Souvenir program spurs interest in Taipei culture

2014-10-27

A souvenir program initiated by Taipei’s Datong, Daan and Nangang districts is rekindling public interest in the cultural icons and attractions of the city.

The gifts include figurines bearing the likeness of matchmaking god Yuexia Laoren, mini satchels featuring 1868 cultural site Yifang Historic Residence, as well as sweet olive-scented soaps.

“We have received numerous phone calls about purchasing the souvenirs,” a Datong District Office official said. “We were even approached by companies about authorizing rights to manufacture them.”

Datong’s Yuexia Laoren-themed figurines were launched in 2008 to enhance understanding of the god worshiped at local Xia-Hai City God Temple. Designed by students from Daojiang High School of Commerce, they proved so popular that the line now includes head scarves, mugs, notepads, smartphone stands and T-shirts.

The mini satchel printed with the image of the Daan’s Yifang Historic Residence and mugs emblazoned with a cosmos, the flower of the district, are also much sought-after gifts. They were made to help bolster knowledge of the area’s storied past.

Daan District Office Director Su Suh-jen said both items are on the frontline of district promotions.

“When consumers use these souvenirs, they unknowingly spotlight aspects of Daan’s lesser-known history,” she said. “We will continue turning out such cultural items to boost understanding of the district.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=223240&CtNode=413)