Taiwan tourism event in California draws praise for culture, food and safety

• By William Hetherington / Staff writer, with CNA

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Americans attending a Taiwan tourism promotion at a Southern California shopping center on Saturday praised the island for its friendly people, convenient lifestyle and safety.

Taiwan’s Tourism Administration hosted a promotional event titled “100 Ways to Wonder” at Irvine Spectrum Center in Irvine, California, featured a traditional glove puppetry stage beneath a Ferris wheel, along with cultural displays showcasing sky lanterns and xiaolongbao soup dumplings. The Tourism Administration joined travel industry representatives and airlines, including China Airlines, Starlux Airlines and EVA Air, in setting up booths at the busy shopping center.

Lin Yi-cheng (林宜錚), head of the tourism division at Taiwan’s representative office in Los Angeles, said the venue was chosen for its heavy foot traffic and visibility, allowing the event to reach not only Americans familiar with Taiwan but also those with little knowledge of the island.

A crowd watches a glove puppetry performance by the Changhua-based Kuang Hsing Ko Hand Puppet Troupe during a promotional event hosted by the Tourism Administration at a shopping center in Irvine, California, on Saturday.

Photo: CNA

The Kuang Hsing Ko Hand Puppet Troupe from Changhua performed beneath the Ferris wheel, drawing families with its colorful production, sound and lighting effects. Activities focusing on food, culture, nature, leisure and shopping introduced visitors to Taiwan’s attractions and cultural heritage.

Irvine City Council member Melinda Liu (劉令淳), who is of Taiwanese descent, said the shopping center attracts large numbers of visitors each year, making it an ideal venue for promoting Taiwanese culture and tourism.

In response to media queries on how she would describe Taiwan to someone unfamiliar with the island, Liu called it “very beautiful and modern, with a rich culture.” Taiwanese food and the warmth of its people, she said, were what she most wanted to showcase.

Among the Americans interviewed were visitors who had never been to Taiwan as well as others who had lived there.

Eldred, who has Taiwanese friends but has never visited the island, said the first things that came to mind when he heard Taiwan mentioned were “positive, happy and very friendly people.” He hopes to travel to Asia and would like to visit Taiwan to experience its culture firsthand.

“I want to experience the local culture and really immerse myself in it,” he said.

Juan, who has also never visited Taiwan, said his impression of the island was that it was “a beautiful place that is worth visiting.” He said he would like to try the food and see how traditional culture and modern city life intersect.

Todd, who lived in Taiwan for three years for work, said the food left a lasting impression, but he especially praised the island’s safety.

“You can walk almost anywhere, and even walking around outside in the middle of the night is no problem. It’s so much safer than here,” he said.

“There are so many good things about Taiwan that I could go on talking about them endlessly. But what I like most is still the people,” he added.

Todd said bubble tea had helped make Taiwanese culture more familiar to Californians, who are exposed to a wide range of cultures. He said he believes most Americans have a positive impression of Taiwan.

Linda, who lived in Taiwan for two years more than a decade ago while working as an art teacher at a private school in Taipei, said the island’s convenience was among her strongest memories.

“Different cultures from all over the world come together there,” she said.

Asked what she would tell Americans unfamiliar with Taiwan, Linda said: “Taiwan is really wonderful. Everyone should visit at least once in their life.”