Chiayi’s Culinary and Cultural Charms Win Over Malaysia as Mayor Huang Strengthens Tourism Ties
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.