Taichung has once again earned top recognition for its cultural volunteer teams in 2024! The volunteer team from the Cultural Heritage Department of the Taichung City Government was honored with the Ministry of Culture's National Outstanding Cultural Volunteer Team Award. On November 22, Secretary-General Hsiao Ching-ping of Taichung’s Cultural Affairs Bureau, along with Cultural Heritage Department Director Li Chih-fu and Volunteer Team Leader Wang Ching-yao, led the volunteers to receive the award. Representing Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, Secretary-General Hsiao thanked the Cultural Heritage Department’s volunteer team for their unwavering dedication and contributions, emphasizing their role as key advocates for cultural preservation. This well-earned accolade also brought a sense of pride to the Cultural Affairs Bureau staff.

According to Secretary-General Hsiao Ching-ping of the Taichung City Cultural Affairs Bureau, the Cultural Heritage Department’s volunteer team, established in 2012, now has 168 members. These volunteers are organized into four regional sub-teams—Mountain, Central, Coastal, and Tun—covering various parts of Taichung City. They offer guided tours of 13 cultural heritage sites, including GuangFu New Village, Zhaixing Villa, Xiaoyun Villa, Zhang Tianji's House, Shekou Lin’s Residence, Zhang Family Temple, Taichung Park, Taichung Prefectural Hall, General Sun Li-jen Memorial Hall, Niumatou Site, Qingshui Huang Family Residence, Yang's Mansion in Shekou of Qingshui, and the Taichung Central District route. Hsiao expressed heartfelt appreciation to the volunteers for devoting their weekends to delivering professional cultural heritage tour services to the public and monitoring the preservation of cultural sites. Their efforts make them the best ambassadors for safeguarding and promoting Taichung’s rich cultural heritage.

Taichung’s Cultural Heritage Department Director Li Chih-fu highlighted that this year's National Outstanding Cultural Volunteer Team Award, achieved under the leadership of the team leader Wang Ching-yao, is a testament to the volunteers’ unwavering dedication and a strong endorsement of Taichung’s commitment to cultural preservation and heritage transmission. The successful restoration of Taichung's cultural sites in recent years owes much to the volunteers, who have provided guided tours to showcase the allure of these restored landmarks. Additionally, the volunteers have played an active role in supporting special events like “Taichung Heritage Day,” “Citizen, Co-Creation, City within City Exhibition,” and “Exploring the City,” breathing new depth and meaning into these cultural restoration endeavors.

Wang Ching-yao, the team leader, shared his gratitude for the opportunity to lead a group of dedicated volunteers. The volunteers receiving the award together today are the management of the Mountain, Central, Coastal, and Tun District sub-teams, who have all worked collaboratively to preserve Taichung City's cultural heritage. Wang remarked that the role of a volunteer extends beyond sharing knowledge—it embodies the responsibility of safeguarding the city’s history and culture. Taichung has been known as the “City of Culture” since the early 20th century, and through their efforts in guiding heritage tours, the volunteers aim to connect more people with the city’s cultural richness. Wang reaffirmed their commitment to the spirit of service and commitment, exploring this land filled with stories alongside visitors.

Taichung City offers guided tours at 13 cultural heritage sites, including the Taichung Prefectural Hall. The public is encouraged to visit and experience the historical charm of this “City of Culture.” For information about cultural heritage tours and reservation details, please visit the Cultural Heritage Department of Taichung City website (https://www.tchac.taichung.gov.tw/attractionList?uid=69).