The Taichung City Government’s promotion of coastal tourism includes scenic sites such as the Wuqi Fishing Port, Gaomei Wetlands, and Dajia Zhenlan Temple Pilgrimage. All of which annually receive a large number of tourists from here and abroad are well recognized by public. In the latest, September-October issue of the magazine - “Travel in Taiwan” - published by the Tourism Bureau, the Dajia Zhenlan Temple was the cover story. The article introduced famous coastal sites such as Dajia, Qingshui, and Wuqi in detail, and completely in English. The government hopes that this will promote Taichung tourism abroad and bring more international travelers to Taichung.

Travel in Taiwan is a magazine published on behalf of the Tourism Bureau in English. Its articles detail scenic spots, travel information, government tourism policies, and all sorts of tourism events. The magazine is published bi-monthly in print and online for anyone here or abroad to read for free. Around 19,000 print copies are issued every issue, primarily being sent to embassies, foreign airline companies, and travel companies in an effort to introduce Taiwan to international travelers.

The latest September-October issue, number 83, contains an article introducing Taichung’s coastal tourism, with the cover story focusing on the spiritual center of Central Taiwan, Dajia Zhenlan Temple. The article mentions that the three large rivers from Central Taiwan flow through Taichung and into the Taiwan Strait. To the north of Taichung are the Da’an and Dajia rivers, and the Dadu river lies to its south. In between the Da’an and Dajia rivers lies the historic Dajia. Local residents are proud of the town being nominated as one of the “Top 10 Tourist Towns.”

The article also stated that Mazu is the main god of the Dajia Zhenlan Temple, and is the guardian of sailors. The temple’s history can be traced back to the 1700s. The annual Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage is one of the three largest religious celebrations in the world, and the nine-day, 300km Pilgrimage on foot attracts thousands every year.

Additionally, the article mentions the internationally famous Gaomei Wetlands, which cover 3000 hectares of land, and extend over 3.5 km of coastline. The wetlands have a rich ecology, and are home to 120 different species of birds and other creatures, making it an excellent location for bird watching. If you are lucky, you may spot the endangered black-faced spoonbill.

Every day before daybreak, fishing boats laden with their catches dot the Wuqi Fishing Port, located at the north end of the Port of Taichung. The fish auction area is filled with street cries, fully displaying the energy and friendliness of costal people. The area is filled with the smell of seafood such as roast squid, fried oysters, and sashimi, for which countless gourmands will specially come to Wuqi.

In addition to introducing beautiful scenery and local cuisine, the article also mentioned the Niumatou Cultural Park in Qingshui District. Niumatou’s archeological history can be traced back 3500 to 4500 years to the Neolithic era. The cultural park also contains the remains of a Shinto shrine from Japanese-Occupied Period and military camp structures from the post-WW II era. The park’s scenic viewing platform gives you a terrific view of the scenery of Qingshui District. Visit the park for a cultural and historical journey.

The article also states that the Shalu District has become something of a pilgrimage site for young people taking photos for Instagram, including new cultural sites like the Shalu Dream Street, Meiren Borough Painted Village, and Golden Ville. The nostalgic murals and colorful cargo containers attract a constant stream of people on holidays, who take up their cameras and leave many beautiful memories. Taichung’s costal area is home to many great tourist resources, and, between its old and new, attracts an increasing number of international tourists.

Travel in Taiwan No. 83, online edition: https://goo.gl/wkq4gv.