TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Kaohsiung’s Qishan Tangchang and Liouguei Xinfa Communities won silver and bronze, respectively in the 3rd Golden Village Competition on Friday (July 5).
The award recognizes Taiwan's rural communities' efforts in rural lifestyle, production, and ecology. The competition is held every three years and is organized by the Ministry of Agriculture’s (MOA) Rural Development and Soil and Water Conservation Agency, per CNA.
The Kaohsiung Agriculture Bureau reported Liouguei Xinfa Community underwent significant reconstruction work after the devastation of Typhoon Morakot in 2009. Since then, they have focused on developing the Camellia industry as the foundation for community revitalization, striving to develop rural tours and international student experience camps.
Meanwhile, Qishan Tangchang Community established its “Daqimei Rural Experience” store under the the bureau’s guidance. Through direct and online sales, they serve local farmers and reinvest the profits into the community.
The community also launched a one-day farm tour focusing on ecological conservation and agricultural education, providing job opportunities for young people returning to their hometowns. From 2021 to 2023, they hosted over 400 groups and served more than 20,000 visitors.
Kaohsiung City Government Agriculture Bureau Director-General Chang Ching-jung (張清榮) said he hopes that Qishan Tangchang and Liouguei Xinfa Communities will continue to uphold sustainable rural development and enhance residents’ quality of life. He also welcomed visitors to tour rural communities and experience the charm of rural Kaohsiung.
