The Taiwan Tourism Bureau of the Republic of China’s Ministry of Transportation participated for the first time this year in one of the oldest and largest Independence Day celebrations in the United States – the 122nd Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade. They showcased a Taiwan tourism float with the theme “DISCOVER TAIWAN,” aiming to demonstrate Taiwan’s diverse culture and tourism charm to the mainstream American population.
Lin Yizheng, head of the Tourism Group at the Taiwan Tourism Bureau Los Angeles office, stated that Southern California is home to one of the largest Taiwanese American communities in the United States. Sharing Taiwan’s values of freedom, democracy, and diverse culture with mainstream society during the American National Day celebration holds significant meaning.
This year coincides with the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade is an elaborate event that attracts tens of thousands of spectators each year and is broadcast live by American television stations. The Tourism Bureau hopes that by participating for the first time in this centennial event, they can convey Taiwan’s warm hospitality to the American people and invite more American travelers to visit Taiwan.
In addition to creating a Taiwan-themed float, the Tourism Bureau collaborated once again with the “Miss Taiwanese American” team to participate. Eight Miss Taiwanese Americans served as Taiwan’s tourism goodwill ambassadors, joining over a hundred volunteers to form a parade contingent. They waved and greeted spectators along the route, distributing Taiwan tourism promotional fans to showcase Taiwan’s hospitality and cultural soft power.
The Taiwan tourism float design integrates natural, cultural, and modern features of Taiwan. The highlight is the collaboration of Taiwan’s tourism mascot “OhBear” and the symbol of American spirit of freedom, the Bald Eagle, standing together, symbolizing Taiwan-US friendship and shared democratic values.
The float features various iconic Taiwanese landmarks and cultural elements, including Taipei 101, Taiwan High Speed Rail, Sun Moon Lake, Yilan Jiaoxi Hot Springs, Taitung hot air balloons, Guanyin Pavilion lighthouse, as well as cultural aspects such as Mazu culture of Dajia and the indigenous culture of the Paiwan tribe. Taiwan’s signature foods like pearl milk tea and oolong tea are also incorporated into the design, showcasing Taiwan’s unique tourism characteristics of natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and culinary allure.
Lin Yizheng mentioned that in recent years, Taiwan-US economic, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges have been increasing. In the first half of this year, the number of American visitors to Taiwan reached 385,000, an increase of about 9.5% compared to the same period last year. Additionally, EVA Air recently opened a new direct flight route from Taoyuan to Washington, providing four weekly services, further enhancing the North American-Taiwan air network and facilitating business, tourism, and academic exchanges.
Apart from its breathtaking landscapes, diverse culture, Taiwan is also beloved by international travelers for its night markets, cuisine, and safe and friendly travel environment. Lin Yizheng introduced that they will soon launch an incentive program for international independent travelers to Taiwan, offering up to NT$8,000 in travel vouchers to first-time visitors accompanied by repeat visitors, encouraging more international tourists to experience the charm of the tourism brand “TAIWAN-Waves of Wonder.”