Kaohsiung's newest family-friendly attraction, the Kaohsiung Fun Park（高雄親子遊樂園區）, is now officially open. The park features nearly 30 recreational and sports facilities, including climbing structures, slides, sand pits, balance bikes, and a pump track. Inside, the original high-ceilinged workshop structure has been preserved, allowing natural daylight and cross-ventilation to flow through the space. Combined with a cooling mist system, the park offers a refreshing, fun environment for visitors of all ages. Best of all, admission is free!

　It is hard to imagine that this lively playground was once one of southern Taiwan's most important railway maintenance facilities. The Kaohsiung Railway Workshop, known as the “train hospital,” relocated here in 1975 and, for decades, repaired trains and supported railway operations. Today, its industrial heritage and railway elements have been preserved and transformed into an urban park where history and recreation coexist.

　One of the park's highlights is the overhead crane rope nets, which were built from the original overhead crane structure that once lifted train carriages. Children can now safely climb them while enjoying a unique play experience. Other facilities include bouldering walls, a parkour course, a fun basketball court, a mini soccer field, themed slides, wooden stepping posts for younger children, and many other fun features designed to suit a wide range of age groups.

　Beyond the playground equipment, visitors can also enjoy a relaxing day exploring the well-preserved machinery and structures of the former railway workshop. By transforming an industrial heritage site into a family recreation destination, Kaohsiung has found a creative way to pass its urban history on to the next generation.

In 1925, Chien Gi helped farmers in Kaohsiung establish the " Fongshan Peasants Union," which succeeded the " Fongshan Tenant Farmers Union," the earliest peasant movement organization in Taiwan. Driven by a pure sense of justice and unyielding spirit, Chien Gi, together with a generation of aspiring youth traveled throughout rural areas in Taiwan. Their visits through fields, railway lines, and sugar factories triggered wave after wave of social movements.

This exhibition aims to restore the deserved respect for Chien Gi and the pioneers who participated in the peasant movement. Through reflecting on their achievements, we are able to recollect how these compassionate activists advocated for local communities, bravely resisted oppression, and even during times of change, were willing to sacrifice their freedom and lives to uphold humanitarian ideals and compassion.

In response to the recent heavy rainfall and the heightened risk of dengue fever, Chen instructed responsible agencies to complete cleanup at affected and unsanitary locations as quickly as possible. Particular attention should be given to construction sites, vacant lots and vegetable gardens, vacant buildings, schools, migrant worker dormitories, markets, and other high-risk locations, with strengthened efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and apply chemical control measures where necessary. With the new school year underway, Chen also asked the Education Bureau and Department of Health to jointly oversee prevention measures at schools of all levels. If students develop suspected symptoms, schools should immediately report the case, arrange medical attention, and ensure rapid testing is conducted.

With summer still at its peak and mosquito populations potentially increasing after rainfall, Chen reminded medical institutions to remain vigilant in reporting suspected cases and to conduct thorough TOCC assessments covering travel history, occupation, contact history, and cluster exposure. Suspected dengue fever cases should be immediately reported and tested, including through NS1 rapid testing, to prevent further spread. Chen also reminded residents returning from overseas and travelers entering Kaohsiung that anyone arriving from Southeast Asia who voluntarily undergoes dengue fever testing within 14 days of arrival is eligible for an NT$500 gift voucher, regardless of whether they have symptoms. The incentive program has been extended through the end of this year.

 
At today's municipal administrative meeting, the Hakka Affairs Commission delivered a special report on key achievements in revitalizing the Hakka language, preserving Hakka culture, enhancing local environments, and promoting related industries. In promoting the Hakka language, participation in Hakka-language immersion education has grown for five consecutive years. In the 2025 academic year, the number of students participating surpassed 1,000 for the first time, representing growth of 75%. Kaohsiung has also received a rating of “Excellent” in the Hakka Affairs Council 's assessment of efforts to promote Hakka as a commonly used language for five consecutive years. The City has further sought to revive traditional Hakka culture that had faded over the past six decades through initiatives involving economic activities in Hakka communities, Hakka weddings, the Hakka Academy, Hakka cuisine, and cultural festivals.

Kaohsiung's Hakka-themed parks and environmental education initiatives have also received recognition in national awards. Sanmin No. 1 Park was transformed into the Panhua Park and received a Gold Award for Construction Quality at the 2025 Urban Engineering Quality Awards. The city has also pursued ecological restoration through a terrestrial habitat conservation and pheasant-tailed jacana restoration project, which received an Award of Merit in the Environmental Protection category of Common Wealth Magazine's 2025 Excellence in City Governance Awards and an Excellence Award at the 10th Kaohsiung Environmental Education Awards. Chen commended the Hakka Affairs Commission for its achievements in revitalizing the Hakka language, promoting Hakka culture and related industries, and advancing ecological restoration. He encouraged the Commission and other city government agencies to continue working together to make Kaohsiung a city where diverse communities can thrive together.

Photo 1: Mayor Chen Chi-mai chairs the municipal administrative meeting, calling for accelerated post-rainfall recovery and repairs to restore roads and the cityscape as quickly as possible.

Photos 2–3: Before the municipal administrative meeting, Mayor Chen Chi-mai presents awards to the winners of the 2026 Outstanding Condominium Building Awards, recognizing 17 award-winning buildings.
 

Chen noted that the highest single-day rainfall during the event reached 567 millimeters, while cumulative rainfall over four days exceeded 1,100 millimeters, both surpassing rainfall records from Typhoon Morakot and Typhoon Gaemi. He explained that the city's 26 detention basins played an important role. Although their original detention capacity totaled 5 million metric tons, repeated pumping and drainage operations enabled them to handle a cumulative 10 million metric tons of stormwater, helping alleviate flooding in areas including Renwu, Gangshan, the Agongdian River basin, and Zihguan.

Chen said that as floodwaters receded, he instructed relevant agencies yesterday to simultaneously clear roads and keep them open to traffic, while repairs to damaged road surfaces were also underway. For damage to road foundations and landslides on hillsides, he stressed the importance of maintenance and traffic controls to restore safe and smooth transportation as quickly as possible. He also warned that standing water after heavy rainfall can easily become a breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes. Chen instructed epidemic prevention teams to strengthen cleanup efforts at high-risk locations such as vacant lots, vegetable gardens, drainage ditches, markets, and construction sites, while asking district offices to mobilize local communities and neighborhoods to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and protect residents' health and living environment.

Turning to agricultural and fishery losses, Chen noted that during inspections by the President and the Executive Yuan yesterday, he personally appealed to the President for assistance. The central government has since agreed to provide disaster relief payments for all affected agricultural and fishery products in Kaohsiung. Applications will be accepted from August 25 through September 7, and Chen instructed the Agriculture Bureau and district offices to provide full assistance to affected farmers applying for relief.

At today's municipal administrative meeting, the Water Resources Bureau delivered a briefing titled "August 19 Heavy Rainfall Damage and Key Response Measures." After hearing the briefing, Mayor Chen instructed the Bureau to compile rainfall data, flooding conditions, and emergency response results from across the city. He also called for a review of pumping station equipment, replacement of aging units, deployment and activation timing of mobile pumps, and pumping effectiveness, with a view to further improving advance deployment and flexible dispatch mechanisms.

Chen also instructed the Bureau to accelerate emergency repairs and safety measures in response to detention overflow at Guanyin Lake, damage to the revetment and roadbed along Antai Street in Nanzih, and flooding in the Yuku area of Alian and on its connecting roads. He called for reviews of detention, drainage, and flood conveyance capacity and the development of follow-up improvement measures. Regarding mountain runoff from the Gushan 3rd Road area overflowing into urban neighborhoods, Chen also called for a systematic improvement plan encompassing upstream interception, flood diversion and detention, and downstream pumping and drainage, to be incorporated into future flood-control planning.

With Typhoon Saudel expected to approach on Thursday, August 27, Chen also instructed the Water Resources Bureau to make full use of the remaining preparation time before the typhoon's arrival. The Bureau was asked to conduct a comprehensive review of disaster sites and flood-control facilities that have not yet fully recovered from the recent heavy rainfall, accelerate drainage channel clearing, pre-deploy pumping equipment, and protect damaged facilities. Where permanent repairs cannot be completed in time, emergency measures should be put in place first, with personnel, equipment, and supplies positioned in advance to ensure all typhoon preparedness measures are ready before the next round of severe weather arrives.

The Education Bureau also presented a briefing on campus preparations for the start of the 2026 academic year. Chen highlighted school meal provision, campus cleaning and disinfection, traffic arrangements for students arriving at and leaving school, and safety controls around construction areas. He instructed the Education Bureau to ensure that all schools complete the necessary preparations and asked the Transportation Bureau, Police Department, Public Works Bureau, and other relevant agencies to provide assistance as needed, ensuring students can eat with confidence, travel safely, and return to school in good health.

Chen also instructed the Education Bureau to ensure that schools carry out dengue fever prevention measures before and after the start of the school year, including eliminating mosquito breeding sites and providing health and disease-prevention information through multiple channels. Schools with students who have recently traveled to high-risk countries or that enroll international students must comply with relevant testing measures upon entry, closely monitor the health of students and staff, and promptly report suspected cases.

Emphasizing food safety for students and school personnel, Chen instructed the Education Bureau and Department of Health to conduct another round of inspections of cooking oils used in school meal programs before the new school year begins. After schools reopen, joint interdepartmental inspections of school meals will be increased to twice per academic year to ensure the safety of school meals in the new semester and provide reassurance to students and parents.

Photos 1–2: Mayor Chen Chi-mai calls for accelerated post-flood recovery of transportation and essential services and assistance for agricultural and fishery losses, instructing relevant agencies to step up recovery and preparedness efforts to protect residents. With the new school year approaching, he also emphasizes school meal provision, campus cleaning and disinfection, traffic arrangements for students arriving at and leaving school, and safety controls around construction areas to ensure students can eat with confidence, travel safely, and return to school in good health.

Opening Event 
Saturday, 19 September, 2026
Gallery 404 of Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts

14:00-14:30 Opening 
14:40-16:00 Gallery Forum 

• Moderator: Hsiao Chong-ray (Curator)
• Guest speakers:  Chen Kuang-yi (Director of National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts), Shih Jui-jen (Former Director of MoCA Taipei ) , Chen Shui-tsai (Artist)

With the Zhongyuan Festival falling on August 27, he also instructed the city’s food safety task force to step up inspections of seasonal foods used for traditional offerings. He encouraged the public to participate in centralized joss paper burning and the city’s “Donations in Lieu of Joss Paper” initiative, while also reminding residents to exercise caution with open flames and remain vigilant about fire safety.

In addition, the 8th regular session of the 4th Kaohsiung City Council will soon convene and review the city’s 2027 general budget proposal. The mayor is scheduled to deliver his municipal policy report and answer questions from councilors on August 31 and September 1. Chen instructed the heads of all city government agencies to maintain effective communication with councilors and stay abreast of their recent concerns, issues raised during the previous session, and progress on key initiatives to ensure the smooth implementation of municipal affairs.

Chen also expressed support for President Lai Ching-te’s announcement that the benefits of Taiwan’s “AI dividend” would be shared with the public through a universal NT$10,000 cash payment next year. He noted that Taiwan has benefited from the AI industry, with buoyant capital markets and the country experiencing its strongest economic growth in 39 years. Chen said sharing the benefits of economic growth with the public could provide greater support for disadvantaged groups, and urged Kaohsiung legislators to fully support the measure when reviewing the central government’s general budget. He also reiterated his call for amendments to the Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures to establish a fair and systematic mechanism for fiscal distribution, fundamentally address local government needs, promote balanced development across Taiwan, and better meet the needs of residents and infrastructure development in southern Taiwan.

The event built on the outcomes of the first workshop held on April 18. In response to issues of concern to residents, including excessive vehicle speeds, limited sight distance at intersections, and insufficient pedestrian space, the planning team proposed preliminary improvement measures. Through today’s planning briefing, on-site survey, and in-depth exchanges, consensus among residents has gradually taken shape. Follow-up work will proceed with substantive planning and design for measures such as adding speed tables, expanding intersection corners, setting back pedestrian crossings, and integrating parking lanes with sidewalks.

To embed traffic safety awareness at the community level, this event also included the “Hand in Hand, Step Safely Forward” parent-child experiential workshop at Tsai Wen Elementary School. Through traffic safety education and scenario-based challenge games, students were guided to learn pedestrian safety concepts. The activity not only helped children establish proper road-use habits from an early age, but also encouraged students and parents to jointly pay attention to improvements in the community traffic environment.

The Transportation Bureau stated that the City Government will continue to promote the Pedestrian-Friendly Zone Program, with civic participation at its core and local needs incorporated into planning. By working with residents, the City Government aims to create safe, livable, and sustainable street spaces, making Kaohsiung a more pedestrian-friendly city.

Mayor Chen noted that Kaohsiung Family Recreation Park is a highly anticipated large-scale destination for families that has attracted considerable public attention since construction began. With large crowds expected for this Saturday's opening, he instructed the Public Works Bureau, Tourism Bureau, and Bureau of Cultural Affairs to ensure that park facilities and related events are fully prepared and that contingency plans are in place for rainy weather. He also asked the Transportation Bureau, Mass Rapid Transit Bureau, and Police Department to strengthen traffic management on surrounding roads and improve arrangements for public transportation and parking, with the goal of providing visitors from across Taiwan with a welcoming and enjoyable experience.

In response to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, Mayor Chen instructed the Department of Health to continue encouraging high-risk groups to get vaccinated as soon as possible. He also urged the public to maintain preventive measures, including frequent handwashing and mask-wearing, to help reduce the spread of infection.

To strengthen the City's role in net-zero governance, the municipal administrative meeting also featured a presentation by Professor Tung Ching-pin of National Taiwan University's Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering titled "Kaohsiung's Net-Zero Transformation Empowerment Strategy in the SBTi 2.0 Era." Professor Tung discussed how, as society confronts the challenges of achieving net zero by 2050, the City Government can evolve from a regulator into an enabler of the net-zero transition by working with businesses, the port, workers, and residents to help different sectors achieve their long-term low-carbon transition goals.

The Economic Development Bureau noted that Kaohsiung's traditional industries are also finding new drivers of growth amid the ongoing transformation. Companies such as King Slide Technology and Y.S. Tech have built on their existing manufacturing strengths to expand into high-end applications such as AI servers and liquid cooling solutions, successfully opening up new markets and demonstrating the resilience and capacity of Kaohsiung's traditional industries to transform and move up the value chain.

The Bureau added that Kaohsiung's advanced technology sectors, including semiconductors and AI, are also developing rapidly. From the semiconductor industry cluster taking shape around Nanzih Technology Industrial Park to the development of smart technology applications and innovation in the Asia New Bay Area, Kaohsiung has attracted investment from leading domestic and international companies. These developments are gradually creating a comprehensive technology ecosystem while boosting industrial output, employment, and the city's overall competitiveness.

The Department of Health also provided an update on disease prevention. Mayor Chen noted that Kaohsiung has a large population of international students, creating a heightened risk of cluster infections on campuses and in student dormitories. He instructed the Education Bureau and Department of Health to jointly ensure that schools at all levels implement testing for international students within three days of arrival, monitor their health for two weeks following arrival, and promptly report suspected symptoms and arrange medical attention. Schools should also step up inspections for mosquito breeding sources in dormitories and across campuses to prevent outbreaks. During the summer vacation, the Department of Health and other relevant agencies were instructed to continue promoting the city's "Defending Against Imported Dengue" campaign.

With COVID-19 cases continuing to rise, Mayor Chen also instructed City agencies to strengthen outreach to high-risk groups, including older adults and people with chronic conditions, advising them to seek medical attention promptly if they develop suspected symptoms, take a rapid test, and consult a physician regarding antiviral treatment. He also asked the Department of Health to continue publicizing the extension of COVID-19 vaccination through September 28, with vaccination available to anyone aged six months or older who has not yet received this season's vaccine. Medical institutions were also asked to encourage patients and those accompanying them to wear masks to reduce the risk of infection.

The Little Evergreen Football Club won the U10, U11, and U12 divisions at the 2026 National Youth Cup Football Championship, once again achieving a historic championship sweep across all three age groups. Mayor Chen publicly recognized the players for their outstanding performance at the municipal administrative meeting.

Photo 1: Kaohsiung has actively advanced industrial transformation in recent years. Mayor Chen Chi-mai hears a report from the Economic Development Bureau on the city's progress in promoting industrial transformation.

Photos 2–3: The Little Evergreen Football Club won the U10, U11, and U12 divisions at the 2026 National Youth Cup Football Championship, once again completing a championship sweep across all three age groups. Mayor Chen Chi-mai recognizes the players for their outstanding achievement at the municipal administrative meeting.

In this year’s regular inspection and evaluation, the evaluation committee proposed 17 recommendations, covering areas such as the development of diversified branded merchandise to increase the company’s ancillary business revenue, the introduction of equipment operation data into big data analysis to improve operating efficiency, and the speed enhancement of the Light Rail. Regarding the Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation’s plan to improve the image quality of its CCTV system through phased replacement and reinstallation, the experts and scholars also recommended continued refinement of facility management, operations dispatching, and service integration. They further suggested enhancing passenger convenience through multimodal transfers so as to attract more people to use public transportation.

KRTC continues to promote measures such as diverse payment options, real-time information through its official app, luggage storage services during events, tourism passes, and commercial development of station spaces. In response to large crowds during concerts, festivals, New Year’s Eve celebrations, and other major events, KRTC has enhanced passenger flow efficiency and riding safety through increased service frequency, on-site staff guidance, passenger flow control, flexible dispatching, and ticket/card use guidance.

In addition, KRTC attaches great importance to personnel training and operational safety management, and continues to implement standard operating procedures, quarterly multi-disaster simulation drills, and enhanced emergency response at stations. In response to the indiscriminate attack incident on Taipei Metro in December 2025, KRTC conducted live-force drills before New Year’s Eve at Kaisyuan Station in late 2025 and at Zuoying Station in the first quarter of 2026. The drills simulated scenarios involving arson by an offender, knife attacks, and passenger hostage-taking, in order to verify cross-agency notification, rescue, arrest, and recovery operations.

Ridership on the Kaohsiung Metro and Light Rail systems continues to grow. In 2025, total passenger trips reached 84,639,937, with average daily ridership of 231,890 passenger trips, an increase of approximately 18,000 daily passenger trips compared with 2024, representing growth of 8.48%. In addition, on December 6, 2025, single-day ridership on the Kaohsiung Metro reached 351,267 passenger trips, setting another annual record high. On the same day, Light Rail ridership also reached 51,000 passenger trips, bringing the combined total to more than 400,000 passenger trips. This demonstrates the continued growth of the integrated benefits generated by major events, tourism and recreation, and public transportation connectivity.

The Transportation Bureau emphasized that it will continue to promote commuter monthly passes and multimodal transfer services, integrating the Metro, Light Rail, city buses, highway buses, ferries, and YouBike. In coordination with the advancement of major rail infrastructure projects, the Bureau will build a convenient, safe, comfortable, and sustainable public transportation network, steadily moving Kaohsiung toward becoming a more livable and safer city.

The former Taiwan Railways Kaohsiung Railway Workshop is an important part of the city's industrial heritage. Through its redevelopment, the site has been transformed into a major public space that preserves valuable cultural assets while integrating historical, cultural, and recreational functions. Scheduled to officially open on August 8, the park will become Kaohsiung's newest large-scale family recreation destination. Chen said the city government will continue conducting preventive inspections of park facilities after the opening and maintain long-term maintenance capacity to ensure high-quality operations. Any damaged facilities or environmental issues will be addressed promptly to maintain a clean and pleasant environment. Anticipating large crowds during the opening period, the city has also completed plans for traffic control and pedestrian flow management, improved wayfinding signage, strengthened public transportation and multimodal shuttle connections, and enhanced environmental maintenance in surrounding areas.

Turning to proposed amendments to the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation, the city government reiterated its support for a regulatory framework centered on science-based governance and risk-based management. It proposed establishing a Food Safety Commission under a second-level agency of the Executive Yuan to oversee risk assessment and formulate regulatory standards. The city also recommended fixed terms of office for commission members to safeguard professional decision-making from political, trade, or industry influence. In addition, the city proposed incorporating the principles of risk classification, risk communication, and the precautionary principle into the Act. Under the proposal, precautionary control measures could be implemented whenever there is scientifically reasonable suspicion of a high-risk food safety incident. Responses would be based on factors such as the scale of the incident, market share, distribution scope, and potential health risks, with the central government issuing unified nationwide directives within 24 hours.

The city government emphasized that a clear division of responsibilities should be established to balance scientific expertise, administrative management, and information transparency. Citing the question of whether a 20% blended oil content should serve as a regulatory threshold, the city said such determinations should be made by the proposed Food Safety Commission based on scientific evidence, with the competent authority subsequently implementing the appropriate regulatory measures to strengthen the professionalism and credibility of Taiwan's food safety governance.
With the 2026 Urban Resilience Exercise scheduled for August 7, Chen noted that the central government places great importance on the exercise and has instructed all ministries, agencies, and local governments to complete the necessary preparations. He directed all city departments to actively participate in planning and fully implement emergency response mechanisms to further strengthen Kaohsiung's disaster preparedness and resilience.

Before the municipal administrative meeting, Mayor Chen Chi-mai presented certificates of appreciation to eight members of the Kaohsiung Labor Union Volunteer Task Force in recognition of their long-standing dedication to public service, including helping repair the homes of disadvantaged families and workers injured in occupational accidents. The honorees included former China Steel Corporation Labor Union Chair Chen Chun-sheng; former Eternal Materials Labor Union Chair Lin Chin-yuan; China Steel Corporation Labor Union Chair Yang Yi-chi; Wei Chuan Foods Kaohsiung Plant Labor Union Chair Hung Hsin-chieh; Taiwan International Shipbuilding Corporation Labor Union Chair Chang Yi-te; Kaohsiung City Earth-Work Professional Union Chair Hsu Yu-cheng; Union of Kaohsiung Vocational Association Chair Tu Ya-hui; and Kaohsiung Social Welfare Association Chair Li Chao-yang.

Photo 1–4: The Kaohsiung Railway Workshop Family Recreation Park is scheduled to open on August 8. Once an important industrial site in Kaohsiung's development, the former railway workshop has been transformed into a public space that preserves valuable cultural heritage while integrating historical, cultural, and recreational functions.

Photo 5: Mayor Chen Chi-mai reviews preparations for the opening of the Kaohsiung Railway Workshop Family Recreation Park, calling for strict quality control and rigorous safety inspections of all facilities.

Photo 6: The Kaohsiung City Government proposes establishing a Food Safety Commission under the Executive Yuan to clarify institutional responsibilities while strengthening professional decision-making, government oversight, and information transparency.

About Li An-cheng

Li An-cheng (1959–2015) was born into a farming family in Citong, Yunlin, and grew up in an environment closely tied to the land and nature. His father, a farmer, greatly valued the beauty of plants, while his mother’s side was deeply immersed in literary and artistic traditions. These influences shaped his creative personality, which was driven by sensibility. In his youth, inspired by his older brother, he pursued painting. Though he never received formal art training, his extensive practice in calligraphy and traditional ink painting laid a solid foundation for his work.

In the late 1970s, Li faced a creative deadlock and personal struggles. He even destroyed his own artworks multiple times. During this cycle of rejection and renewal, he sought to develop his unique artistic language. In 1987, he held his first solo exhibition at Taipei’s Spring Gallery. His vigorous, distinctive ink style drew widespread attention, earning him recognition as a rising artist and a reputation as “a legend in Taiwan’s art scene.” Rather than following traditional landscape (shanshui) symbolism, he constructed his compositions through overall “qiyun” (rhythmic vitality) and brush movement. He allowed mountains, water, wind, and clouds to emerge naturally through fluid expression, producing an almost abstract experience of nature.

In the late 1990s, Li refocused on art as the central aspect of his life. Around 2000, he secluded himself in the mountain forests and in Tamsui’s Hongshulin. During long periods of observing nature and introspection, he refined his ability to balance chance and control with water, ink, and paper. Later, he explored the use of handmade Korean Hanji paper, further broadening the material expressiveness and spiritual depth of ink painting.

In his later years, Li relocated to Kaohsiung in the south, embracing a simpler life, living close to nature, and engaging in everyday labor work. Meanwhile, his art became more reserved and composed. In 2013, he destroyed a significant number of his paintings again, showing his lasting commitment to self-renewal. He passed away in 2015.
Li remained independent of institutional systems throughout his life. Through dedicated, solitary practice, he developed a distinctive ink style and language. His work employs ink painting not only as an art form but also as a means of engaging with nature and life, embodying a profound spiritual dimension rarely seen in contemporary Taiwanese ink art.



Supervisor | Bureau of Cultural Affairs, Kaohsiung City Government
Organizer | Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts
Special Thanks︱Li An-Cheng’s Family, James Yeh, Eslite Gallery

Kao Min-lin, Director-General of the Tourism Bureau, stated that when the MICHELIN Guide included Kaohsiung in its evaluation scope for the first time in 2022, the bureau actively designated "culinary tourism" as a core strategy for international city marketing and urban tourism development. In 2023, the bureau organized the "MICHELIN Guide Star-Gazer Culinary Artisans Strategy Sharing Workshop," inviting Michelin-starred chefs, industry experts, and food writers to share their insights, guiding local restaurateurs across all facets—from ingredient selection and beverage pairings to service etiquette—to fully align with international evaluation standards. Meanwhile, the bureau vigorously promotes Kaohsiung's affordable street eats, everyday culinary classics, historic time-honored brands, and fine dining establishments. By combining Kaohsiung's premium local agricultural and seafood specialties with distinctive restaurants for cross-sector collaborations, the city has hosted a variety of themed culinary marketing events. From humble street food and cozy home-style dining to exquisite fine dining, Kaohsiung fully showcases a rich and comprehensive culinary landscape. This year, 57 Kaohsiung restaurants earned spots in the MICHELIN Guide Taiwan, with One-Star restaurants growing from four to six, alongside the city's first-ever MICHELIN Guide Sommelier Award. Setting all-time records for Kaohsiung in star counts, listed establishments, and individual awards, these accomplishments highlight the city's impressive culinary power. In recent years, the city government has continuously pursued the vision that "food is tourism" and "the dining table showcases the city's brand." Through food festivals, local produce promotions, and international tourism marketing, Kaohsiung seamlessly connects dining, hospitality, shopping districts, top attractions, tour itineraries, and local souvenirs. By adopting a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach covering dining, lodging, sightseeing, shopping, transport, and leisure, Kaohsiung actively draws travelers from home and abroad, turning gastronomy into a major engine that drives city tourism, accommodation spending, and broader economic development.

Kao Min-lin stated that in the MICHELIN Guide Taiwan 2026, six restaurants in Kaohsiung earned One MICHELIN Star. Among them, "HAILI," "GEN," "Sho," and "the FRONT HOUSE" demonstrated mature and consistently exceptional culinary artistry, successfully retaining their Michelin stars. Meanwhile, "NIBBON" and "HABU" were promoted to One Star for the first time, bringing fresh vitality to the fine dining scene in the Harbor City. A four-time One MICHELIN Star recipient, "HAILI" also participated in the Tourism Bureau's 2026 Malaysia Tourism Promotion Event, traveling overseas to market the city and bring further honor to Kaohsiung. Chef William Kang remarked, "We are grateful to Kaohsiung for providing such a vibrant platform. HAILI views each year's recognition as a fresh starting point." The team will continue fusing Japanese and French culinary techniques with Kaohsiung's local terroir, showcasing the depth of Southern Taiwan's fine dining through local ingredients, meticulous detail, and refined service.

As the only Chinese restaurant in Kaohsiung to earn a Michelin star, "GEN" has not only maintained its One MICHELIN Star rating for three consecutive years but also welcomed renowned Cantonese Master Chef Lee Yun-hao, who brings 46 years of culinary experience to the team this year. Chef Lee emphasized, "A Michelin award is never the achievement of a single person, but rather the result of a team's uncompromised dedication to quality every single day." Chef Lee has refined the restaurant's menu structure, cooking temperatures, and sauce formulations while incorporating top-tier local ingredients from Taiwan and Kaohsiung, creating delightful innovations within traditional Cantonese flavors. Additionally, the restaurant has moved beyond its previous set-menu-only format, expanding into a comprehensive dining experience that offers à la carte options, set menus, and customized banquets. Among the dishes, the "Double-Boiled Chicken Wonton Soup with Bamboo Pith" features a sweet, rich, smooth, and hearty chicken soup that stands out as a true masterpiece—a must-order signature creation.

"Sho," a recipient of One MICHELIN Star, is the first overseas sister restaurant of Japan's "Den." As a highly anticipated fine dining establishment in Kaohsiung, it incorporates the chef's lively and playful personality into delicate, classic dishes, showcasing the unique qualities of Taiwanese ingredients to perfection. Meanwhile, newly crowned Michelin star recipient "HABU" draws inspiration from traditional Taiwanese herbal pharmacy culture. Its brand name is derived from "Herb" (ハーブ), built around the concept of nature's nourishment. By blending traditional Chinese medicine, botanicals, seasonal ingredients, and contemporary cuisine, "HABU" offers a fresh interpretation of herbal wisdom in modern dining. Another new star recipient, "NIBBON," which has taken root in Kaohsiung for six years, uses French culinary techniques as its foundation, expanding into distinctly Asian flavors while fusing ingredient creativity with seasonal imagination.

In the special awards category, the renowned French restaurant "THOMAS CHIEN" once again retained its MICHELIN Green Star, continuing to champion eco-friendly dining and local sustainability. Meanwhile, the MICHELIN Selected restaurant "Li.nu," alongside its head sommelier and restaurant manager, Bonnie Chiu, captured the prestigious "Sommelier Award." This marks the first time a professional sommelier in Kaohsiung has received this honor, highlighting that Kaohsiung's hospitality talent and service quality have attained world-class standards. Reflecting on the award, Bonnie shared, "Winning the MICHELIN Sommelier Award means taking the practical experience and nourishment accumulated over the past eight years and seamlessly blending them into a golden starting point for table hospitality."

The Tourism Bureau explained that in recent years, it has actively promoted "Kaohsiung Culinary Tourism" by staging a succession of vibrant events. These include Taiwanese Braised Minced Pork Over Rice competitions, the TAKO Hotpot Festival, KAOHSIUNG Ice Festival, the Milk Tea Festival, Coffee Festival, Nabeyaki Noodle Competitions, the Crispy Fried Chicken Festival, 50-Year-Old Historic Eateries, and Top 100 Delicacies. Beyond launching the "Kaohsiung Food Map," the bureau has vigorously marketed the city abroad, hosting themed culinary experiential activities and evaluation competitions. These efforts have enabled Kaohsiung's gastronomic landscape to achieve a vibrant vitality where "a hundred flowers bloom, honoring both humble street food and fine dining." Furthermore, these initiatives have successfully attracted international media coverage and influencer familiarization trips, establishing Kaohsiung's cuisine as a top incentive drawing overseas travelers to Taiwan.

Carrying forward the excitement of Kaohsiung's Michelin accolades and merging culinary marketing with seasonal tourism, the Tourism Bureau is rolling out a dynamic series of themed events from summer through autumn. Highlights include the "2026 Cijin Kite Festival and Inflatable Water Park" opening this weekend on July 25; August's "Kaohsiung Family Amusement Park," "Kaohsiung Coffee Festival," and "Kaohsiung Cocktail DAY"; September's "Kaohsiung Milk Tea Festival"; and October's "Kaohsiung Crispy Fried Chicken Festival" alongside "East Kaohsiung CHILL IN THE WILD｜Jiasian." Domestic and international travelers are cordially invited to visit Kaohsiung and embark on a "Michelin Star-Studded & Culinary Journey," taking in the Harbor City's scenic mountains and seas while savoring its extraordinary flavors. For more tourism information, please visit the Kaohsiung Travel website, official Facebook and Instagram, or download the 'Kaohsiung GO!' App.

With the Executive Yuan scheduled to convene a meeting later that day to discuss amendments to the food safety law, Chen called for the participation of local government leaders. He said their attendance would not only enable local governments to communicate frontline perspectives to the central government but also provide an opportunity to exchange practical experience and discuss issues such as strengthening business accountability, improving the precautionary product removal mechanism, and clarifying the division of responsibilities between the central and local governments. Building consensus through constructive dialogue, he said, is key to strengthening food safety management and addressing public concerns in a practical and effective manner.

As the summer vacation begins, the Cijin Kite Festival and Inflatable Water Park are set to open this weekend, while renovation of the Cijin Ferry Terminal has recently been completed. During the municipal administrative meeting, Chen instructed relevant agencies to enhance environmental cleanliness at event venues and along surrounding roads, as well as beautify the main routes leading to major tourist attractions, ensuring that visitors from outside Kaohsiung enjoy a positive travel experience.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Chen publicly recognized the 18 outstanding communities honored in the 2025 Kaohsiung Community Development Achievement Awards. Seven communities received Gold Awards: Yiren Community (Daliao District), Yuemei Community (Shanlin District), the Shanlin District Senior Citizens Welfare Promotion Association, Guangfu Community (Cishan District), Wulin Community (Renwu District), Xingbang Community (Cianjhen District), and Yuliao Community (Ciaotou District). Seven communities received Silver Awards, while four communities received Bronze Awards, recognizing their outstanding achievements in community development and local revitalization.

Old Railway Bridge Wetland（大樹舊鐵橋濕地）: A Leisurely Skywalk

The Kaoping River, often referred to as the "Mother River," plays a crucial role in sustaining southern Taiwan. Its waters support agriculture and provide essential resources for the region, making it a cornerstone of life and livelihood for local communities. 

The beautiful Dashu Old Railway Bridge Wetland spans hundreds of hectares and serves as a vibrant ecological haven and a sanctuary for pheasant-tailed jacanas and other wildlife. Its stunning landscape makes it a wonderful place to experience nature. While taking in the enchanting surroundings, enjoy a peaceful stroll along the century-old railway bridge skywalk.

Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum （佛光山佛陀紀念館）: Taiwan's Famous Buddhist Museum

The Fo Guang Buddha, soaring to an impressive height of 108 meters, stands as the crown jewel of Dashu and draws visitors from around the world. It overlooks the stunning Buddha Museum, a must-visit in Taiwan. This place is more than just a museum; it offers a chance to gain deeper insight into Taiwanese Buddhism and to immerse visitors in a variety of engaging exhibitions. Fo Guang Shan offers an opportunity to appreciate its stunning architecture or to stroll along serene ecological pathways. This venue is an ideal setting for families to relax and spend time together. If you're looking for inspiration or a moment of reflection, this calming retreat provides all that and more.

Ming Shan Jhuang（明山莊人文會館）: A Hidden Forest-Style Guesthouse

After a day spent exploring art and spirituality, end your day at Ming Shan Jhuang, a secluded retreat nestled in the mountains. Designed by architect Jhuang Huei-huang（莊輝煌）, this guesthouse is dedicated to preserving the local ecosystem by avoiding the use of pesticides. With expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, lush greenery fills the interior. Guests can fully unwind as they sip tea and listen to the soothing sounds of cicadas, letting their minds wander peacefully and connect with nature.

Embrace the beauty of May by visiting Dashu with your family and friends. Surrounded by a serene atmosphere and lush greenery, you can enjoy a refreshing escape that captures the essence of early summer. There's no better moment to relax and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature!

With Typhoon Bavi now having moved away from Taiwan, Chen instructed all responsible agencies to continue maintaining a clean environment throughout the city. He directed the Environmental Protection Bureau to strengthen the clearing of roadside drains, noting that post-rain conditions can easily lead to mosquito breeding. He also instructed the Department of Health to remind residents to eliminate standing water around their homes after rainfall and to maintain good household sanitation through regular inspections and cleaning. As the typhoon season continues, Chen emphasized that all city agencies must remain vigilant in carrying out disaster prevention and typhoon preparedness measures to minimize potential risks.

Secretary-General Kuo Tien-kuei and Director Hsu Yung-mu both reached mandatory retirement age in July. Before the municipal administrative meeting, Chen presented Secretary-General Kuo with Meritorious Service and Distinguished Service Medals and a retirement commemorative gift in recognition of his more than 30 years of outstanding public service. Chen expressed his appreciation to both officials for their professionalism and dedication, noting that their long-standing commitment to municipal development had laid an important foundation for Kaohsiung's growth. He wished them a healthy and fulfilling retirement and expressed his hope that they would continue sharing their valuable experience and wisdom to support the city's future development.

 During his tenure, Secretary-General Kuo played a key role in advancing major municipal projects through his exceptional professional expertise and strong interagency coordination. He assisted the mayor in promoting major infrastructure projects, the development of smart technology industries, publicly led urban renewal, urban space revitalization, and diversified investment promotion, contributing significantly to urban development, port transformation, and the revitalization of Kaohsiung's old harbor district.

Director Hsu, meanwhile, dedicated his career to advancing major infrastructure projects, including bridges, roads, and public buildings. His efforts helped improve the city's transportation network, enhance the quality of public facilities, and create a safer, more convenient, and more livable urban environment, making substantial contributions to Kaohsiung's infrastructure and residents' quality of life. Fellow department heads also presented him with flowers and warm embraces to celebrate his retirement.

In response to climate change and the global transition toward net-zero emissions, the city government invited Gino Van Begin, Secretary General of the ICLEI World Secretariat, to deliver a keynote address following the meeting. He shared how local governments can address climate change and global warming by promoting renewable energy, green finance, the circular economy, civic participation, and AI-enabled smart cities to build resilient cities that support decarbonization, sustainable development, and climate adaptation.

Founded in 1990, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is the world's largest global network of local governments dedicated to sustainable development. Through policy advocacy, capacity building, and international cooperation, ICLEI promotes low-carbon, resilient, circular, and nature-based urban development while supporting local governments in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Kaohsiung joined ICLEI in 2006 and established the ICLEI Kaohsiung Capacity Center in 2012, becoming the second such center in the world and the only one in East Asia. The center supports Taiwanese local governments in participating in international exchanges on sustainable development, climate governance, and urban transformation.

 Photo 1–2: Secretary-General Kuo Tien-kuei and Director Hsu Yung-mu of the Public Works Bureau's Construction Office retire upon reaching mandatory retirement age. Before the municipal administrative meeting, Mayor Chen Chi-mai presented them with retirement commemorative gifts and extended his appreciation for their longstanding contributions to municipal governance and infrastructure development.

Photo 3–4: Following the departure of Typhoon Bavi, Mayor Chen Chi-mai chaired the municipal administrative meeting and instructed relevant agencies to strengthen environmental cleanup and roadside drain maintenance while reminding residents to eliminate standing water after rainfall to prevent mosquito breeding.
 

Regarding the development of Typhoon Bavi, Chen noted that an emergency response meeting had been held the previous day. The Water Resources Bureau reviewed flooding and water accumulation incidents reported across the city in June, and Chen instructed relevant agencies to implement preventive measures before the typhoon arrives, including deploying mobile pumps and raising flood barriers where necessary.

At the meeting, the Police Department presented a report on the city's 2026 Youth Protection Campaign for the summer vacation period. In the early hours of July 1, the first day of summer vacation, an expanded citywide inspection and enforcement operation was conducted. A total of 749 personnel were mobilized from the city's 17 police precincts, Criminal Investigation Corps, Public Security Corps, Traffic Police Corps, Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Brigade, and the city government's interdepartmental joint inspection teams. Chen commended the Police Department for coordinating resources across city agencies and implementing comprehensive measures to protect young people, demonstrating the city's commitment to their safety and healthy development.

As young people participate more frequently in outdoor and water activities during the summer vacation, Chen instructed the Economic Development Bureau, Fire Bureau, Public Works Bureau, Education Bureau, and other relevant agencies to strengthen safety management at public spaces and bodies of water, conduct joint inspections, and intensify safety awareness campaigns. In response to the threats posed by fraud and emerging drugs, Chen also instructed the Police Department, Labor Affairs Bureau, Department of Substance Abuse Control and Prevention, Education Bureau, and other agencies to strengthen anti-fraud and anti-drug awareness campaigns while stepping up enforcement against illegal activities to protect young people from fraud, drugs, and gang-related crime.

The Department of Health then delivered a briefing on disease prevention efforts. With summer travel and family visits to Southeast Asia expected to increase, Chen instructed city agencies to step up promotion of Kaohsiung's Dengue Fever Imported Case Prevention Incentive Program. Students, teachers, new immigrants, and migrant workers traveling abroad are encouraged to obtain free mosquito repellent from local health centers before departure. These groups, as well as all Kaohsiung residents, may receive an NT$500 gift voucher by voluntarily undergoing an NS1 rapid test at a local health center or healthcare facility within 14 days of returning to Taiwan, regardless of whether they have symptoms.

Emphasizing the importance of dengue prevention, Chen instructed all city agencies to intensify post-rainfall inspections and eliminate mosquito breeding sites across facilities under their jurisdiction. He called for rigorous environmental management of government offices, dormitories, vacant buildings and lots, and publicly owned or leased land. Enhanced inspections and chemical control measures are also to be implemented at high-risk locations, including markets, construction sites, parks, tourist attractions, fishing harbors, drains that have tested positive for mosquito larvae, roof gutters, and flooded basements. District-level command centers were also instructed to continue deploying four-person teams to remove environmental sanitation hotspots and improve community cleanliness.

Before the municipal administrative meeting, Chen recognized 12 recipients of the Kaohsiung City Government's 2026 Model Civil Servant Awards. He thanked the honorees for their dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to public service, recognizing the important roles they have played in advancing municipal governance. The recipients were Secretary Lin Ming-hsun of the Environmental Protection Bureau; Deputy Chief Engineer Shih Hsu-yuan of the Urban Development Bureau; Director Hsieh Chen-yen of the Revenue Service Office under the Finance Bureau; Director Chen Hsing-i of the Economic Development Bureau; Section Chief Shiu Wen-hau of the Parks Office under the Public Works Bureau; Squad Leader Kuo Chien-lun of the Criminal Investigation Corps under the Police Department; Station Chief Chen Che-wei of the Fire Bureau; Superintendent Chou Huang-chih of Kaohsiung Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital under the Department of Health; Deputy Chief Engineer Huang Chun-han of the Mass Rapid Transit Bureau; Director Chen Chia-sheng of the Bureau of Cultural Affairs; Section Chief Yu Chi-hsiang of the Legal Affairs Bureau; and Subsection Chief Lin Chia-ming of the Land Development Office under the Land Administration Bureau.

 

Caption 1: Mayor Chen Chi-mai chairs the municipal administrative meeting and directs city agencies to strengthen typhoon preparedness, anti-fraud and anti-drug efforts, and disease prevention measures in response to typhoon season, public health concerns, and the summer Youth Protection Campaign.

Caption 2: Mayor Chen Chi-mai recognizes the Kaohsiung City Government's 2026 Model Civil Servant Award recipients, thanking them for their dedication, professionalism, and steadfast service to the city and acknowledging their important contributions to municipal governance.

Mayor Chen commended the Education Bureau for quickly bringing together representatives of principals, teachers, and parents to engage in dialogue and build broad consensus on the new communication-first mediation mechanism. He emphasized that the initiative represents the first step toward reforming school governance, improving teachers' working conditions, and addressing frivolous complaints. The Kaohsiung City Government has also approved litigation assistance for teachers to help safeguard their legal rights. At the same time, Chen urged the central government to promptly revise the regulations governing school incident review committees to establish a more comprehensive framework supporting campus mediation mechanisms.

In its report, the Education Bureau explained that the mediation mechanism consists of four stages: application, matching, implementation, and case closure. To ensure effective implementation, three supporting measures have also been introduced. These include establishing dedicated offices at designated hub schools to provide stable administrative support; creating a professional talent pool comprising experts in education, law, psychology, and counseling; and implementing professional training for mediators to ensure they are well versed in relevant regulations and strict conflict-of-interest requirements.

In response to heavy rainfall associated with the outer circulation of a typhoon, the Kaohsiung City Government activated its Level 3 Heavy Rain Disaster Response Center. Chen instructed the Water Resources Bureau to closely monitor rainfall and potential landslide warnings. With recent rainfall accelerating weed growth and standing water creating favorable breeding conditions for mosquitoes, he also directed the Environmental Protection Bureau, Department of Health, and district offices to strengthen community environmental maintenance by clearing vegetation and eliminating standing water.

As the summer water recreation season begins, Chen instructed relevant agencies to ensure clear warning signs are installed around hazardous waters. He also directed the Education Bureau and Fire Bureau to strengthen water safety and drowning prevention education. In addition, with graduation season underway, Chen instructed the Labor Affairs Bureau and Youth Bureau to continue promoting youth employment initiatives, while asking the Police Department, Education Bureau, and Labor Affairs Bureau to strengthen public awareness of employment fraud prevention.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Chen publicly commended Kaohsiung residents Chiang Yu-hua, Chen Tse-jen, Tsai Pei-wei, and Hsu Shu-chien for their outstanding performance at the 28^th Mosonshow International Model Show (Moson Model Show 2026), where they won a total of four gold medals, one silver medal, and five bronze medals.

In addition, with recent rainfall followed by warmer weather, Chen noted that standing water can quickly become breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes. He directed public health teams to intensify inspections of high-risk locations, including vacant lots, vegetable gardens, drainage channels, markets, and construction sites, and asked district offices to mobilize local communities and neighborhood organizations to eliminate mosquito breeding sources.

The meeting also featured a special presentation by Linker Vision and Chunghwa Telecom on the current implementation status of the Smart Kaohsiung Lighthouse Project. The presentation highlighted the project's end-to-end governance framework, operational workflows across city departments, the M Smart Neighborhood Hub, and the Smart Governance Center (SGC) platform's resource management and large-scale deployment capabilities. Case studies involving flood incidents, traffic management, road potholes, and roadside waste were presented to illustrate how the platform supports city governance.

Prior to the meeting, Mayor Chen presented a certificate of appreciation to Yang Hung-hsien, Chairman of Yeong Fong Seng Enterprise, in recognition of the company's long-term support for the weightlifting team at Kaohsiung Municipal Gushan Senior High School. The team has continued to achieve outstanding results and bring honor to Kaohsiung. Chen publicly thanked the company for its commitment to education and sports development while also commending the dedication and hard work of the school's students and teachers, sharing the team's achievements with all citizens of Kaohsiung.

Photo 1: With the Dragon Boat Festival holiday approaching, Mayor Chen Chi-mai directs relevant municipal agencies to manage traffic, enhance city cleanliness, and strengthen food inspections.

Photo 2: The weightlifting team of Kaohsiung Municipal Gushan Senior High School has continued to achieve outstanding results with long-term support from private-sector sponsors. Mayor Chen Chi-mai presents a certificate of appreciation to Chairman Yang Hung-hsien in recognition of the company's contributions.

Transportation Bureau Director-General Chang, Shu-Chuan stated in her remarks that increasingly unstable weather patterns and the rising frequency of extreme climate events in recent years show that climate change is no longer a future concern, but an ongoing reality. When people choose public transportation and combine it with “healthy walking” for the last mile, they are not merely commuting, but also helping reduce the impact of extreme climate on their hometown. Walking not only reduces carbon footprints, but is also one of the best ways to improve personal health. This is the original purpose behind the Bureau’s promotion of the three core principles: “green energy expansion, healthy walking, and environmental protection for the Earth.”

The core mission of this event, “Three Easy Steps to Receive a Surprise Gift,” received broad public support. Many citizens made active use of the TPASS commuter monthly pass and participated in the 4,220-step walking challenge. As a result, all of the exquisite gifts prepared for the event were fully redeemed before the event concluded.

The Transportation Bureau emphasized that the MeNGo system not only integrates and connects various public transportation services, but also incorporates new functions such as carbon reduction calculation and a pedometer. Through every low-carbon transportation choice, citizens are encouraged to help make Kaohsiung a more livable and sustainable model green city.

Mayor Chen also attended the keynote address delivered by Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, at the GTC Taipei 2026 annual technology conference in Taipei on June 1. Speaking to the media before the event, Chen noted that Kaohsiung has been collaborating with NVIDIA for more than three years through the Smart Kaohsiung Lighthouse Project. The initiative breaks down departmental silos and leverages multimodal AI technologies to integrate applications across transportation, water resources, environmental protection, and other areas of city governance, enabling model training and inference to help address a wide range of urban management challenges.

Chen added that Huang’s keynote highlighted the arrival of the Agentic AI and Physical AI era. As part of the Smart Kaohsiung Lighthouse Project, the city will continue integrating new AI tools and technologies. For example, AI systems can detect increases in traffic volume and congestion, simulate real-world scenarios, and connect directly with traffic signal systems. Combined with traffic management efforts by police officers and various Physical AI applications, these technologies can further enhance the efficiency of city governance.

Kaohsiung’s athletic achievements were also recognized at the meeting. The boys’ soccer team from Lujhu Senior High School captured second place in the boys’ division of the 2025 High School Football League (HFL) finals, emerging from a field of 27 teams. Meanwhile, the girls’ soccer team from Chung Shan Industrial and Commercial School also secured runner-up honors in the girls’ division, bringing distinction to Kaohsiung. Prior to the meeting, Mayor Chen publicly commended the players for their outstanding performance and presented subsidies in recognition of the dedication and hard work demonstrated by the athletes, coaches, and school communities.

Caption: The Department of Budget, Accounting and Statistics reported on the implementation status of fiscal year 2025 and 2026 capital expenditures. Mayor Chen Chi-mai urged all responsible agencies to accelerate project delivery so that municipal infrastructure projects can be completed as soon as possible and provide better services for residents.

After hearing the briefing, Mayor Chen Chi-mai instructed the Sports Development Bureau, Water Resources Bureau, and Environmental Protection Bureau to ensure water quality and river cleanliness prior to the event. He also asked the Environmental Protection Bureau and Tourism Bureau to maintain the cleanliness of surrounding venues, including the 228 Peace Memorial Park, while strengthening promotional efforts. This year's event will feature Olympic badminton double-gold medalist and Minister of Sports Lee Yang as a special guest supporter for Team Kaohsiung. Popular Korean cheerleader An Ji-hyun will also compete in the race for the first time, adding further excitement to the competition alongside teams from around the world.

Chen subsequently listened to a presentation from the Linyuan District Office regarding the 2026 Linyuan Traditional Dragon Boat Race. He emphasized the importance of safety measures, particularly for spectators along the waterfront and event participants. He also requested assistance from the Marine Bureau in coordinating the temporary relocation of fishing vessels and rafts to facilitate the smooth operation of the race and minimize disruption to fishing activities.

In light of unstable weather conditions brought about by the seasonal plum rain front, Chen instructed the Water Resources Bureau, Environmental Protection Bureau, Public Works Bureau, district offices, and other relevant agencies to strengthen disaster prevention and flood preparedness efforts. He directed departments to closely monitor rainfall conditions, landslide warning zones in mountainous areas, and flood-prone low-lying districts. Emphasizing Kaohsiung's principle of preparing for the worst-case scenario, Chen stated that evacuation measures would be activated immediately upon issuance of a yellow landslide alert. According to landslide warning information released by the Agency of Rural Development and Soil and Water Conservation under the Ministry of Agriculture, Kaohsiung has 68 landslide warning zones, including two designated large-scale landslide alert areas. All mountain-area residents subject to precautionary evacuation had completed relocation the previous evening, totaling 1,904 people.

To address potential flooding, Chen further instructed agencies to strengthen monitoring of floodgates, pumping stations, detention basins, and other flood-control facilities. He also requested that the Environmental Protection Bureau intensify drainage ditch cleaning in flood-prone areas while closely monitoring traffic conditions and water accumulation on major roadways, maintaining the highest level of readiness at all times. He reminded residents to stay informed about weather conditions and avoid recreational activities near coastlines and rivers during periods of severe weather.

Recognizing that post-rainfall conditions often lead to mosquito breeding, Chen directed disease prevention teams to carry out source reduction measures and community environmental cleanup efforts while strengthening public health education. Residents were encouraged to follow the "Inspect, Empty, Clean, and Scrub" approach to mosquito control.

The municipal administrative meeting also included a recognition ceremony honoring performing arts organizations selected for the 2026 Taiwan Top Annual Grant Program. The awardees included the Kaohsiung City Wind Orchestra, Counterpoint Ensemble, Hung Dance, B.DANCE, TOTAL Musical Theatre, Baroque Camerata, Hsu Chen Wei Dance Company, Ming Hua Yuan Tian Zi Art & Culture Group, Chun Mei Taiwanese Opera Troupe, SunHope Taiwanese Opera Troupe, Ming Hwa Yuan-the Ri Theatrical Troupe, Jin-Ing-Ger Puppet Troupe, and Double & Cross Theater Group.

Among them, the Kaohsiung Wind Orchestra, Counterpoint Chamber Ensemble, Hung Dance Production, and C Musical were also selected as Taiwan Top Annual Outstanding Performing Arts Groups for 2025.

Photo 1

Mayor Chen Chi-mai presides over the municipal administrative meeting, focusing on preparedness for the seasonal plum rain front. He emphasized planning for worst-case scenarios, adopting stringent response standards, and maintaining the highest level of readiness at all times. He also stressed event safety and environmental maintenance for the upcoming dragon boat races.

Photo 2

Mayor Chen Chi-mai presents awards to performing arts groups selected as Taiwan Top Annual Outstanding Performing Arts Groups for 2025 and recipients of the 2026 Taiwan Top Annual Grant Program.

Photos 3–4

The 2026 Kaohsiung Dragon Boat Festival and Dragon Boat Championships will feature Olympic badminton double-gold medalist and Minister of Sports Lee Yang as a special "Gold Medal Supporter" for Team Kaohsiung. Popular Korean cheerleader An Ji-hyun will also make her dragon boat racing debut this year.

The Transportation Bureau stated that bus drivers spend long hours every day concentrating on complex traffic conditions and passenger service, and these physical and mental stresses are often an unseen part of their daily work.To strengthen physical and mental care for bus drivers, the Transportation Bureau of Kaohsiung City Government is specially promoting this year’s initiative under the core theme of “Honoring the Five Hearts and Professional Craftsmanship: Steadily Advancing Every Mile, Safeguarding Every Heart.” By putting the “Five-Heart” spirit into practice, the program begins with drivers’ physical and mental recovery and comprehensively enhances occupational health and professional dignity.

The “Five Hearts” refer to: “attentiveness,” meaning focusing on road conditions and strictly maintaining driving safety; “compassion,” meaning serving passengers with disabilities and wheelchair users while warmly caring for every passenger; “comfort,” meaning relaxing through massage to relieve driver fatigue and provide higher-quality bus services; “honor,” meaning commending outstanding drivers and giving substantive recognition to the hard work and value of the driving profession; and “empathy,” meaning driving smoothly without sudden braking or abrupt stops, while fostering mutual understanding between passengers and drivers and jointly creating a friendly transportation environment.

The Transportation Bureau stated that the visually impaired massage service is being introduced first by arranging professional massage therapists to provide services at bus stations, allowing bus drivers to receive immediate and convenient stress-relief support before departing, between shifts, or during work breaks.

The Transportation Bureau explained that the visually impaired massage service program will be implemented from this year’s Labor Day through the end of December. Each week, visually impaired massage therapists will be engaged to provide services at 14 bus stations across the city, with an estimated 490 sessions to be offered. Bus drivers will not need to pay any fees and may flexibly arrange professional visually impaired massage services according to openings in their own schedules. One driver who had just completed duty and participated in the on-site experience said, “After the massage, not only was my stress completely released, but my heavy shoulders also became incredibly light, and I felt full of energy.”

The Kaohsiung City Bus Joint Management Committee stated that this program promoted by the Transportation Bureau uses professional massage services to relieve occupational shoulder and neck injuries caused by long hours of driving. It can effectively improve driving concentration and ensure passenger safety, serving as a key support for “preventive safety.” In addition, amid labor shortages in the industry, this substantive physical and mental care helps strengthen drivers’ professional identification and the attractiveness of the occupation, while establishing “professional dignity” and incentives for talent retention. Bus operators are also willing to provide additional subsidies and jointly support the initiative.

The Transportation Bureau emphasized that this program not only cares for drivers’ physical and mental health, but also expands employment fields and opportunities for visually impaired massage therapists. Under the name of the “Five Hearts,” the Bureau hopes to transform tense bus dispatch stations into warm professional recharge stations, ensuring that drivers are well cared for and that visually impaired professionals are recognized. This initiative will bring more warmth and care into Kaohsiung’s bus service environment, safeguarding every mile traveled by Kaohsiung citizens.

Since its establishment two and a half years ago, the Net Zero Institute has delivered more than 230 courses and trained over 8,500 participants. Mayor Chen noted that, following the National Sustainable Development Award and the City Governance Excellence Award presented by Commonwealth Magazine in 2024, as well as this year’s Green World Award, the Net Zero Institute has now received three major accolades. He stated that the latest recognition not only affirms the city government’s efforts but also serves as motivation to continue advancing its net-zero initiatives.

The meeting also featured a presentation by the Google team titled “Driving Smart Kaohsiung: Real-World Applications of an AI-Powered Municipal Brain.” Using practical examples such as responses to 1999 citizen service hotline inquiries, traffic accident investigations, and social welfare benefit integration, the team shared how artificial intelligence can expand the city government’s administrative capacity and improve both the efficiency and accuracy of public services.

Regarding a report presented by the Bureau of Cultural Affairs on the implementation results of Kaohsiung’s military dependents’ village cultural and creative parks, Mayor Chen noted that Kaohsiung preserves the largest area of military dependents’ villages in Taiwan. Initially revitalized through the “Housing for Preservation Program,” these historic communities were incorporated into the city’s Cultural and Creative Park Development Fund beginning in 2025, providing a more stable operational framework. He instructed the Bureau of Cultural Affairs to continue integrating military dependents’ village cultural resources across army, navy, and air force dependents’ communities, attract industry investment, enhance modern public facilities, and accelerate the revitalization of all military dependents’ villages to realize the vision of a “Military Dependents’ Village for a New Era.”

Addressing sexual harassment prevention and anti-bullying measures, Mayor Chen stressed that all city departments should strengthen prevention and awareness efforts. He further directed agencies to immediately activate investigation and protection mechanisms upon receiving reports and instructed responsible authorities to closely monitor case progress.
To implement heat mitigation measures and strengthen early warning systems, Mayor Chen pointed out that the city government has established the “Kaohsiung City Government High Temperature Response Plan.” The plan is activated when the Central Weather Administration issues an orange-level high-temperature alert. He instructed the Environmental Protection Bureau, Labor Affairs Bureau, Fire Department, Social Affairs Bureau, Education Bureau, and other relevant agencies to carry out response measures within their respective jurisdictions to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Mayor Chen also reminded all city departments that the municipal policy interpellation session concluded on May 25 and urged them to actively follow up on commitments made to city councilors during the session to further improve municipal governance.

According to the Department of Health, the city government has launched a cross-department hantavirus prevention initiative to strengthen rodent control efforts. Special emphasis is being placed on high-risk locations such as traditional markets, night markets, commercial districts, vendor stalls, and restaurants through environmental cleanup, rodent extermination, and disinfection operations. Expanded public health education campaigns are also being carried out, including the distribution of disease prevention and cleaning supplies such as bleach, along with visits to medical institutions to strengthen reporting mechanisms.

 
The Economic Development Bureau noted that there are currently no confirmed hantavirus cases in Kaohsiung. Moving forward, the bureau will continue intensifying market inspections and implementing the three core prevention principles: “Do not feed rodents, do not attract rodents, and do not allow rodents to nest.” The bureau will also strengthen the removal of accumulated debris to prevent rodent habitation, require vendors to properly store fresh food products to deter rodents from seeking food, and coordinate with the Department of Health to increase disinfection frequency while providing glue traps and other physical rodent control tools.

The Environmental Protection Bureau stated that rodent control agents have been distributed to district offices, with more than 2,200 boxes distributed between November 2025 and May 2026. Residents in need may obtain supplies from their local district offices. Future prevention efforts will focus primarily on environmental cleaning and drainage ditch dredging, supplemented by chemical control measures to comprehensively reduce rodent activity areas.

The Agriculture Bureau noted that the city government has partnered with fruit and vegetable companies and farmers’ associations to strengthen environmental cleaning and disinfection operations at wholesale produce markets while improving waste removal efficiency. As of May 4, inspections had been conducted at six fruit and vegetable markets, three meat markets, and two poultry markets, with cleaning completed at 11 sites and disinfection carried out 11 times. The Civil Affairs Bureau added that it will continue working with district offices, borough chiefs, and community volunteers to improve sanitation at community problem spots, while strengthening inspections and environmental improvements in rodent-prone areas such as markets and night markets.

 
The Public Works Bureau stated that it has strengthened environmental management and public education efforts at construction sites, requiring the regular removal of food waste and garbage, implementation of site disinfection, and inspection mechanisms. Five construction sites have already been inspected, with no signs of rodent activity detected thus far. The bureau will continue cooperating with disease prevention teams in ongoing inspections.

Caption 1:
Mayor Chen Chi-mai instructed relevant agencies to strengthen environmental cleaning and disinfection at markets and vendor areas, while enhancing rodent control efforts in surrounding areas to safeguard public health through comprehensive source management and environmental sanitation.

Caption 2:
According to the Department of Health, the city government has launched a cross-department hantavirus prevention initiative to strengthen rodent control efforts, particularly in high-risk areas through environmental cleanup, extermination, and disinfection operations, alongside expanded public health education campaigns, distribution of cleaning supplies such as bleach, and visits to medical institutions to strengthen reporting mechanisms.

Many citizens are familiar with the “chirping” or “cuckoo” sounds heard at intersections. These sounds serve as an “electronic navigation aid” for visually impaired pedestrians. The Transportation Bureau explained that audible pedestrian signals emit guidance sounds during the pedestrian green phase to help visually impaired users determine when it is safe to cross. Different sounds are used for different directions of travel—bird calls for east-west crossings, cuckoo calls for north-south crossings, and cricket sounds for exclusive pedestrian phases—enabling users to identify crossing directions and significantly reducing the risk of conflicts with vehicles.

The Transportation Bureau emphasized that installation sites are not selected at random, but are user-oriented. The Bureau has invited disability rights groups and academic experts to conduct on-site inspections, with planning based on the actual walking routes and needs of visually impaired pedestrians.

Priority installation sites for 2026 include arts and tourism hotspots, such as areas surrounding the Kaohsiung Music Center and National Stadium; transportation transfer hubs, including exits of major Kaohsiung Metro stations with high passenger volumes; and medical and social welfare facilities, including areas around institutions with ongoing rehabilitation or public service needs.

In response to public concerns regarding noise, the Transportation Bureau noted that current audible pedestrian signals are equipped with intelligent volume control, which automatically adjusts according to ambient sound levels, and include timer settings, such as reduced volume at night. This ensures that visually impaired pedestrians can clearly hear the signals while also maintaining the living quality of nearby residents.

The Transportation Bureau concluded, “Building an inclusive city must begin with attention to even the smallest footsteps.” Moving forward, the Bureau will continue expanding the coverage of audible pedestrian signals and calls on all road users to exercise greater patience and refrain from unnecessary horn use, working together with the city government to create a safe and friendly transportation environment in Kaohsiung.

Transportation Bureau Director-General Chang, Shu-Chuan stated that in the past, owners of medium and large dogs often found it difficult to take their dogs on buses due to size restrictions. For this trial service, Route 52A was specially selected because it passes Jhongjheng Dog Park. Dedicated “dog-friendly trips” will be provided on holidays. Owners only need to keep their dogs properly leashed to ride the bus together, making it easier for pets to go outdoors while helping Kaohsiung take another step toward becoming an animal-friendly city.

The Kaohsiung City Animal Protection Office also reminded the public that anyone leading a dog on the ground is deemed the dog’s owner. To maintain bus safety and protect the rights of other passengers, owners must comply with riding rules, including: one dog on the ground per person, bringing their own cleaning supplies, not allowing dogs to occupy seats, and refraining from feeding dogs on board. Owners should also pay attention to their dogs’ emotional condition and safety at all times and comfort them when necessary, so that all passengers can enjoy a comfortable ride.

【Trial Route and Service Information】 The dog-friendly bus will provide 22 round-trip services per day on holidays, including Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays:

Route 52A departures from MRT Weiwuying Station: 06:00, 07:15, 08:55, 11:00, 13:05, 14:45, 15:10, 16:40, 19:30, 20:50, 22:00

Route 52A departures from Kaohsiung Main Station: 06:20, 07:40, 09:20, 11:25, 13:30, 15:10, 15:35, 17:05, 19:55, 21:15, 22:25

The Transportation Bureau stated that relevant drivers have completed pet emergency response training. Dog-friendly trips will also display the words “Dog-Friendly Bus” on the vehicle for easy identification. Apart from the trial trips, regular buses will continue to require pets to be placed in carriers. The Bureau also hopes residents will show more understanding and patience toward furry passengers during the trial period, and encourages pet owners to jointly maintain a high-quality riding environment. Relevant service information is available on the official website of the Transportation Bureau, Kaohsiung City Government, or through the Kaohsiung i-Bus App.

According to the Bureau, the Circular Light Rail was fully opened on January 1, 2024, completing the loop. Phase 1 of the Gangshan–Lujhu Extension Line commenced operations in June 2024, while Phase 2 remains under construction. The Yellow Line is currently in detailed design and construction, and the Siaogang–Linyuan Line is underway for Phase 1, with Phase 2 scheduled to begin construction in August. The overall rail network is rapidly taking shape.

Mayor Chen instructed the Bureau to continue strict oversight of project timelines, ensuring construction quality and workplace safety while minimizing traffic disruptions. He also called for accelerated coordination between subsequent tendering and construction phases. In response to increasing ridership on the Circular Light Rail, he emphasized the need for procurement of additional rolling stock and optimized service scheduling to reduce headways and enhance overall service quality and transport efficiency.

Regarding joint development, 10 projects have been signed since 2020, with two additional projects expected to be completed this year. Upon completion of all 12 projects, they are expected to enhance services such as childcare, long-term care, and community support. Meanwhile, nine additional projects are currently in the investment solicitation phase. By 2030, total development revenue is projected to reach approximately NT$92 billion, providing substantial support for the non-self-liquidating portion of rail infrastructure funding. Chen further directed the MRT Bureau to strengthen investment attraction efforts, integrate public welfare facilities with urban development, and expand MRT ridership and overall benefits, thereby fulfilling the goal of leveraging transportation infrastructure to drive city development.

In addition, Chen issued several directives during the meeting. As temperatures rise, relevant authorities were instructed to enhance safety patrol mechanisms for water recreation areas and strengthen drowning prevention campaigns. With enterovirus season approaching and outpatient visits showing an upward trend, the Department of Health and Education Bureau were asked to reinforce sanitation and hygiene practices in schools and kindergartens, including proper handwashing.

In preparation for the upcoming flood season, the Water Resources Bureau and Environmental Protection Bureau were instructed to intensify sewer and drainage clearing operations and communicate progress to the public. Following recent intermittent rainfall, relevant agencies were also directed to strengthen environmental maintenance in markets, vacant lots and buildings, construction sites, parks, and schools to prevent mosquito breeding.

Captions

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai presided over the municipal administrative meeting on the 28th, where the MRT Bureau presented a special report on MRT development and joint development outcomes. Since taking office, Mayor Chen Chi-mai has actively advanced the “four lines advancing in parallel” strategy, successfully securing approval for 37 stations, 46.12 kilometers of network expansion, and a total planned investment of NT$395.4 billion.

The Labor Bureau’s report highlighted five key policy pillars: establishing communication platforms, enhancing occupational safety and disaster prevention, strengthening workforce matching services, creating friendly workplaces, and fostering union vitality. According to the bureau, shortly after Mayor Chen took office in 2020, the city established the Labor Self-Governance Committee to deepen dialogue among the city government, labor representatives, and academic experts. To date, the committee has reviewed 67 proposals, covering issues such as occupational accident prevention, traffic improvements around industrial parks, and enhancement of labor education quality.

Regarding occupational safety and health, the bureau noted that through a dual approach of labor inspections and workplace guidance, the number of fatal major occupational accidents in Kaohsiung fell from 49 cases in 2020 to 24 cases in 2025, a decline of 51 %. In addition, Kaohsiung is the only special municipality in Taiwan to receive the Ministry of Labor’s Excellence Award for occupational safety performance for two consecutive evaluation cycles.

The bureau also reported that Kaohsiung’s overall unemployment rate has continued to decline, falling from 3.8% in 2020 to 3.2% in 2025, the lowest among Taiwan’s six special municipalities and a record low since the city-county merger. As demand grows for older adults to remain in the workforce, Kaohsiung became the first city in Taiwan to establish a Senior Talents Service Hub. To date, the program has successfully placed more than 4,300 individuals, developed over 11,000 age-friendly job openings, and achieved a placement rate of 44.2 %.

In promoting inclusive workplaces, the bureau cited data showing that Kaohsiung’s 12 sheltered workshops provide 169 employment opportunities. In 2025, 19 sheltered employees successfully transitioned into the open labor market, representing a transition rate of over 13 %, above the national average. From 2024 to 2025, more than 99% of businesses in the city employing over 100 workers established nursing rooms, childcare facilities, or related support measures following the city government’s guidance efforts. The bureau further added that achievements in collective bargaining agreements and union participation in public welfare initiatives also demonstrate strong labor union engagement.

To celebrate Labor Day, the Labor Bureau has planned a series of events including a walking event, job fairs, and a side-hustle entrepreneurship expo. Details are available on the Kaohsiung City Government Labor Bureau Facebook page.

Prior to the meeting, Mayor Chen also presented certificates of appreciation to representatives of ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd. and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company in recognition of their generous sponsorship supporting the Kaohsiung Houjing Junior High School girls’ football team’s trip to Australia for competition.

Captions 1-2: The Labor Bureau presented a briefing on Kaohsiung’s labor policy achievements. Mayor Chen Chi-mai reminded relevant departments to conduct joint inspections, strengthen source-based occupational safety management, and ensure workplace safety for workers.

Captions 3-4: Mayor Chen Chi-mai presented certificates of appreciation in recognition of corporate generosity in sponsoring the Kaohsiung Houjing Junior High School girls’ football team’s trip to Australia for competition.

Captions 5-6: Members of the Kaohsiung Houjing Junior High School girls’ football team took the opportunity to happily pose for commemorative photos with Mayor Chen Chi-mai.

Kaohsiung City continues to advance digital transformation and service innovation in public transportation by officially launching the “NT$399 QR Monthly Pass Subscription” program. By linking a credit card, users can enable automatic monthly renewal and payment, eliminating the need to repurchase passes each month. A single subscription provides continuous access, significantly reducing the time and procedures required for ticket purchasing, and making public transportation more efficient and convenient.

To further enhance ticketing convenience, the Transportation Bureau has continuously optimized both purchasing and usage processes. In addition to the previously introduced 90-day quarterly pass, the Bureau now launches the NT$399 QR monthly pass subscription service. Once a credit card is linked, users can utilize their mobile phones to access unlimited public transportation services via QR code without the need for monthly repurchase, providing a more streamlined and time-saving experience.

In recent years, the Transportation Bureau has progressively refined the ticket purchasing process on the MeNGo platform. Previously, users holding physical cards were required to visit MRT stations or convenience stores to reload and renew their monthly passes. Now, through the MeNGo platform, users can complete the renewal process with a single tap on their mobile devices, without leaving home, significantly improving convenience and saving time.

The Transportation Bureau stated that the introduction of this public transportation subscription model marks a comprehensive shift toward fully digitalized periodic pass services in Kaohsiung. It enables citizens to access public transportation in a smarter and more convenient manner, while also demonstrating the City’s continued achievements in smart mobility and digital service innovation.

With the flood season approaching, the Water Resources Bureau and Environmental Protection Bureau presented their annual flood preparedness reports. Chen emphasized that relevant agencies must carry out drainage dredging operations, prioritizing low-lying flood-prone areas and key sections of regional drainage, secondary drainage systems, and stormwater sewers where sediment buildup is common. These works should be completed before the flood season. He also called for accelerated improvements to drainage bottlenecks and the construction of detention basins to ensure effective flood discharge.

Chen further directed the Water Resources Bureau and district offices to strengthen maintenance of pumping stations, ensure adequate staffing and fuel readiness, and make full use of smart monitoring systems to track water conditions in real time. Combined with efficient reporting mechanisms, these measures will enable rapid response and enhance overall flood control effectiveness.

The Environmental Protection Bureau reported that as of March 2026, inspections had been completed at 176 flood-prone locations citywide. A total of 1,592 kilometers of roadside drains have been dredged, removing 5,299 metric tons of sediment. During the flood season, additional efforts will focus on clearing debris and fallen leaves from drainage inlets and covers to maintain smooth water flow.

In response to concerns over the potential impact of China’s “ten preferential policies for Taiwan” on Kaohsiung’s industries, Mayor Chen stated in a pre-meeting interview that all international economic and trade exchanges involve risks and should not rely on unilateral commitments. Citing examples such as shrimp exports to Honduras and tourism cooperation with Japan, he emphasized that exchanges should be conducted on a government-to-government basis through equal and structured negotiations. Careful assessment and institutionalized mechanisms are essential to safeguard the interests of farmers, fishers, and tourism operators, while reducing investment risks caused by policy uncertainty and ensuring more stable industrial development.

Photo: Mayor Chen Chi-mai instructs relevant agencies during the municipal meeting to strengthen flood preparedness and food safety management.

In consideration of rising price levels and the continuous increase in the minimum wage in recent years, the current urban bus fare structure no longer reflects actual operating costs. In order to maintain the sustainable operation of urban bus services and improve service quality, the Kaohsiung City Bus Commercial Association proposed an adjustment to urban bus fares to the City Government in 2025. After reviewing 18 categories of reasonable operating costs for bus operators and referencing bus fares in the six special municipalities, the Transportation Bureau will adjust the discounted fares for section-based urban bus services (including medical shuttle buses, demand-responsive taxis operating as buses, and Happiness Buses) starting March 1, 2026. The new discounted fares will be NT$15 for a full fare and NT$8 for a half fare. Student fares paid with electronic cards will remain at NT$10, while cash payment will follow the full fare rate of NT$15.

The Transportation Bureau explained that Kaohsiung City announced the section-based urban bus fare structure in 2015 as “NT$18 for a full fare, NT$15 for a student fare, and NT$9 for a half fare.” However, at that time urban bus services had just entered the early stage of privatization. In order to encourage citizens to continue using public transportation, the City Government adopted a discounted fare policy, under which the actual fares charged were NT$12 for a full fare, NT$10 for a student fare (NT$12 for cash payment), and NT$6 for a half fare. These discounted fares have remained unchanged for more than 36 years since 1989.

However, according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the index increased from 93.30 in 2015 to 110.25 in December 2025, representing an increase of approximately 17%. Meanwhile, the monthly minimum wage increased from NT$20,008 in 2015 to NT$29,500 in 2026, representing an increase of approximately 50%. Bus operating costs have also risen significantly. As fares have remained unchanged for a long period, urban bus revenues have been insufficient and operating losses have gradually expanded year by year. In addition, with the recovery of ridership and passenger demand after the pandemic, bus operators have long faced challenges such as driver shortages and workforce aging, which have affected the expansion of routes and service frequency. These factors have become major operational challenges for urban bus services. The purpose of this fare adjustment is therefore to better reflect operating costs and improve the operating environment for bus operators.

Director Chang Shu-chuan of the Transportation Bureau stated that Kaohsiung City was the first in Taiwan to introduce the TPASS commuter monthly pass in 2023, including the NT$399 Kaohsiung urban commuter pass and the NT$999 Southern Kaohsiung–Pingtung commuter pass. Since its launch, the program has been widely supported by commuters and students, and most users have developed the habit of purchasing and using the monthly pass. Monthly sales have now stabilized at more than 100,000 passes. In addition, for residents registered in Kaohsiung City who are aged 65 or above, as well as persons with disabilities, the Social Affairs Bureau provides social welfare cards and welfare points that allow them to ride urban buses free of charge or at discounted rates. Student fares paid with electronic cards will also remain unchanged at NT$10. Therefore, the three major groups of urban bus users in Kaohsiung—senior citizens, commuting and student passengers, and frequent urban bus users—will not be affected by this fare adjustment.

The Transportation Bureau further noted that the adjusted fares will be the same as those in the Taipei metropolitan area, while still remaining lower than those in most other cities and counties. The additional fare revenue will be fully used to improve driver salaries and employment benefits. In line with the City Government’s policy support, urban bus drivers will receive an additional monthly salary increase of NT$5,000 this year. The City Government also hopes that citizens will continue to make greater use of public transportation and green mobility, working together to build a safe, sustainable, and net-zero city.

The new discounted bus fare scheme is summarized in the table below:

Chen explained that following the current administration’s inauguration, the Finance Bureau establishd a dedicated PPP Promotion Committee, chaired by Deputy Mayor Lin Chin-rong. By incorporating insights from external experts and academics, the city has strengthened project evaluation, including financial modeling and investment conditions, thereby enhancing project quality and attractiveness. These efforts have successfully drawn increased private sector participation in public infrastructure, with results continuing to emerge.

The Finance Bureau added that Kaohsiung’s PPP investment in 2025 reached NT$111.6 billion, marking a new historical high while maintaining the city’s top national ranking. Looking ahead to 2026, 10 projects have already secured investment, with one project currently open for tender and six additional projects scheduled for announcement in the second quarter. The city government will continue refining its investment promotion strategies and work across departments to sustain strong performance.

In addition, in preparation for the upcoming flood season, Mayor Chen instructed the Water Resources Bureau to strengthen drainage system dredging and conduct comprehensive inspections of flood control facilities. The Environmental Protection Bureau was also directed to ensure proper clearing of roadside drains to prevent blockages caused by fallen leaves, while district offices were tasked with preparing flood control supplies in advance to enhance emergency response capacity.

The meeting also invited ASE Technology Holding to share insights on trends in advanced semiconductor packaging and silicon photonics. The city government will continue to strengthen engagement and collaboration with industry stakeholders, stay attuned to key industry developments, and lay a solid foundation for Kaohsiung’s industrial upgrading and long-term urban development.
 

Captions 1–2: Mayor Chen Chi-mai listens to the Finance Bureau’s report on PPP investment outcomes during the municipal administrative meeting and affirms the city government’s achievements in promoting PPP projects.

Caption 3: Representatives from ASE Technology share insights on trends in advanced semiconductor packaging and silicon photonics, as the city government continues to deepen collaboration with industry and stay abreast of key developments.
 

To bring the excitement to an even wider audience, the Bureau will also host pop-up promotional events on April 1 and 2, offering children the chance to meet the dinosaurs up close and enjoy interactive encounters ahead of the main event. Chen noted that the city has planned a wide range of engaging activities at Weiwuying for the Children’s Day holiday. He also instructed the Education Bureau to closely monitor weather conditions and ensure effective crowd management and surrounding traffic flow during the event.

The meeting also included a special report on net zero emissions presented by the Environmental Protection Bureau, covering topics such as ISO 14064-1 greenhouse gas inventories, ISO 14064-2 project-based reduction initiatives, and the role of carbon pricing in driving industrial emissions reductions. Chen emphasized that, with regard to carbon fee policies, the Environmental Protection Bureau should continue assisting local industries in developing and implementing voluntary reduction plans to achieve substantive emissions reductions and qualify for preferential rates. He further instructed all departments to cooperate with training initiatives led by the Environmental Protection Bureau to ensure that key personnel obtain relevant certification, thereby embedding a culture of net zero and sustainability within the city government.

Photo 1: Mayor Chen Chi-mai invites visitors from across the country to gather in Kaohsiung during the Children’s Day holiday to experience lifelike dinosaur stage performances up close and enjoy a festival full of imagination and surprises.

Photo 2: The Education Bureau presents the “Dinosaur Cool Park” program at the municipal meeting, highlighting the debut Taiwan performance by Japan’s DINO-A-LIVE troupe.

Photos 3–6: During the Children’s Day event, Weiwuying will be transformed into a prehistoric-themed “Dinosaur Grassland,” featuring multiple lifelike animatronic dinosaurs and immersive scenic installations, allowing visitors to step into a prehistoric world and capture memorable photos.

During the meeting, the Sports Development Bureau delivered a special report on the progress of the Kaohsiung Sports Center program. The report noted that overall usage increased significantly, rising from 1.31 million visits in 2024 to 2.15 million visits in 2025. For administrative districts that do not yet have a sports center, the city has introduced mobile fitness vans that travel to rural and remote communities, offering exercise services for older adults. These mobile units serve more than 30 community locations annually and provide structured exercise programs designed to improve muscle strength and endurance among seniors. The program served approximately 3,500 participants in 2024 and 4,500 participants in 2025. With the addition of a second mobile fitness van this year, service capacity is expected to double. As newly constructed sports centers gradually begin operations, Kaohsiung’s sports facility network will become increasingly comprehensive.

The municipal administrative meeting also approved a supplementary budget proposal and advance payment appropriations to be submitted to the City Council for review. The supplementary budget focuses on three key priorities. First, to support families and reduce the financial burden on parents, the city will provide free nutritious lunches at all public junior high and elementary schools, benefiting approximately 190,000 students citywide. The supplementary budget for this measure exceeds NT$1.1 billion.
Second, the city will significantly expand benefits under the Senior Citizen Card program, increasing the allowance to 600 points per month to make transportation and daily activities more convenient for older residents. 

Beginning in July this year, the annual allowance of 1,200 points will be replaced with 600 points per month, supported by a supplementary budget of approximately NT$160 million. In addition to the increased allowance, the program will also expand eligible uses to include registration fees at public municipal hospitals and health centers, while the point deduction for contracted taxi services will be increased to 85 points per trip, further improving daily mobility and convenience for seniors.

Third, in response to tariff pressures and global economic impacts, city departments have proposed a range of support measures accompanied by additional funding. These initiatives will assist groups including farmers, fishermen, traditional industries, and market vendors, while also strengthening employment support for young people. In addition, advance payment appropriations totaling more than NT$80 million from the previous fiscal year will also be submitted to the City Council for review.

A series of major events will take place in Kaohsiung starting in mid-March, including the Kaohsiung Sakura Festival, the “Mazu Escort! Straw Hat Pirates Parade,” and the Megaport Festival. Mayor Chen instructed relevant departments to assist with traffic management and actively promote city marketing efforts to stimulate Kaohsiung’s economy. In response to recent workplace safety incidents, the city government will also strengthen occupational safety measures and require businesses to reinforce workplace safety management in order to reduce occupational accidents.

Before the meeting, Finance Bureau Director-General Lee Chiung-hui took the oath of office. Mayor Chen also presented awards to 20 borough chiefs who have served for more than 30 years, recognizing them with the 2025 Third-Class Interior Affairs Professional Medal of the Ministry of the Interior in appreciation of their long-standing dedication and contributions to public service.

Captions 1–3
The municipal administrative meeting approved a supplementary budget proposal and advance payment appropriations for submission to the City Council, including measures such as free nutritious lunches at public junior high and elementary schools, increased Senior Citizen Card allowances, and support programs to address tariff-related impacts.

Caption 4
Mayor Chen Chi-mai presented the 2025 Third-Class Interior Affairs Professional Medal of the Ministry of the Interior to borough chiefs in recognition of their long-standing service and dedication to grassroots municipal governance.

Caption 5
Finance Bureau Director-General Lee Chiung-hui took the oath of office during the municipal administrative meeting.

Emphasizing the importance of citizens’ health and daily well-being, Mayor Chen also reviewed the current situation and response measures related to enterovirus, dengue fever, and hantavirus. With schools having recently resumed classes, he instructed the Department of Health to continue monitoring outbreaks of viral gastroenteritis. He also asked the Education Bureau to strengthen public awareness campaigns on preventing norovirus and enterovirus infections, encouraging frequent handwashing and proper environmental disinfection. In addition, teachers and students returning from Southeast Asia should carry out two weeks of self-health management, and those experiencing suspected dengue symptoms should suspend work or classes and seek medical screening promptly.

Regarding hantavirus prevention, Mayor Chen directed the Economic Development Bureau and the Agriculture Bureau to continue strengthening environmental cleanup, bleach disinfection, and rodent control in high-risk areas such as markets, vendor areas, night markets, and commercial districts. He also asked the Civil Affairs Bureau, Department of Health, and Environmental Protection Bureau to promote the “Three Nos for Rodent Prevention” campaign: no entry for rodents, no shelter for rodents, and no food for rodents, in order to maintain sanitation in daily living environments, reduce disease transmission risks, and eliminate rodent infestations.

Meanwhile, Kaohsiung continues to host a wide range of exciting events. Following the successful conclusion of Kaohsiung Wonderland, Mayor Chen thanked the Tourism Bureau and participating agencies for their efforts. He also highlighted the globally anticipated 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC). From March 5 to March 8, the Sports Development Bureau and the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying) will jointly host live broadcast events at Weiwuying Banyan Plaza. For the March 6 game against Japan, which will take place in the evening, the main cheering stage at Weiwuying will be relocated to the outdoor lawn area to enhance the viewing atmosphere. A dual-screen cheering setup will also be introduced so that more fans can join in the excitement. In addition, to rally support across the entire city, a second cheering venue will be set up for the first time at the southern plaza of the Kaohsiung National Stadium. On March 6, Kaohsiung will adopt a dual-venue cheering mode, with the TSG Wing Stars cheerleading squad joining fans in the city to create the most passionate baseball viewing event in southern Taiwan and cheer on Team Taiwan together.

Mayor Chen said that the games are expected to be thrilling matchups and noted that a 400-inch giant screen will be used for live broadcasts. He emphasized that the atmosphere of cheering together at a live viewing event is completely different from watching at home. He also remarked that one of baseball’s greatest charms is that the outcome remains uncertain until the final out of the ninth inning. He expressed confidence that the Taiwanese team will demonstrate strong teamwork and skill, strive for excellent results, and invited citizens to come together to support and cheer for Team Taiwan.

Photo Captions

1. At the municipal administrative meeting on March 3rd, the Social Affairs Bureau and the Department of Health presented reports on Kaohsiung’s gender equality initiatives and epidemic prevention efforts. Mayor Chen Chi-mai emphasized placing gender equality governance at the core of policymaking and addressing the differing needs of various genders and diverse groups. He also instructed relevant bureaus and departments to continue monitoring enterovirus, dengue fever, and hantavirus while strengthening public awareness of disease prevention measures to reduce transmission risks.

2. Mayor Chen Chi-mai invited citizens to gather in Kaohsiung to watch the live broadcasts of the globally anticipated 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) and cheer on Team Taiwan together.

The widely popular Kaohsiung Wonderland will conclude during the upcoming 228 Peace Memorial Day holiday weekend, with a series of highlight activities continuing until then. Ultraman-themed lanterns will be distributed at the event venue. In line with the event theme, the Youth Bureau has launched the “Kaohsiung Youth Defense Team” at Pier-2 Art Center’s Pier 3, bringing together quality youth entrepreneurship brands to create a parent-child craft market. Meanwhile, the Sports Development Bureau has organized interactive sports challenge experiences, inviting families to participate in fun activities and enjoy an energetic weekend together. Mayor Chen encouraged the public to take advantage of the remaining event period and asked the Police Department, Transportation Bureau, and Environmental Protection Bureau to continue maintaining traffic order and environmental cleanliness.

During today’s municipal administrative meeting, the Transportation Bureau delivered a report on the application of smart transportation technologies. Through big data integration and cloud computing, the city has established a next-generation smart transportation platform capable of predicting traffic speeds up to two hours in advance and monitoring real-time conditions of more than 5,000 roadside devices. A total of 227 AI-enabled traffic signal intersections are expected to be completed by the end of this year to comprehensively improve traffic flow. Mayor Chen also tasked the Transportation Bureau to utilize “sovereign AI” as the core driving force for smart traffic governance, ensuring completion of smart signal infrastructure by year-end. He further urged continued efforts to secure support from central government agencies and private-sector partners to enhance transportation platform services and ensure technology delivers tangible improvements to citizens’daily lives.

Meanwhile, the 2025 Census of Agriculture, Forestry, Fishery, and Animal Husbandry will commence in April. From April 10 to June 30, surveys will be conducted covering approximately 86,000 operators citywide. A dedicated census office will be established on March 2, with the mayor serving as Census Director. The three largest census areas are Meinong, Lujhu, and Daliao, and the survey scope will include smart production practices and industrial transformation trends. Mayor Chen Chi-mai stated that the census aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current development of related industries across the city. The resulting statistics will serve as an important basis for the city government in formulating future policy directions and development plans. He also instructed relevant agencies to fully cooperate and carry out the census in accordance with the schedule and division of responsibilities established by the Department of Budget, Accounting and Statistics.

Prior to the municipal administrative meeting, Mayor Chen personally commended four organizations — Taiwan Land Bank Sanmin Branch, Kang Zheng Hotel Co., Ltd. (Zhanqian Branch), PX Mart Co., Ltd. Lingya Zhongzheng First Branch, and the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation Fengshan Liaison Office — for receiving the Ministry of the Interior National Land Management Agency’s 2025 Excellence Award in the Supervision of Accessible Living Environments in Public Buildings (Metropolitan Category).

Photo Captions

1. Mayor Chen Chi-mai thanked personnel across various agencies for their dedication during the Lunar New Year holiday, acknowledging their hard work in maintaining public services. He encouraged municipal agency directors and district chiefs to continue giving their full effort in the final year of his term, serving citizens and advancing city development.

2. The Transportation Bureau presented a report on smart transportation applications during the municipal administrative meeting. Through big data integration and cloud computing, a next-generation smart transportation platform has been established, with 227 AI-enabled signalized intersections scheduled for completion by the end of this year to further improve traffic flow.

3. Mayor Chen Chi-mai personally presented certificates of commendation to four private-sector organizations that received the Ministry of the Interior National Land Management Agency’s 2025 Excellence Award in the Supervision of Accessible Living Environments in Public Buildings (Metropolitan Category).
 

With the approach of the nine-day Lunar New Year holiday, the Civil Affairs Bureau, Tourism Bureau, Public Works Bureau, Labor Affairs Bureau, and Department of Health delivered briefings on environmental maintenance at key locations including major roads, tourist attractions, parks, and green spaces, as well as reports on occupational safety inspections during year-end maintenance, as well as epidemic prevention measures. Mayor Chen instructed relevant departments to strengthen site management and facility maintenance, continue environmental cleaning and lawn upkeep, and provide a high-quality recreational environment for the public.

Regarding public safety, the city government has integrated public and private sector resources to safeguard worker safety. Kaohsiung is the only special municipality to have received the Ministry of Labor’s Excellence Award for “Performance Evaluation of Occupational Safety and Health Promotion in Government Agencies” for two consecutive terms. In 2025, the number of fatalities from major occupational accidents declined to 24, the lowest since Mayor Chen took office and the lowest since the county-city merger, demonstrating concrete results in advancing occupational safety. In response to the anticipated increase in temporary operations such as year-end maintenance, cleanup, and rush construction before the holiday, the Labor Affairs Bureau will continue supervising businesses to ensure operational safety. With regard to medical and epidemic preparedness, the Department of Health reminded the public to guard against norovirus, hantavirus, and dengue fever. The Department will continue monitoring emergency room capacity, strengthening reporting mechanisms at medical institutions, conducting environmental cleanup and disinfection, and carrying out rodent control measures. Inspections of markets, temples, tourist attractions, and construction sites will be completed before the Lunar New Year to prevent standing water and mosquito breeding, safeguarding public health.

Photo 1
Mayor Chen Chi-mai thanked TS Financial Holding Co., Ltd. for donating funds to support Jianshan Elementary School in Taoyuan District for its educational exchange trip to the United States.

Photo 2
At the municipal administrative meeting, Huang Tai-hsiang of Houjing Junior High School was commended for winning the junior high school 3-kilometer championship and setting a new event record at the 74th New Year Race Walk in Tokyo in 2026.

Photo 3
Mayor Chen Chi-mai reviewed parking arrangements and environmental readiness in areas surrounding the 2026 Kaohsiung Wonderland, instructing relevant municipal agencies to ensure proper site maintenance so that the public may fully enjoy the festive atmosphere.

The Transportation Bureau stated that the four newly installed intersections represent the City’s first corridor-wide application of a proactive broadcasting system, which differs from traditional push-button-activated audible signals. Under this design, the system automatically emits audible cues during the pedestrian-crossing phase, enabling persons with visual impairments to receive directional guidance without the need to physically activate a device. In addition, the system allows for time-based volume adjustment, increasing sound levels during daytime peak-noise periods and automatically lowering the volume at night to balance pedestrian safety with the living environment of nearby residents.

This installation adopts wireless pedestrian signal transmission modules, effectively preventing the need for conventional road excavation or additional pole installation. Notably, the intersections at Heping/Tongcing and Heping/Linde are the first in the City to introduce a “cricket-chirp” audible tone for the pedestrian-exclusive phase. This provides an alternative to existing audible cues such as the cuckoo sound (indicating north-south crossings) and bird-chirping sound (indicating east-west crossings), offering clearer orientation and enhancing crossing safety and convenience for persons with visual impairments.

The Transportation Bureau noted that this installation corridor is adjacent to key facilities including MRT stations, the Cultural Center, Wufu Junior High School, and National Kaohsiung Normal University. Priority installation locations were determined in coordination with local organizations for persons with visual impairments and the City Government’s Committee for the Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the final sites were selected following thorough consultation with local stakeholders. The Bureau expressed appreciation for the support and recommendations provided by all participating parties. Moving forward, the Bureau will continue gathering public feedback, reviewing installation criteria, and progressively expanding the deployment of Audible Pedestrian Signals for Persons with Visual Impairments, advancing toward a safer and more inclusive traffic environment.

Chien stated that he was honored to receive the commendation and encouraged the public to act bravely when facing emergencies, while also emphasizing the importance of personal safety. He reminded fellow citizens that in similar situations, they should prioritize their own safety and contact the police as soon as possible. Chien’s father, who accompanied him at the ceremony, said he was proud of his son’s actions and noted that such conduct reflects the sense of responsibility of conscientious citizens. He also used the occasion to remind his son to respond to similar incidents in the future with even greater caution and sound judgment.

Recalling the incident, Fengshan Junior High School student Chiang said that while riding a bicycle home, he noticed an older adult with disabilities at a pedestrian crossing and became concerned about the person’s safety. He therefore dismounted and walked alongside the individual to assist him safely across the street. Chiang’s mother said she was deeply moved when she first received a message from her son’s homeroom teacher. She noted that her child has always been kind and considerate, and that having received help from many caring individuals over the years, he has learned the value of helping others unconditionally.

During the same municipal administrative meeting, the Public Works Bureau also delivered a briefing titled “Special Report on Response Strategies for Surplus Construction Earth and Stone in Kaohsiung City.” Mayor Chen stated that, in response to challenges related to the disposal of surplus construction materials, the city government has proactively formulated concrete countermeasures and implementation plans. He instructed the Public Works Bureau to strengthen communication with relevant industry stakeholders and to continue enforcing the city’s management measures for construction surplus soil, including promoting land preparation projects at the Port of Kaohsiung to accept earth and stone, streamlining transportation procedures, and fully implementing electronic manifests and GPS tracking mechanisms. These measures aim to ensure orderly disposal, traceable material flows, and the safeguarding of environmental sustainability.

On the same day, the City Government also invited the Metal Industries Research and Development Centre (MIRDC) to deliver a keynote briefing on the impact of tariff measures under Section 232 of the U.S. Trade Expansion Act on the fastener industry. MIRDC noted that, overall, the impact of the Section 232 tariffs on Taiwan’s fastener sector constitutes structural cost pressure rather than a comprehensive loss of market share. Given the limited production capacity in the United States, Taiwan manufacturers’ continued control of key distribution channels, and the strong emphasis placed on quality and supply reliability in mid- to high-end applications, Taiwan’s fastener industry is expected to retain a competitive foundation in the short term. Current government policy tools are therefore focused on helping the industry accelerate transformation, diversify risk, and upgrade its overall industrial structure.

Drawing on her extensive experience in the airline industry, Ms. Kung guided participants to reflect on the question: “What makes good service?” She emphasized that safety and comfort are fundamental, but attitude and empathy are the true differentiators. A simple smile, a kind greeting, or a proactive gesture can greatly enhance passengers’ experiences and make public transportation feel warmer and more considerate.

During the session, bus drivers also shared their own service stories. A driver from E-Da Bus Company, Mr. Chu, recounted assisting a mother and child who were waiting for a hotel shuttle at an intermediate stop—he took the initiative to contact the hotel reception and remind the shuttle driver to look out for them, earning heartfelt appreciation from the passengers. Another driver from Kaohsiung Bus Company, Mr. Chien, described feeling discouraged after being misunderstood by a passenger while giving a safety reminder, which was perceived as poor attitude. Through the instructor’s guidance, these real-life cases helped drivers learn how to balance firmness in ensuring safety with a more empathetic and tactful communication style—achieving service that is “caring without intrusion.”

Director-General Chang Shu-chuan of the Transportation Bureau noted that this is the first event in Taiwan to introduce flight attendants’ service experience into a bus industry training program. The initiative encourages drivers to view service and emotional management from new perspectives. She further emphasized that bus drivers shoulder heavy responsibilities—ensuring safety while meeting passengers’ needs—and asked the public to understand that a driver’s firm tone is often for safety reasons. She also encouraged citizens to offer more positive feedback to drivers, helping them stay motivated and cheerful in their work.

The Transportation Bureau hopes that through this cross-industry exchange, Kaohsiung’s bus services will continue to blend professionalism with warmth, providing not only safe and reliable transportation but also allowing every passenger to feel the “heartwarming” spirit of Kaohsiung’s bus service with every ride.

During the meeting, the Tourism Bureau outlined the series of activities planned for 2026 Kaohsiung Wonderland, along with related traffic management measures. The event will take place from February 7 to March 1. This year’s curatorial theme, “Ultraman Descends upon the Harbor City,” features the beloved Japanese classic IP hero Ultraman, celebrating his 60th anniversary. Two large-scale themed inflatable installations will make their debut at Love River Bay. In addition to the landmark installations, the Tourism Bureau and other departments are organizing character meet-and-greet sessions, nighttime light shows, pop-up stores, and a wide range of interactive activities. Together, these elements will create an “Ultraman Celebration” that blends harbor scenery, urban festivity, and family-friendly entertainment, bringing lively winter cheer to Kaohsiung.

Mayor Chen noted that this marks the third consecutive year of collaboration between the city government and Taiwan International Ports Corporation. During the event, Kaohsiung Port Piers 16 to 18 will once again be transformed into a waterfront amusement zone, creating a warm and inviting winter festival atmosphere. With exciting programs scheduled every week, the public is invited to experience Kaohsiung’s distinctive harbor tourism appeal. He also instructed the Transportation Bureau, Police Department, Environmental Protection Bureau, and other relevant agencies to fully support the event by carefully planning traffic flow and maintaining the surrounding environment, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors. The Tourism Bureau was further tasked with coordinating early-stage promotional efforts together with relevant partners.

In addition, the Department of Health presented a special report on AI-assisted mental health services, outlining the city’s current initiatives and future development plans for applying AI technology to psychological support services in response to residents’ mental health needs. Mayor Chen directed the Department of Health to place citizens’ needs at the center of these efforts, developing AI-based mental health services into a long-term, trusted, and sustainable public support platform. He also asked Deputy Mayor Lo Ta-sheng and the Research, Development and Evaluation Commission to assist in continuously refining service content, strengthening localized applications, and enhancing professional review mechanisms to ensure service quality and public trust.

Photo Captions

1. Mayor Chen Chi-mai announced that 2026 Kaohsiung Wonderland will open on February 7, featuring the first-ever appearance of Ultraman, the iconic Japanese IP hero beloved across generations, at Love River Bay.

2. From February 7 to March 1, Ultraman will appear at Love River Bay and at Piers 16 to 18 of Kaohsiung Port.

3. The pier-side amusement park features mechanical rides and inflatable attractions especially popular with children (file photo).

Mayor Chen noted that, across 18 government-led urban renewal projects promoted along rail corridors under the city’s TOD strategy, cumulative private investment has reached NT$195.5 billion, delivering substantial results. In 2025, three government-led urban renewal projects have already broken ground. In 2026, one project is expected to be completed, and seven projects are scheduled to begin construction. Mayor Chen instructed all responsible agencies to urge project implementers to advance work in accordance with the approved timelines. He also called for continued use of the existing government-led urban renewal progress-tracking platform to coordinate and integrate administrative reviews, approvals, and interagency coordination, ensuring smooth and timely implementation.

With the Lunar New Year holiday approaching, Mayor Chen reminded relevant agencies that the pre-holiday period is a peak season for factory annual maintenance shutdowns, accelerated construction schedules, and year-end banquets. He instructed the Labor Affairs Bureau, Public Works Bureau, Transportation Bureau, Police Department, and other agencies to step up workplace safety inspections, road safety measures, drunk-driving enforcement, and public security efforts. He also tasked the Economic Development Bureau, Fire Bureau, and Public Works Bureau to continue strengthening safety inspections for public venues.

As residents begin purchasing Lunar New Year goods, Mayor Chen directed the Agriculture Bureau and Marine Bureau to intensify promotion of the city’s high-quality agricultural specialty products and seafood. He also instructed the Economic Development Bureau to work with business districts and local merchants to strengthen marketing efforts, while maintaining cleanliness and order in commercial areas. For seasonal food items such as Lunar New Year provisions, he asked the city’s food safety task force to continue strengthening inspections. In addition, Mayor Chen directed the Education Bureau to remind schools to enhance public awareness campaigns on anti-fraud measures and the prevention of substance abuse. He also urged students to carefully assess risks and remain mindful of personal safety when taking part-time jobs or leisure activities during winter break.

Mayor Chen further noted that, to ensure knowledge transfer and effective execution, agencies should adopt dedicated teams or task-force structures. He requested that relevant personnel receive priority training at the Net Zero Institute, and directed agencies to deliver preliminary results for their carbon credit plans by the end of June this year, with a results presentation to be held in July.

With the Lunar New Year holidays approaching, Mayor Chen asked all agencies to plan ahead for outreach to civic groups and outreach activities for frontline staff, and to invite senior city officials to join these visits as appropriate. He also instructed responsible agencies to complete final wrap-up work on ongoing construction projects before the holiday period. For projects that cannot be completed in time, agencies should at least finish key phase-based work, while strengthening site safety management and maintaining cleanliness in surrounding areas.

Given unstable winter temperatures, Mayor Chen directed the Social Affairs Bureau and district offices to continue proactive outreach to seniors living alone, people experiencing homelessness, and other vulnerable groups, and to provide assistance in a timely manner. In addition, noting that aquaculture may face delayed cold damage, he asked the Marine Bureau to maintain close communication with fishermen’s associations and monitor any potential losses so that support can be provided promptly.

 

Photo caption1-2:

The Kaohsiung City Government held a municipal administrative meeting on the 13th at the Net Zero Institute. After receiving briefings on the city’s carbon credit flagship plan, Mayor Chen Chi-mai also called for continued outreach to seniors living alone, people experiencing homelessness, and other vulnerable groups, with timely assistance when needed.

In response to the unfortunate traffic accident that occurred today (the 18th) on Jianguo Road in Sanmin District, in which an elderly driver drove against traffic and crossed lanes, the Transportation Bureau emphasizes that while road conditions can change in an instant, physical risk is the most difficult and dangerous factor to prevent. Senior drivers are more prone to misjudgment due to age-related vision deterioration or sudden physical discomfort, which may result in irreversible tragedies causing injury or loss of life to themselves or others.

The Transportation Bureau explained that physical discomfort can be more fatal than road conditions. Common issues among older adults include chronic illnesses as well as declines in vision and reaction time. Symptoms such as dizziness, chest tightness, hypoglycemia, or drowsiness caused by medication may lead to a sudden loss of vehicle control. Elderly drivers are urged to ask themselves before setting out, “Am I fit to drive today?” If feeling unwell, they should switch to public transportation, take a taxi, or ask family members for assistance. Family members are also encouraged to step in and dissuade driving when necessary.

Regarding traffic safety for senior road users, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications is promoting a new graded and supportive senior license renewal policy, scheduled to take effect in May 2026. Under this policy, drivers aged 70 and above will be included in a care-based license renewal program, which includes health examinations and free traffic safety education. Eligible drivers are advised to follow notifications issued by motor vehicle offices.

The Transportation Bureau further calls on families to pay close attention to the physical health of elderly family members, to show care and concern regarding their safety when driving or riding, and to remind them to comply with traffic signs, markings, and signals, and to avoid wrong-way driving or lane crossing, so as to prevent irreparable tragedies and jointly safeguard road traffic safety.

The Water Resources Bureau further noted that by 2026, five additional flood detention ponds are expected to be completed, increasing the total number from 26 to 31, with total detention capacity projected to reach 5.78 million metric tons, further strengthening flood mitigation. Mayor Chen instructed the Water Resources Bureau to continue advancing drainage improvement projects, extending from northern to southern Kaohsiung and covering coastal areas as well, to comprehensively enhance the drainage system and build a safer and more resilient city.

The Bureau also reported that the Nanzih and Ciaotou reclaimed water plants are key projects for strengthening industrial water supply resilience. Construction of the Nanzih plant commenced in 2025, while the Ciaotou plant is scheduled to supply 30,000 metric tons of reclaimed water per day in 2026, with expansion to 35,000 metric tons per day in 2027. Mayor Chen emphasized the importance of completing these projects on schedule and to high quality standards to ensure sustainable reclaimed water management. He also directed continued efforts to improve riverbank landscapes and water quality, creating more accessible and enjoyable waterfront spaces for residents.

In preparation for the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday, Mayor Chen reminded relevant departments to enhance the appearance of major gateways and connecting roads, with particular attention to landscaping quality, vegetation maintenance, and upkeep of road facilities. He also instructed agencies to strengthen inspections and cleanliness at major scenic areas, while ensuring comprehensive public safety and traffic arrangements.

Director-General Chang Shu-Chuan stated that Shared Kaohsiung GO first launched in Meinong District in 2022 and has since expanded to two additional districts annually. To date, the service has been provided in six districts, delivering more than 260,000 passenger trips. Over 70% of all passengers are made by students commuting to school and older adults traveling for medical care or long-term care needs, while other trips include daily shopping and visiting friends. The Liouguei District Shared Kaohsiung GO even awarded the Gold Transport Award from the Highway Bureau, MOTC for 2025, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving mobility autonomy and happiness felling in rural areas.

The Transportation Bureau has completed demand assessments in Tauyuan and Namasia this year and has now begun trial operations. During the trial period, passengers will be provided free of charge, and rolling review service will be made based on actual local needs. The service is scheduled to enter official operations in early 2026. Director Chang emphasized that with the addition of Tauyuan and Namasia, the entire neighboring Cishan and Meinong mountain areas is now fully covered by the Shared Kaohsiung GO network, achieving a 100% service coverage rate and fulfilling the Kaohsiung City Government’s goal of advancing transportation equity in rural communities.

Tauyuan and Namasia cover vast mountainous areas with highly dispersed populations, making it challenging for conventional bus services to concentrate headways or design routes that do not excessively detour to accommodate scattered needs. After reviewing local travel demands and service capacity, the Transportation Bureau adopted a point-to-point reservation model to better meet community mobility needs. This approach allows passengers to reach their destinations in the most direct manner while paying only standard bus fares, thereby enhancing the efficiency of rural public transportation.

The Transportation Bureau explained that Shared Kaohsiung GO adopts a reservation-based system, allowing passengers to board and alight at any point within the designated service zone. Residents may make trip reservations through familiar local offices—such as district offices, household registration offices, village offices, hospitals, clinics, schools, long-term care stations, and community care centers—or by calling the toll-free hotline 0800-660-696 or through the official LINE account “高市交通局高雄GO.” More information is available on the Transportation Bureau of Kaohsiung City Government website (https://www.tbkc.gov.tw) or the Shared Kaohsiung GO website (https://www.khgo.net/Meinong/WebPage/PublicWebModule/pagMeinongmotc.aspx).

Responsible Unit:

Transportation Supervision Division

Division Chief Wang Wei-Che

0933-088-533

Centered on themes of passion, youth, and romance, the “2026 Kaohsiung Hi Party” reflects the city’s readiness to usher in the new year with a rich and vibrant program. The City Government reminds the public to plan transportation and accommodation in advance and invites everyone to gather at the Dream Mall area on December 31 to count down to the new year beneath dazzling fireworks. For more information on Kaohsiung’s New Year’s Eve events, please visit the official website: https://khnewyear.tw/.

Prior to the municipal administrative meeting, Mayor Chen also presented commendations for the 2025 Community Development Work Awards for Outstanding Communities organized by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The Zhongzhuang Community Development Association of Daliao District received the Bronze Excellence Award. The Xingang Community Development Association of Yong’an District and the Sugar Refinery Community Development Association of Cishan District were honored with the Excellence Award. The Guangfu Community Development Association of Cishan District and the Wanshan Community Development Association of Maolin District received the Outstanding Award, while the Xingbang Community Development Association of Cianjhen District and the Huzhuang Community Development Association of Hunei District were awarded the First-Class Award.

Photos 1–2:
To accommodate New Year’s Eve crowds, Kaohsiung MRT and the Circular Light Rail (LRT) will extend service hours, with the MRT operating until 2:00 a.m. on January 1 and the LRT until 1:30 a.m. Taiwan Railways will also add extra train services. The City Government encourages the public to use public transportation for both arrival and departure.

Photo 3:
The “2026 Kaohsiung High Party” New Year’s Eve Party enters its final countdown, featuring 17 domestic and international acts, including an exclusive performance by Korea’s “Waterbomb Queen” Kwon Eun-bi, along with a spectacular 6,900-firework, 240-second display to welcome the new year.

Photos 4–5: Mayor Chen Chi-mai chairs the municipal administrative meeting to review the “2026 New Year’s Eve Party and Traffic Management” briefing and presents awards to communities recognized in the 2025 Community Development Work Awards for Outstanding Communities organized by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

The Police Department stated that the city has established a comprehensive surveillance network with no blind spots, integrating live feeds from 37 surveillance cameras and aerial drone footage. These images are transmitted in real time to the forward command center, implementing the principle of “where the situation is, the cameras are there, and the police are there.” The department has also strengthened public–private cooperation by establishing real-time intelligence-sharing mechanisms with private security providers, enabling rapid reporting and control of suspicious individuals to ensure public safety. In addition, police manpower has been reinforced, with on-site incident response teams deployed in front of the main stage and dedicated anti-crowd-crush units in place. These measures are designed to ensure rapid response and core-area protection, shortening reporting and handling times so that residents can participate in New Year’s Eve celebrations with peace of mind.

During the same meeting, the Environmental Protection Bureau delivered a briefing on its “Carbon Credits and Net-Zero Emissions Framework Plan.” Mayor Chen emphasized that carbon credits and net-zero carbon emissions are a government responsibility. He noted that net-zero emissions are not only an international trend but also a key factor in urban competitiveness. The city government, he said, must advance concrete actions from policy formulation through implementation, demonstrating Kaohsiung’s commitment and leadership in sustainable development and positioning the city as a model net-zero city.

Mayor Chen also reminded the Education Bureau to strengthen campus safety management across all levels of schools, promote safety awareness among faculty and students, and establish robust emergency response and reporting mechanisms. The Police Department will continue to provide support as needed to ensure campus safety.

Photos 1–3: The Kaohsiung City Government held a municipal administrative meeting on December 30, during which Mayor Chen Chi-mai instructed all departments to actively implement measures related to New Year’s Eve event security, the promotion of carbon credit policies, and campus safety management.
 

[Kaohsiung News] 

Kaohsiung City is vast with a sparse population, and its residents are spread out. Buses mainly run along main routes, making it difficult to reach every neighborhood. To improve public transportation services and ensure that rural residents can easily access transportation, the Transportation Bureau began operating bus-style "Taxi-Bus" in 2014. These buses replace regular buses, allowing them to navigate narrow lanes and pick up passengers on demand. In 2023, the Happiness Bus was launched, offering flexible, point-to-point reservation services, breaking down time and space limitations. This service has enhanced the coverage of public transportation to 100%, ensuring that rural residents can feel the benefits of public transit.

Currently, Kaohsiung runs 47 bus-style Taxi-Bus routes, covering 34 administrative districts. The Happiness Bus services districts such as Meinong, Shanlin, Liouguei, Neimen, Jiasian, and Maolin, with over 260,000 vistors taken to date. Notably, seniors account for 75% of the passengers, making it a model for age-friendly transportation. By the end of 2025, the service will be extended to the Tauyuan and Namasia districts, achieving the goal of transportation equality in rural districts.

This year, the Kaohsiung Happiness Bus was honored with the Ministry of Transportation and Communications' "2025 Happiness Bus Golden Transportation Award – Outstanding Award." The Transportation Bureau expresses its gratitude to local organizations, drivers, and the support of rural residents. During the award ceremony, Dong Jia-Hong, the chairman of the Liouguei line of Happiness Bus operator, the Fu-Tian Association, pointed out that many elderly people in rural areas, especially those living alone, choose to reduce their outings to avoid bothering their children. The Happiness Bus not only improves transportation but also encourages elderly residents to leave their houses. During busy farming seasons, children don't need to walk home alone, making their journeys safer.

Ms. Zhong, chairman of the Shishan Community Development Association, also shared a story about a grandmother at a community care station who had not been going out due to family reasons. Through continuous visits by the association, she was invited to attend classes at the station, where she regained her smile. Chairman Zhong said, “When the grandmother first came, she wouldn't speak to anyone. But thanks to the Happiness Bus, we picked her up every day to bring her to the station. Gradually, she started talking to others, and eventually, she became someone who never missed a day.”

The Happiness Bus can be booked through district offices, community care stations, medical institutions, schools, and other organizations. Additionally, passengers can directly call the customer service hotline at 0800-660-696 or join the official LINE account "Kaohsiung City Transportation Bureau - Kaohsiung GO" to make a reservation.