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The 2026 Central Taiwan Agricultural Expo officially opened on the morning of August 22 at the east parking lot of the JiuJiuFeng Helium Balloon Park in Caotun Township, Nantou County. Led by the Nantou County Government, the expo is jointly organized with seven other cities and counties across central Taiwan: Taichung City, Hsinchu City, Miaoli County, Changhua County, Yunlin County, Hsinchu County, and Chiayi City. Nantou County Magistrate Hsu Shu-Hua presided over the opening ceremony and welcomed visitors from across Taiwan to Nantou to take a helium balloon ride for a bird’s-eye view of the stunning JiuJiuFeng landscape, sample delicious agricultural specialties, and experience the boundless appeal of cross-regional innovation in Central Taiwan’s agricultural sector.

The opening program began with an energetic dance performance by Nantou County Tourism Ambassador Kao Man-Jung, followed by a dynamic K-pop dance performance by the Jiayin Dance Troupe, creating an electrifying atmosphere. In the presence of distinguished guests and members of the public, Nantou County Magistrate Hsu Shu-Hua, Taichung City Mayor Lu Shiow-Yen, Miaoli County Deputy Magistrate Chiu Li-Li, Yunlin County Deputy Magistrate Hsieh Shu-Ya, Hsinchu County Deputy Magistrate Hsu Yuan-Tung, Hsinchu City Economic Development Department Director Yan Yi-Qi, Changhua County Department of Agriculture Director Kuo Chih-Shan, and Chiayi City Economic Affairs Department Director Lo Tzu-Cheng, together with Legislator Ma Wen-Chun, County Councilor Lin Ju-Yang, Caotun Township Mayor Chien Tzu-Sheng, and Guoxing Township Mayor Chiu Mei-Ling, jointly activated the hand-touch light launch mechanism, symbolizing regional unity and technological co-creation. The ceremony marked a new milestone as the eight cities and counties of Central Taiwan join forces to advance smart, safe, and sustainable agricultural transformation. Following the ceremony, government officials toured the eight themed pavilions and interacted enthusiastically with local farmers, bringing energy and excitement to the expo.

Magistrate Hsu noted that the Central Taiwan Agricultural Expo was first initiated in 2012 by Taichung, Changhua, and Nantou. Its success in introducing the public to a wide range of agricultural specialties has attracted more cities and counties to join, with the expo now held annually in different locations across the region. This year’s event features eight themed pavilions showcasing signature products from the participating cities and counties. Magistrate Hsu expressed her appreciation to the mayors, magistrates, and representatives from each participating city and county for attending and helping promote their agricultural specialties. She further noted that food safety has become an increasingly important concern for consumers. All traceable agricultural products featured at the expo have been carefully selected by the participating cities and counties, giving visitors greater confidence when making purchases. The expo runs from August 22 to 30, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy helium balloon rides and take in the scenic beauty from above. During the nine-day event, each day will feature a different city or county’s “Brand Day,” giving visitors the chance to shop for quality agricultural products from all eight participating areas. The expo will also offer educational and entertaining hands-on agri-food education and DIY workshops, along with a spending-based lucky draw. The public is warmly invited to attend and enjoy the event.

The 2026 Central Taiwan Agricultural Expo features eight themed pavilions: Tasting Nantou (品味南投), Taichung Freshest (臺中領鮮), Hsinchu City Goods (竹風好市), Miaoli Flavor (豐味苗栗), Changhua County Fresh Select (彰化優鮮), Yunlin Goods (雲林良品), Charming Hsinchu (靚靚竹縣), and Happiness Chiayi (幸福嘉義). Through a brand-focused storytelling approach, the pavilions showcase high-quality traceable agricultural products. Moving beyond the traditional exhibition and sales format, the expo incorporates the concept of “Earth Aesthetics and an Immersive Fruit and Vegetable Forest,” complemented by a vibrant “Butterfly Flower Wall” installation symbolizing the spectacular transformation of traditional agriculture. Together, these elements create an immersive shopping experience that combines visual relaxation with enriching agricultural knowledge.