Step into the film scenes of "Pulling a River" and discover the confidence and courage of Kaohsiung's Jiaxian

Reported by Reporter You t
ru / Special Feature

The documentary "Pulling a River," set primarily in the mountain town of Jiaxian in Kaohsiung, conveys the moving and uplifting story of a tug-of-war team of children working hard for their hometown. Its realistic plot and real-life settings have also driven a new surge of tourism in Jiaxian. On holidays, you can come to Jiaxian to try fried taro ice, experience live baking, savor a meal of plum chicken, and also visit the origin of the film "Pulling a River"Jiaxian Elementary Schooland enjoy time with the tug-of-war team kids.


▲ At Jiaxian Elementary School, Tourism Bureau Director Hsu Chuan-sheng and local business owners form a tug-of-war team. (Photo / Provided by Kaohsiung City Tourism Bureau)

In the film, the young tug-of-war athletes strive for the highest honor for their hometown under difficult conditions and with limited equipment, regaining the confidence and courage shattered by a natural disaster—leaving a deep impression. This film, "Pulling a River," directed by renowned documentarian Yang Li-chou, was shot on location in Jiaxian over more than a year. It allows many privileged children to learn appreciation, value family, and understand the importance of kinship.

Just an hour and a half’s drive from the city center, Jiaxian offers a unique cultural experience. The Jiaxian Image Business District began in the early 1990s as the main commercial hub of Jiaxian Township. Most shops sell local agricultural specialties and handmade processed farm products, including taro ice, taro rolls, dried tofu, and various bamboo stick snacks. Tourists can first try the popular taro-flavored dishes, such as taro skewers, smoked tofu, and taro sticks sold along the street.

▲ Jiaxian produces an abundance of plums, making its plum chicken meals sweet, sour, delicious, and refreshing. (Photo / Provided by Kaohsiung City Tourism Bureau)

At the Chen family ancestral home, “Plum Chicken BBQ,” before cooking, the chef picks plum tree branches from the mountains for firewood. As the chicken roasts, the aroma of the plums seeps into the meat through the steam. Just thinking about it, the mouthwatering aroma of the roast chicken mixed with the tangy sweetness of the plum seems to waft back, making it unforgettable. During your break, you can head toCommander Taro Ice Cityto enjoy rich, creamy taro ice. Starting as a taro shaved ice shop, it is one of Jiaxian’s well-known long-standing ice parlors. The taro ice has an excellent texture, and visitors can even DIY their own stir-fried taro ice to experience a taste of the old days.

Another highlight is that the lavender forest team, which originated in Taiwan’s mountainous central region, has also opened its brand“Good Good Days Jiaxian” — an artsy, light-meal caféin the mountain town of Jiaxian. This small shop, featuring an open platform, resembles a diverse and rich forest ecosystem, creating a stage for quality local goods and supporting local residents in running a café. The interior is decorated with motifs from the film "Pulling a River" and vintage photos, staffed by locally trained youth, and serves exclusive dishes made with local ingredients. The goal is to create a unique “Jiaxian Good Good” atmosphere, offering visitors a relaxing space to unwind and enjoy a leisurely experience.


▲ Lavender Group’s “Good Good Days Jiaxian” artsy light-meal café is located next to the Jiaxian Bridge, offering a cozy cultural space with scenic mountain and river views. (Photo / Provided by Kaohsiung City Tourism Bureau)

Hsu Chuan-sheng, Director of the Kaohsiung City Tourism Bureau, stated that to boost business in the post-Typhoon Morakot reconstruction areas, the Tourism Bureau has organized packaged tour activities or offered incentives to travel agencies over the years, encouraging group travel and consumption in the rebuilding zones to revive the former glory of the “Three Stars of the Southern Cross” in the mountain city. This time, in conjunction with the release of the film "Pulling a River," they have launched the “Jiaxian Stroll” mini-trip, combining in-depth cultural history, attractions, and local product experiences.

In addition, they have partnered with the Jiaxian business district to offer travel and shopping discounts. A hand-drawn local lifestyle map has also been printed, and in collaboration with bus companies, visitors can enjoy an 85% discount on bus fares to Jiaxian by presenting a movie ticket stub from "Pulling a River." This initiative aims to attract more independent travelers to explore Jiaxian and wander through the mountain town, enjoying a cultural and relaxed journey during the cool autumn season.

Jiaxian Elementary School
Address: No. 45, Wenhua Road, Jiaxian District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: (07) 6751 025

Commander Taro Ice City
Address: No. 52, Wenhua Road, Jiaxian District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: 07-6751 256
Good Good Days Jiaxian
Address: No. 2, Zhongxiao Road, Jiaxian District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: (07) 6753 838