The annual Liugui “Good Market” enjoyed a lively opening on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the Shiba Luohan Mountain Service Area in Liugui District—kicking off with dynamic songs and cultural performances by the Kinzang Youth. Becoming more than just an annual celebration for locals, the market is growing in popularity as a venue for those interested in eco-friendly practices, culture, crafts, and local industries to exchange information and ideas. This year’s market set a new record for participation with a total of 48 vendors coming from as far as Tainan and Pingtung City—demonstrating the increasing draw of the annual market.
Distinguished guests at the opening included Deputy Director-General Mu-Sheng Zhu of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, Pingtung Branch; Chief Chih-Ying Chen of the Conservation Section of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency; Acting Director-General Wei-Hung Cheng of the Maolin National Scenic Area Administration; Deputy Director-General Ruey-Min Chu of the Agency of Rural Development and Soil and Water Conservation (Tainan Branch); Director-General Chih-Wang Yao of the Kaohsiung City Agriculture Bureau; District Chief Yu-Ju Chen of the Liugui District Office; a team led by Dr. Mei-Hui Chen from the Department of Forestry at National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST); Dr. Po-Lun Hou from the Department of Wood Science and Design at NPUST; a team from Chang Jung Christian University (CJCU); and numerous local organizations that offered their support.
Many young faces were also seen at the event—students from NPUST and CJCU—who showcased some of their academic achievements in the area of sustainability. In addition to the market’s four signature themes—Crafts and Lifestyle, Local Produce and Cuisine, Ecotourism and Travel, and Cycling and Outdoor Activities—this year’s event featured some new highlights, including a Real-Life Puzzle-Solving Game designed to give participants a better understanding of the surrounding area, and an Enhanced Plastic Reduction Initiative, designed to add to the eco-friendly nature of the market.
Commenting on the activities, Deputy Director Jui-min Chu of the Agency of Rural Development and Soil and Water Conservation (Tainan Branch) expressed that she was honored to “see the event get better every year. Liugui is blessed with rich culture, history, art, and a beautiful natural environment. We are also grateful for the continued support from partners like the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST), the Bureau of Agriculture, and other organizations.”
The Liugui Good Market, first launched in 2019, has now entered its 7th year. This vibrant event, organized by the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (Pingtung), has become a highly anticipated yearly fixture. Much more than a typical local festival, it offers a unique chance for visitors to immerse themselves in the best of the Liugui region, savor the finest local produce, venture into the hidden corners of the Shiba Luohan Mountain Nature Reserve and experience its natural beauty.
