Totems and feathered adornments: Kaohsiung’s “themed bus stops” showcase the beauty of indigenous culture

▲ Kaohsiung City Department of Transportation unveils new public art-themed bus stops. Shown here is the Kaisyuan 4th Rd. intersection stop. (Photo / Provided by Kaohsiung City Department of Transportation)

By Tsai Wen-jun / Comprehensive report

Kaohsiung has added two more uniquely designed bus stops to its streetscape. To promote indigenous culture, the Kaohsiung City Department of Transportation and the Council of Indigenous Peoples collaborated for the first time, transforming the intersections at Kaisyuan 4th Rd. and the Foge Stop in Xiaogang District into large-scale public art installations inspired by indigenous culture, becoming new highlights along the city’s streets.

The Department of Transportation explained that the Kaisyuan 4th Rd. intersection stop is decorated with mysterious pottery jars, vibrant glass beads, and eagle feathers, showcasing the rich and understated cultural heritage of Taiwan’s indigenous peoples and symbolizing ethnic unity and harmony. Meanwhile, the Xiaogang Foge Stop features an artistic installation representing the maritime-based life skills and culture of the Amis people.

▲ The brand-new themed bus stops have become eye-catching additions to Kaohsiung’s urban landscape. (Photo / Provided by Kaohsiung City Department of Transportation)

In addition, to spark interest among the public and indigenous youth in learning indigenous languages, QR code stickers for language learning have been posted inside bus shelters and on buses. Scanning them with a mobile phone allows users to explore the wonders of indigenous languages.

The Department of Transportation noted that to encourage the public to use public transportation and participate in indigenous events, those who take a bus to the Kaisyuan 4th Rd. intersection stop between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM on August 1st can collect a voucher to visit the Indigenous Peoples Theme Park to join the Indigenous Peoples Day activities and receive a limited-edition indigenous-style iPass commemorative card. Similarly, those who take a bus to the Kaisyuan 4th Rd. intersection stop between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM on August 15th can collect a voucher to visit the Indigenous Peoples Theme Park to attend the Indigenous Market event and exchange it for exquisitely crafted indigenous-themed souvenirs.

Currently, two bus routes serve the Kaisyuan 4th Rd. intersection stop: Routes 12 and 69. Four bus routes pass through the Foge Stop: Red 6, 12, 15, and 214. The public is encouraged to make use of these services.