Today, with globalization, the world is rapidly shrinking, but when we cast our eyes to other corners of the planet we often overlook the simplest and most primary destination. As British author G.K. Chesterton wrote: “The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on one’s own country as a foreign land.”
This month we engage in a dialogue with our land through railroad journeys, and discover that one of this island’s greatest charms lies in the firm attachment between the land and its people. With this understanding, we hope to bring readers into a sense of belonging with their homeland. This kind of travel not only can strengthen our links with the land, but even more can help us to calmly reflect and reexplore the value and meaning of life.
How did Taiwan appear on ancient world maps? What implications does its changing representation have? We talk with author Abel Wang about his research into old maps over many years. In other reports, we ask: Which colors best represent Taiwan? How does Taiwan’s music link up with Austronesian culture? And how can the creative power of Taiwan influence the world?
Through interviews with people from various fields, we explore these questions and hear their unique life stories. They include new media artist Huang Hsin-chien, who won the Best VR Story award at Cannes XR 2021; BaoBao Chen, founder of the Austronesian music project Small Island Big Song; Malaysian-born film director Ho Wi Ding; and the experts at award-winning recycling firm Miniwiz.
For many years, Taiwan Panorama’s Photo Essay column has offered a place for photographers to express themselves, and the images published in various eras testify to the historical development of photography in Taiwan. Starting this month, for the next six issues we are soliciting submissions of photos of Taiwan on themes including “Taiwanese Landscapes,” “Holidays and Festivals,” “The Beauty of People and the Land,” “Skills and Crafts in Daily Life,” “Night Markets,” and “Applications of Technology.” We invite you to use your eyes and your cameras to capture the beauty and imagery of Taiwan, collectively building a precious pictorial record of this island.
Finally, I heartily recommend that as a way to slow down the pace of your life, you take time to make a railway journey in Taiwan. You will discover the heartbeat of this land, the beauty of local lifestyles, and warmhearted people. Most importantly, such a journey can nourish your vitality and allow you to shine once again.
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