See your city from a fresh perspective – Taipei’s Fair Trade Light Travel kicks off

Reported and photographed by You Ru / Taipei




▲ What's the difference between fair trade and conventional business practices, and how can consumers identify fair trade products? (Taiwan, YouTube video)

The concept of fair trade has actually been around in the West for many years. Since the 1960s, European countries have used the slogan “Trade, not aid,” aiming to protect small farmers, workers, and artisans in developing countries through fair trading practices, giving disadvantaged groups fair access to the market. Five years ago, Eco-Green, one of Taiwan’s social enterprises, was established to promote fair trade; two years ago, fair trade was incorporated into middle and high school textbooks. Every year, Eco-Green organizes events such as film festivals and Earth Day to raise public awareness on the issue. In recent years, more supporters and fair trade businesses have joined, gradually raising awareness of fair trade in Taiwan.

“There have been many disappointing things happening in Taiwan recently, but we don’t have time to be sad,” said YU Wan-ruan, founder of Eco-Green. This fair trade light travel initiative hopes to blend international ideas with Chinese culture, sparking more hope in Taiwan.


▲ YU Wan-ruan, founder of Eco-Green.


▲ Actor Huang Shang-he.

Taipei already has 30 fair trade coffee partner shops, including independent cafés and bookstores. From Yongkang Street, frequented by international tourists, to buildings soon to undergo urban renewal, fair trade exists in various forms across Taipei, connecting the city with global progressive values. From fair trade coffee to fashion clothing, an increasing number of fair trade products are entering the daily lives of Taipei citizens.

This event, the “Taipei Fair Trade Light Travel,” takes inspiration from the concept of walking tours in Barcelona, encouraging participants to adopt a “naked city” gaze. Through different “curated” experiences, they encounter diverse “realities,” ultimately seeing their own city in a brand-new light.

The event will run from August to November, starting with a taste of a fair trade coffee at Eco-Green, then strolling through Taipei’s Qidong Old Street, the historic building at Jinshan South Road known as “Jinshan No. 9,” and visiting two fair trade shops on Yongkang Street: “Chrysalis Wrap” and “Earth Tree.” With elements of both history and culture, as well as innovation and nostalgia, the tour aims to subtly awaken the public’s awareness of fair trade consumption.