Since its opening on November 9, the 2024 Taichung International Flower Carpet Festival has been bustling with visitors. Themes like “Interlock,” “Co-Creation Hub,” “The Strawberry Rocket,” and “Explore the Future” have drawn many tourists, who eagerly snap photos to preserve the moment. The city's Tourism and Travel Bureau highlighted that the “Co-Creation Hub” is a standout piece, created collaboratively by 200 local seniors and children. This installation, resembling an outdoor exhibition, brings a sense of warmth and inspiration to all who visit.

Tourism and Travel Bureau Director Chen Mei-hsiu noted that the Flower Carpet Festival's partnership with long-term care facilities in the mountainous region is not a first, but this year it has been expanded significantly. In addition to involving seniors from long-term care facilities, 100 preschool children from local kindergartens were also invited to collaborate in creating meaningful artwork through planting, fostering both a sense of accomplishment and happiness. The “Co-Creation Hub,” a mysterious installation, serves as the most touching part of the exhibition. Additionally, two presentation areas for artwork have been set up near the information desk, highlighting how the festival integrates green long-term care, artistic co-creation, and community beautification, all while promoting sustainability in both living and tourism.

Director Chen also noted that 80% of the seniors involved in this event are over the age of 80. While their hand mobility may not be as sharp as before, they still actively participated by tying iron wires and hammering nails, demonstrating a youthful attitude and an adventurous spirit that is truly admirable. The preschool children, with their boundless imagination, are based on the theme “A Flower World in Space,” using flower pot designs that resemble space helmets to display endless creativity. Some of the children even put their love for their parents into Eternal Flower Frames, expressing heartfelt emotions through their artwork. The event also included pre-exhibition planting workshops where 200 seniors and children could engage in planting and care activities, giving them a sensory experience. After the exhibition, the plants will return to the community for ongoing care, enriching daily life with a splash of greenery and continuing the touching legacy of this intergenerational collaboration.

Director Chen concluded by adding that the most distinctive feature of the Flower Carpet Festival is its strong ties to the local community. This is the second year of introducing the green initiative, and the number of participants has grown, with an even broader range of people getting involved. Through continuous efforts year by year, the festival aims to become an event that is full of kindness and care, which not only achieves sustainability but also brings the local community together to celebrate the Taichung International Flower Carpet Festival. It is hoped that the festival will not only draw more tourists but also enhance the environmental sustainability of the area, while becoming an integral part of the community, allowing residents to share in the joy of this event.

Are you ready to embark on a heartwarming space adventure and create your own beautiful memories? For up-to-date event information, visit the official website of the 2024 Taichung International Flower Carpet Festival (https://www.flowercarpet.tw/) or Taichung’s Tourism and Travel Bureau Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/taichungresort/?locale=zh_TW).