Integrating tourism resources through dialogue and discussion:
Sustainability and common good in Changbin and Fengbin
On 19 April, the inaugural Changbin and Fengbin Tourism Development Workshop was held, where vendors engaged in dialogue and discussion about repackaging and amalgamating up-and-coming community tourism highlights. ACF noted increased but dispersed efforts by returning youths in indigenous communities of Changbin and Fengbin, for sustainable rural travel experiences, promoting tourism development and environmental conservation. More B&B and dining options have sprouted, showing much potential, but lacking a common marketing strategy for collective benefits. There are plans to work with the Tourism Bureau in the future to invite media from Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan, showing the best of Huatung’s best community-based travel sites in-depth.
Before large-scale commercial development reaches Huatung, we hope more will notice and appreciate the intrinsic value of eastern Taiwan’s cultural and natural capital. After Typhoon Morakot, ACF Chair Stanley Yen encouraged the government to establish flights from Hong Kong to eastern Taiwan, while inviting travel-related media from Hong Kong and Macau, in a bid to sustain tourism sites near disaster zones. ACF guided the Pisirian community, Cotton & Hemp House, Luan Shan Forest Museum and other sites of potential to help them better harness the value of community-based tourism.
The workshop, at Changbin Township Office, was attended by over seventy stakeholders, mainly vendors who offer leisure, accommodation and dining, as well as Tourism Bureau Assistant Chief Chen Shu-hui and team. Chair Yen said creating community tourism spaces in Huatung has been a race against time and development. Citing Bulao Bulao Aboriginal Village, Chishang and the Paul Chiang Gallery, he highlighted the importance of environment-friendly architecture, as with how indigenous people coexist with nature. He said returning youths can build and pursue their dreams in Huatung communities, while protecting this land.
Changbin’s beautiful and peaceful surroundings attracted couples like potter Jenney and Eddie, a wood and metal artist, who started King Kong B&B which operates for ten days monthly. Chang Nian-yang and Chen Ci-bu run Sunny Bu House, organizing free stays for Changbin residents as well as talks and activities for more outreach. Chiu Hsien-ming started Wumum or the Dancing Wood with handmade furniture and design, which is one of Asia’s best B&Bs on TripAdvisor. His son, Chiu Yi, 27, aims to be a foodie magician. He built and runs the Night Of Lunar bistro which offers dishes made with local ingredients.
Since 2012, Yujoy Guesthouse in Zhenbing Community has been ACF’s base for training village youths in B&B management. First-generation managers, Banai and Chuang Chi-chong, run their own B&B. Chuang said the training was instrumental, allowing them to learn from Bulao Bulao Aboriginal Village initiative’s founder Wilang, mixed media artist Hsu Wei-bin and Amis artist Rahic Talif. Third-generation manager Chuang Chiao-yun is also part of ACF’s rural talent re-employment and entrepreneurship scheme. Also in Zhenbing, former community leader Mizu Kao Wei-chi manages his own hotel and experiential tours. Chang Chi-hsiang runs the Herdor Bistro. From the semiconductor industry, Chang now grows organic rice back in Zhenbing.
In Changbin’s Nanzhuhu Community, Nick Yang, a young award-winning chef who trained under a three-star Michelin chef in Marseille, runs Sinasera 24. It is a hillside restaurant specializing in French cuisine featuring local and seasonal ingredients. Yang said the environment in Changbin quietens his mind to think about innovation and ideas for rural agricultural development, and understanding local ingredients.
In Hualien’s Fengbin County, Candy Wang has set up a Rural Action Studio in Gangkou Community. Formerly working in Adagio boutique B&B at Shitiping, Candy developed deep ties with Gangkou Community and decided to live there. She leads canoeing and diving which keeps her busy in summer, and other activities in the community such as water patrol and beach cleaning, besides farming, coaching and teaching, including environmental education.
In Hualien’s Fengbin County, Candy Wang has set up a Rural Action Studio in Gangkou Community. Formerly working in Adagio boutique B&B at Shitiping, Candy developed deep ties with Gangkou Community and decided to live there. She leads canoeing and diving which keeps her busy in summer, and other activities in the community such as water patrol and beach cleaning, besides farming, coaching and teaching, including environmental education.
Chair Yen shared his vision for Huatung’s sustainable development and the aim of achieving common good in giving travelers unique experiences and memories. Plans are underway for media invites to Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan, aimed at encouraging travelers to explore beyond cities. Next, ACF will work with communities in the remote towns of Ruei-suei and Yuli. We aim to drive more high quality visitorship to the Huatung region gradually, and to see culturally unique travel-related products grow, stimulating livelihoods and cultures.
