Rural and small-town industrial firms encountered hard times in decades past as Taiwan underwent industrial transition, but a groundswell of “Taiwan first” consciousness in the 1990s triggered community development projects and inspired urbanites to return to their parents’ and grandparents’ rural hometowns to start up new businesses. Rural communities once in decline came bouncing back, and Taiwan Panorama (as Sinorama was now renamed) began reporting on the stories of revival. The soil and climate in Yuchi are well suited to cultivating black tea. Local farmers, working with the Tea Research and Extension Station, developed a new tea variety—Ruby Black Tea (TTES No. 18)—thus successfully branding a local product.
The ceramics industry in Yingge dates back over two centuries, but was knocked for a loop in recent times by the economic rise of mainland China. Export orders plummeted and ceramics makers withered, but eventually these makers and the local government joined forces to steer the local economy in the cultural and creative direction. Tai-Hwa Pottery, for example, has entered into tie-ups with firms in other industries to produce high-end works of art.
In Changhua County, management of the hosiery factories of Shetou Township has been passed down from one generation of proprietor to the next. In Yunlin County, the same holds true for the soy sauce makers of Xiluo and the coffee growers of Gukeng. These are just a few of the many stories one comes across in Taiwan’s countryside. Why not take a trip to a rural district and listen to what the old folks have to say?
People have found ways to revitalize firms making soy sauce, tea, coffee, and ceramics. In the process, they’ve also revitalized the communities where their companies are located.
People have found ways to revitalize firms making soy sauce, tea, coffee, and ceramics. In the process, they’ve also revitalized the communities where their companies are located.
People have found ways to revitalize firms making soy sauce, tea, coffee, and ceramics. In the process, they’ve also revitalized the communities where their companies are located.
People have found ways to revitalize firms making soy sauce, tea, coffee, and ceramics. In the process, they’ve also revitalized the communities where their companies are located.
