visit Chiayi later this year for the 320+1 Anniversary Expo and the Chiayi International Band Festival, where the city’s dynamic tourism offerings will be on full display. MCTA Vice President Yu Xi-Di warmly welcomed the delegation and shared that the song Alishan Girl remains widely popular in Malaysia. He noted that Chiayi’s iconic dishes, particularly chicken rice, are well-suited to Malaysia’s Muslim travelers. Chiayi’s unique "wood city" charm, from Hinoki Village to historic wooden homes, further enhances its tourism appeal. Yu added that MCTA, established in 1992 with over 1,600 members, remains committed to fostering global tourism exchanges. He expressed optimism for broader post-pandemic cooperation between Malaysia and Taiwan, particularly in mutual promotions, resource sharing, and two-way tourism growth.  

Chiayi City Leads Nation in Education, Environment, and Healthcare; Mayor Huang Honored as Five-Star Mayor by Global Views Monthly   Post Date: May 27, 2025 Tourism and Information Department   Mayor Huang Min-Hui of Chiayi City has once again been named a “Five-Star Mayor” by Global Views Monthly in its 2025 national satisfaction survey. With a 75.7% approval rating and 77.4% satisfaction across eight major policy areas—the second-highest nationwide—Chiayi continues to earn broad recognition for effective governance. The city ranked first in education, environmental protection, and healthcare, with healthcare maintaining the top spot for a record five consecutive years. Global Views hailed Chiayi as “Taiwan’s Capital of Healthcare.” Mayor Huang expressed her gratitude to citizens for their trust, noting that despite Chiayi’s limited size and resources, determination and thoughtful governance have driven the city’s progress. Chiayi allocates over one-third of its annual budget to education and has invested heavily in long-term care and public health, aiming to support residents of all ages. Huang emphasized that sustainable development—balancing economy, society, and environmental considerations—remains central to Chiayi’s vision. Public feedback, she said, is key to improving governance. “There is no best—only better. Every honor is built on the voices of our people,” she remarked, pledging continued engagement and transparency from the city government. The survey assessed performance in eight areas: education, environment, public safety, roads and transport, emergency services, healthcare, tourism, and economic development. Chiayi ranked second overall, with top scores in education, environment, and healthcare. Healthcare earned an 88.3% satisfaction rate, marking five years at No. 1. Environmental satisfaction rose to 83.9%, the only score above 80% nationwide. Tourism also saw strong results. Despite lacking major natural attractions, Chiayi placed fourth nationally and second among non-municipalities. The Wenhua Road Night Market attracted over 15.98 million visits in 2024 the second most in Taiwan—cementing its reputation as the country’s most popular night market. Chiayi also earned top scores in safety. Emergency services were rated highest among all cities at 83.3%, while police and public order received 84.1%, ranking second nationwide.            

Chiayi Arts Festival Opens with Thousands in Attendance at Culture Park   Post Date: May 24, 2025 Cultural Affairs Bureau / Tourism and Information Department   To mark the 321st anniversary of Chiayi City’s founding, the 2025 Chiayi Arts Festival officially opened today (May 24) at Culture Park. Under the theme “Cultural Chiayi: A Resonance of Tradition and Modernity,” the first day attracted over 10,000 visitors. From afternoon performances to evening highlights, the park was filled with vibrant art and culture, showcasing the spirit of Chiayi. Mayor Huang Min-Hui emphasized that Chiayi is a city deeply rooted in culture. She stated that the festival not only offers a stage for performances but also serves as a platform to showcase the city’s cultural identity to the world. This year’s programming blends tradition with innovation—featuring everything from glove puppetry and electronic music to Indigenous vocals and immersive theatre. “Culture gives our city its warmth; creativity gives us our future. I invite everyone to step into Culture Park and experience the energy of Chiayi,” said the Mayor. She also encouraged young people and residents to participate. “Cultural development takes time. Through each event, we build confidence, creativity, and a sustainable future for Chiayi. Your participation shapes the city’s possibilities,” she added. Cultural Affairs Bureau Director Hsieh Yu-Che noted that this year’s festival honors Chiayi’s 321-year history while looking ahead. Featuring traditional folk arts, contemporary performances, and international collaborations, the festival invites the public to engage with art in daily life and share Taiwan’s cultural diversity with the world. The opening afternoon began at 2 PM on the “Chiayi Stage,” with Indigenous singer Ponay, tap-dance group TapRadio, and the 100-year-old Chang Yi Ge Puppet Troupe. The evening show featured internationally renowned diabolo performer Wu Hao-Chung, jazz ensemble Somm Jazz, and a live podcast session by popular show Mark & Mandy’s Mailbox. At 6 PM, the night program on the main stage began with Golden Melody Award winner Suming, followed by theater group Sonicues with “The Preaching Sisters Mini Concert.” The night concluded with a groundbreaking crossover performance by PILI Puppet Theatre, “Illusionary Chiayi,” which combined puppetry, EDM, and lights—bringing the energy to a peak. On May 25, the festival continues with the theme “Infinite Chiayi: Diversity x Crossovers.” DJ QuestionMark and a mini orchestra will open the show with an electrifying mix of EDM and classical music. A highlight will be the all-new concert version of the acclaimed musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Mandarin version). The “Chiayi Stage” will also showcase a variety of performances, including New Orleans jazz band King Cake, vocal group Chung Cheng Acapella, clown juggling, ukulele performances, and a drag show by Hannah of the Bay Island Queens. With activities ranging from family-friendly acts to edgy theater, Culture Park will once again become a playground of free artistic expression. The final day of the festival promises even more. Residents and visitors are invited to join this cultural celebration and be part of Chiayi’s vibrant artistic spirit—Add One for the Arts, Add One for Chiayi! Follow the Chiayi +1 We Chiayi official page:  FB: https://www.facebook.com/WECHIAYI  IG: https://www.instagram.com/wechiayi_culture/