Gongguan Unveils 'Taiwan's Spirited Away Village' – Central and Local Agencies Gather to Witness Rural Revitalization Landmark 'Longyou Fengniang'

Gongguan's rural revitalization project has reached a new milestone, as the Taichung Branch of the Council of Agriculture's Rural Development and Water Conservation Agency has invested in a landmark public project that seamlessly integrates the century-old 'Chuanlong Canal' waterway into the local landscape. Today (28th), a grand launch event titled 'More Than Just Chuanlong Canal! Unlock the Six Hidden Dragons, Savor Gongguan’s 24 Brews!' was held at the Miaoli Ceramic Agricultural Innovation Park. Miaoli County Magistrate Chung Tung-chin and Director Chen Jung-chun of the Taichung Branch jointly unveiled the mystery of Gongguan and inaugurated the bronze sculpture 'Longyou Fengniang,' inviting visitors to explore Gongguan with a fresh perspective and discover a new side of Hakka rural life. The century-old Chuanlong Canal has long irrigated the Golden Town leisure agricultural zone, nurturing abundant produce. This project combines resources from the Rural Water Conservation Agency and creative input from the National United University’s Cultural and Creative Design Department, symbolizing renewal and hope through the 'White Dragon' and introducing the 'Six Hidden Dragons of Gongguan' to create a Taiwanese version of 'Spirited Away Village.' The Six Hidden Dragons include: 'Huiyou Dragon' symbolizing youth returning to rural life, 'Craftsmanship Dragon' preserving local straw weaving traditions, 'Chef Dragon' showcasing exquisite local cuisine, 'Chuanlong Canal' as the physical waterway protecting the land, 'Chuanlong 24 Brews' capturing seasonal agricultural essence, and 'Longyou Fengniang' as an artistic landscape sculpture. Director Chen Jung-chun emphasized that the agency has long promoted sustainable rural tourism. By blending the flowing imagery of the historic canal with animation elements, this project represents not just infrastructure improvement but a successful fusion of rural life and cultural creativity, with hopes that the White Dragon will continue to protect this land. Magistrate Chung noted that 'Spirited Away' is a beloved classic film for all ages, and linking its spirit and scenery with Gongguan’s Chuanlong Canal is a brilliant marketing strategy for local agriculture and tourism, aiming to attract more families and tourists for immersive experiences. He stressed that the Chuanlong Canal, fed by pristine mountain waters from the Xueshan Range, has flowed for over a century, much like how the Yonghe Reservoir boosted prosperity in Zhunan and Toufen. The canal’s irrigation has cultivated Gongguan’s finest agricultural products, including its renowned jujubes and taro, all thanks to this precious historical water source. He affirmed that all levels of government share the responsibility to create a better environment for future generations, whether in agriculture or rural regeneration. Lin You-shih, General Manager of the Gongguan Township Farmers’ Association, stated that the Chuanlong Canal is Gongguan’s mother river. The association has crafted a new series of local wines called 'Chuanlong 24 Brews,' infusing seasonal ingredients like jujube, taro, perilla, and mulberry into alcohol. Through the 'Six Hidden Dragons' experience, they hope visitors will rediscover the charm of a gently intoxicated Gongguan and see a different side of Hakka rural communities.