Taiwan-Japan Tourism Summit Held in Miaoli; Rice Paddy Art Welcomes Guests

The 17th Taiwan-Japan Tourism Summit was held in Miaoli County. The Miaoli County Government's Culture and Tourism Bureau arranged a site visit today, featuring rice paddy art in Yuanli Township that spells out "Taiwan-Japan Friendship in Miaoli," showcasing the deep friendship between the two sides as a highlight of the welcome. The Miaoli County Government stated that after learning they would host the 17th event following the 16th summit in Tottori Prefecture, Japan, last May, the team began planning how to welcome guests in a way that reflects Miaoli's unique characteristics and emotional warmth. Culture and Tourism Bureau Director Lin Yen-fu stated that the rice paddy art was planned with the assistance of the Yuanli Township Farmers' Association and planted in March, using different rice varieties to outline the words and patterns. As the rice fields enter their best viewing period, they have become an eye-catching highlight of the summit. Japanese visitors, in addition to viewing the rice paddy art, visited the nearby Yuanli Township Farmers' Association's Love Orchard and farmers' market to taste local cherry tomatoes and cucumbers, and enjoyed Houlong watermelon soda and Xihu pomelo soda. Miaoli County Magistrate Chung Tung-chin welcomed the Japanese tourism representatives, pointing out that Miaoli has excellent hot springs, cultural landscapes from the Japanese colonial period such as the Longteng Bridge and Tongxiao Shrine, as well as Sanyi wood carvings, rail bikes, and Yuanli rush weaving culture, all of which have connections to Japan. He expressed hope that through this summit and exchange, tourism cooperation between Taiwan and Japan would be deepened, allowing more Japanese friends to learn about Taiwan's scenic beauty and cultural charm.