Local specialties take over Taipei 101, showcasing “Taiwan’s Tourism Sushi Conveyor Belt” to the world

▲ At the Taiwan Travel Shopping Delights press conference, the TaiBa Xq TianYi Workshop from Hualien County presented an impressive indigenous dance performance.

Reported and photographed by Chen Rui-zhong, Taipei

To promote Taiwan’s diverse regional tourism attractions internationally, the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications has set up themed exhibitions for all 22 counties and cities across Taiwan on the 89th-floor observation deck of Taipei 101 from today (August 12) through September 30. The goal is to leverage Taipei 101’s high popularity to boost local tourism in Taiwan.

Liu Xi-lin, Deputy Director-General of the Tourism Bureau, stated that in the past, the bureau had launched initiatives such as the Top 10 Tourism Towns and the Tourism Calendar. Coupled with the newly introduced Taiwan Travel Shopping Delights campaign, these efforts have already attracted 71.16 million visitors and generated an economic impact of NT$31.2 billion across Taiwan. He expressed hope that through the integration of tourism platforms, domestic tourism in Taiwan can also become international, attracting even more visitors.

▲ On the observation deck of Taipei 101, displays introduce the tourism highlights of various regions across Taiwan, complete with QR codes for public access.

Pan Men-an, Magistrate of Pingtung County, also attended the event with an image of the “Broad Thumb Yangmei Crab.” He noted that with the growing emphasis on sustainable tourism, Little Liuqiu is now placing increasing importance on ecological conservation. Moreover, as the tourism industry develops, Pingtung County has seen significant growth in its food and leisure sectors.

Additionally, writer Liu Ke-xiang remarked that Taiwan’s unique geographical location and terrain offer exceptional advantages. Its abundant produce and distinctive features make Taiwan akin to a “giant conveyor belt sushi bar”; while its varied topography gives the island’s scenery the feel of a “Ferris wheel.” These ever-changing beautiful vistas further enrich Taiwan’s tourism appeal. His vivid analogies were met with unanimous agreement from the audience.

▲ (From left) Writer Liu Ke-xiang, Taipei 101 CEO Wei Yin-chiao, Deputy Director-General of the Tourism Bureau Liu Xi-lin, and Pingtung County Magistrate Pan Men-an jointly inaugurated the event.

The Tourism Bureau stated that this thematic exhibition is displayed across multiple floors of Taipei 101 Tower, with the tourism ambassador, Group Leader Oh Bear, serving as the guide. The 5th floor showcases six key elements of Taiwan’s tourism—lifestyle, food, shopping, culture, and romance—arranged in a heart-shaped layout. The 89th-floor observation deck features themed exhibits from each county and city, allowing visitors to discover more of Taiwan’s beautiful spots. The basement level also displays window exhibits highlighting famous domestic attractions, leaving a lasting impression of Taiwan on more people.

▲ Taipei 101 is a highly popular tourist destination, and the Tourism Bureau hopes the event will enhance the visibility of Taiwan’s local tourism.

In addition, the Tourism Bureau has scheduled two weekend events on the 89th-floor observation deck: “Explore the Outlying Islands Thoroughly” on August 16 and “Explore Taiwan Thoroughly” on September 13. Taipei 101 is also offering a “Buy One Get the Second Half Price” ticket promotion from now until September 30.