TAINAN, TAIWAN -- The Taiwan Design Expo, the largest annual event in the country’s design industry, will take place from Oct. 26 to Nov. 10 in Tainan, spanning 16 consecutive days. This marks the fifth time Tainan has hosted the expo. The 2024 edition will spotlight Tainan’s “food,” “clothing,” and its “hidden champions,” under the theme “The Next 400.” The expo aims to highlight Tainan’s rich cultural identity and inclusiveness, celebrating the city’s historical roots while showcasing contemporary Taiwanese design to illustrate how Taiwan’s oldest city seamlessly blends its ancient heritage with modern influences and diverse foreign cultures, creating a vibrant cultural tapestry.

According to Tainan City Government Cultural Affairs Director Hsieh Shih-yuan, there is a local saying that encapsulates the spirit of old Tainan: “It takes three generations of prosperity to truly appreciate food and clothing.” In the 17th century, Tainan gained prominence as a key player in global maritime trade, which significantly contributed to its wealth and nurtured the city’s vibrant culinary and textile heritage. The West Market in Tainan, which has been in existence for over a century, was recognized as Taiwan's first modern market and celebrated as the finest in East Asia upon its establishment. This iconic market will serve as a key exhibition space during the design expo, featuring thematic displays focused on food and clothing that highlight the richness and essence of Tainan’s local culture.

Tainan City Mayor Huang Wei-che emphasized that although Tainan is an ancient city, it is filled with innovative energy. Many of Taiwan’s renowned industries—including semiconductors, textiles, orchids, agriculture, and biotechnology—have their roots in Tainan. The 2024 Taiwan Design Expo will take place at the Tainan Art Museum Building 2, where it will showcase these hidden champions and highlight their roots in Tainan as they reach out to the world. Mayor Huang warmly invites international partners to come to Tainan for the 2024 Taiwan Design Expo and experience how the city leverages design to vividly express Taiwan’s culture and industry.