Author: Eryk Michael Smith

By Eryk Michael Smith. Information and images courtesy of Pingtung County Government. PINGTUNG — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on April 4 visited a children’s event at the Pingtung County Government complex, where local officials promoted youth participation and play as part of public policy. The event, titled “Surround the County Government, Children Take the Lead,” drew large crowds of families over the Children’s Day holiday, according to organizers. Speaking at the venue, Lai said he thought the Pingtung County event was “a great idea,” and said it clearly shows an effort by local officials to place greater emphasis on children’s…

By Eryk Michael Smith / Staff KAOHSIUNG — With his second term nearing its end, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) presented what he described as his administration’s record to the City Council, highlighting gains in tourism, industry, and environmental policy while outlining plans for continued growth. Chen delivered the report during the fourth-term seventh regular session of the Kaohsiung City Council. Some critics have questioned the metrics behind the administration’s claims and challenged official figures. The session, however, did not include a question-and-answer exchange. Chen said tourism initiatives, including events around Love River (愛河灣), drew large crowds and generated significant…

Districts expected to be affected include Siaogang (小港), Cianjhen (前鎮), Fongshan (鳳山), Lingya (苓雅), Sinsing (新興), Cianjin (前金), Sanmin (三民), and Gushan (鼓山).

Available on all major podcast platforms and at formosafiles.com “In 1904, colonial Taiwan tried to impress America with oolong tea at the St. Louis World’s Fair. Just five years later, two American spies disguised as South African zoologists were secretly roaming Japanese Formosa – but they weren’t investigating tea. They were on a U.S. Army mission to gather military intelligence. In this episode, John and Eryk explore tea, empire, espionage, and the strange relationship between Taiwan and the United States in the early 1900s.”

如果中國打來，我們不會接
“If China ‘calls,’ we won’t answer.”

Analysts say Taiwan’s housing market is entering a period of adjustment. Future market performance is expected to depend more heavily on migration patterns and industrial development, with regional disparities likely to widen.

Children aged 12 and under will receive free admission to Shoushan Zoo during the Children’s Day holiday from April 3 to April 6, according to an announcement by Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai.

By KHT Staff. AI-generated illustration image. KAOHSIUNG — An 18-year-old scooter rider was rescued after falling down a roadside slope near Shoushan (壽山), also known as Chaishan Mountain (柴山), in Kaohsiung, police said. According to social media accounts, the rider was in a “bad mood” and had gone to the area to clear his head, though this has not been independently confirmed. The incident occurred on a steep section of road near Shanhai Temple (山海宮), where the rider, surnamed Yang (楊), lost control of his scooter while descending and struck a guardrail before sliding down the adjacent slope. Authorities said…

Officials say integrating the park green space with the Chonglan Canal (崇蘭圳) will create an ecological waterfront that doubles as a flood prevention feature. Construction is expected to be completed by mid-2027.

Design plans incorporate local features of the Hengchun Peninsula (恆春半島), drawing on elements such as Dajianshan (大尖山), Frog Rock (青蛙石), coastal bays, and ocean waves. The campus will also include design features to address strong seasonal winds and sun exposure, including windbreak structures, shading, and improved ventilation.