- Organizer: Press Section, General Affairs Department / Lee Chun-Ping
- Contact: 037-559825
- Published: 2025-03-05 15:00
On the morning of March 5, Miaoli County’s Sanyi Township Office and Lienchiang County’s Dongyin Township Office officially signed an agreement establishing a sister township partnership. The collaboration aims to jointly promote the Cittaslow movement while fostering cultural and artistic exchange and tourism development between the two regions.
The ceremony was held in the 6th-floor auditorium of the Sanyi Township Office, where Sanyi Township Mayor Lu Ming-Chung and Dongyin Township Mayor Lin De-Jian signed the agreement. Witnesses included Sanyi Township Council Chairperson Lin Ying-Fu and Dongyin Township Council Chairperson Chen Tzu-Lin. Other distinguished guests attending this historic moment included Miaoli County Magistrate Chung Tung-Chin, Lienchiang County Legislator Chen Hsueh-Sheng, Lienchiang County Government Secretary-General Chang Lung-Te, and Lienchiang County Council Speaker Chang Yung-Chiang.
Sanyi Township received Cittaslow certification in 2016 and has long been dedicated to promoting the slow-living culture while developing wood carving arts, Hakka culture, and eco-tourism, making it a leading representative of the Cittaslow movement in Taiwan. Dongyin Township, on the other hand, has been actively pursuing Cittaslow certification since 2024 and is currently undergoing review by the Taiwan Cittaslow Alliance, aiming to achieve official international certification by June this year. This new sister township partnership marks a commitment by both sides to work closely in advancing the Cittaslow movement.
During the ceremony, Magistrate Chung Tung-Chin presented Dongyin Township Mayor with Oriental Beauty Tea as a token of friendship. Sanyi Township Mayor Lu Ming-Chung gifted both Mayor Lin and the Lienchiang County Government a piece of wood carving art, while Mayor Lin reciprocated with Matsu Kaoliang Liquor, a specialty from Dongyin. Lienchiang County Secretary-General Chang Lung-Te also presented Magistrate Chung with commemorative Matsu liquor, symbolizing the enduring bond between the two regions.
Magistrate Chung Tung-Chin expressed that the sister township partnership between Sanyi and Dongyin was a natural fit, given Dongyin’s efforts to promote Cittaslow and Mayor Lu Ming-Chung’s role as Chairperson of the Taiwan Cittaslow Alliance. He noted that with Mayor Lü’s guidance, Dongyin’s certification process would be much smoother and more efficient, welcoming Dongyin to the Cittaslow community. He also emphasized that the collaboration between the two Cittaslow towns would enhance tourism exchange and development.
Mayor Lu Ming-Chung highlighted that Sanyi Township has dedicated years to developing Cittaslow culture, and this new sister township agreement not only strengthens cultural and tourism exchange but also serves as an opportunity for knowledge sharing, helping Dongyin successfully attain international Cittaslow certification.
Mayor Lin De-Jian of Dongyin Township remarked that although Dongyin is a remote island, it boasts unique wartime heritage and rich marine ecology. Through this partnership, he hopes to learn from Sanyi’s Cittaslow development experience while introducing more people to Dongyin’s unique charm.
Beyond the official signing ceremony, Sanyi Township Office arranged a two-day Sanyi Cittaslow Exploration Tour for the Dongyin delegation, offering them an immersive experience of Sanyi’s Cittaslow lifestyle. The itinerary included visits to the Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum, where participants gained insights into Sanyi’s renowned woodcarving craftsmanship and even created their own woodcarving artwork. The delegation also explored the Shuangtan Leisure Agricultural Region, experiencing the tranquil rural lifestyle and participating in local farming activities. On the second day, the group visited Shengxing Station, where they enjoyed a ride on the Old Mountain Line Rail Bike, taking in scenic views of the historic railway. They also explored Longteng Bridge, an iconic red-brick arch bridge ruin, offering a glimpse into Sanyi’s rich historical and natural landscapes.