CHIAYI COUNTY (October 5, 2025)— After suffering heavy damage from Typhoon Danas and intense rainfall brought by the southwesterly airstream in July and August, Chiayi County’s coastal tourism industry is finally seeing signs of recovery. Thanks to recent long weekends and a series of local tourism events, the once-quiet Budai Charming Business District is again bustling with visitors.
In preparation for the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan Coastal National Scenic Area Administration has completed restoration work on the lighting installations around the famous High Heels Church, one of Budai’s most recognizable landmarks. The improved lighting environment now features creative and interactive displays that enhance the full moon night experience, inviting tourists to take photos and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
You Zhihao, chairman of the Budai Charming Business District, said that in partnership with the Chiayi County Government and the Greater Chiayi Tourism Factory Association, they have launched the “Chiayi County Business District Joint Shopping Festival.” The campaign, which runs from this month until the end of November, allows shoppers to enter a lucky draw for every NT$200 spent in participating stores.
Organizers hope that the event, together with popular seaside activities such as “Summer at Dongshihai” and the Budai Seafood Carnival, will help attract more visitors, boost local spending, and revitalize the coastal economy that was hit hard by the summer storms.
Local officials expressed optimism that these efforts will sustain the momentum of tourism recovery and reaffirm Chiayi’s status as one of southern Taiwan’s most inviting coastal destinations.