(This is part 1 of a 3-part Taiwan Travel Series)
Imagine walking through a lush orchid garden where vibrant flowers bloom alongside exotic animals, or stepping into a futuristic mushroom farm where age-old techniques meet cutting-edge blue light technology. This isn’t just tourism—it’s immersive cultural experiences, and Taiwan has mastered the art of turning agriculture into entertainment.
Recently, a delegation from the University of Guam’s College of Natural & Applied Sciences (CNAS), Asia Pacific Studies Center, and the School of Business and Public Administration (which I was an active part of) embarked on a groundbreaking trip to Taiwan, funded by Jackson Yang Scholarship and the UOG Endowment Foundation. Their mission? To explore how Taiwan has successfully merged agriculture, business, and cultural tourism into a thriving industry—one that Guam could learn from.
From Shopping to Storytelling: The Evolution of Tourism
Gone are the days when travelers were content with just souvenirs and sightseeing. Today’s tourists crave engagement, education, and excitement—something Taiwan delivers brilliantly.
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Orchids in full bloom and capybaras lounging peacefully — a serene scene at the King Car Jiaoxi Orchid Garden. [Photo courtesy of the author]
At King Car Jiaoxi Orchid Garden, traditional orchid cultivation meets modern exhibition design. Visitors don’t just see flowers—they walk through living art installations where orchids and butterflies coexist in harmony. It’s a perfect example of how tradition can be repackaged for a contemporary audience.
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An array of mushroom varieties, grown in-house which they cultivate under blue light using their own gramineae. [Photo courtesy of the author]
Then there’s the Magical Mushroom Tribe, where ancient cave-farming techniques blend with high-tech blue light cultivation. This isn’t just farming—it’s a science-meets-culture spectacle, turning what could be a simple farm visit into an unforgettable experience.
Tea Tourism: Sipping Culture, One Cup at a Time
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Freshly picked tea leaves undergoing traditional sun drying — a time-honored Taiwanese method — alongside tea facial water being prepared for a refreshing skincare experience.
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Taiwan’s tea culture is legendary, but businesses like Tea & Magic Hand and Fa Know Tea have taken it to the next level. Instead of just selling tea, they let visitors blend their own tea bags and even indulge in tea-infused facials at the Sonboling Visitor Center. It’s interactive, Instagrammable, and deeply cultural—a triple win for both business and tourism.
What Guam Can Learn: Turning CHamoru Culture into Experiences
Taiwan’s success lies in its ability to transform heritage into hands-on adventures. Guam has a rich CHamoru culture—imagine if visitors could make their own coconut oil, weave traditional baskets, or learn ancient fishing techniques instead of just watching demonstrations.
The future of tourism isn’t just about what people see—it’s about what they do, feel, and remember. Taiwan proves that when culture meets innovation, business thrives.
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