Surprise at the Crossroads: Snoopy Family Appears at Water Nanzhan Transfer Center and 11 Other Unique Intersections

Pedestrians can now meet the Snoopy family while waiting at traffic lights. The Transportation Bureau of Taichung City Government has partnered for the first time with the globally renowned comic Peanuts to launch the 'Follow Snoopy, Welcome to Safe Taichung' initiative. Earlier this year, the program debuted at 10 unique intersections with pedestrian signal displays featuring animated characters, receiving widespread public acclaim. With the official opening of the Water Nanzhan Transfer Center, two additional intersections—'Jingmao 9th Road/Jingmao 2nd Road' and 'Zhongke Road/Liming Road'—have now been equipped with Snoopy-themed pedestrian signal devices, connecting areas around the Taichung International Exhibition Center and the Green Museum.

Currently, there are 12 such character-themed intersections across the city, allowing residents to experience moments of healing and surprise while waiting to cross. Bureau Director Yeh Chao-fu emphasized that pedestrian signals play a vital role in guiding safe road crossings and preventing conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles. Taichung’s newly introduced character-themed signals retain the original functions—such as the 'walking green man' and 'countdown timer'—while adding a third display screen. This screen features beloved international IPs like Snoopy, Woodstock, Charlie Brown, and Franklin, using lively animations and images to encourage people of all ages to observe traffic rules and cross safely. What were once impersonal traffic facilities have now become distinctive landmarks combining traffic education with urban aesthetics.

The Transportation Bureau notes that these 12 Snoopy family signal displays are located at key lifestyle hubs, including the Yizhong Shopping District, Fengjia Night Market, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Chengching Hospital, Chung Shan Medical University, China Medical University, the Taiwan Boulevard City Hall complex, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, Intercontinental Hanshin Mall, and the Water Nanzhan Transfer Center. Each intersection features different Snoopy characters with custom animations. For example, Woodstock searching for food appears in the Yizhong area, Franklin rushing to class near Chung Shan Medical University, Andy with a suitcase near Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, and Charlie Brown practicing catch near Intercontinental Hanshin Mall—each character reflecting the unique characteristics of its surroundings.

Director Yeh stated that the Water Nanzhan Transfer Center is a major transportation gateway for Taichung, welcoming daily commuters, returning residents, tourists, and transfer passengers from across the region. Therefore, two nearby intersections have been designed with distinct Snoopy family characters, integrating the highly popular franchise into the cityscape. This reflects Taichung’s innovative approach to human-centered transportation. The goal is for visitors arriving in Taichung—whether entering or exiting the station—to immediately experience the city’s commitment to safety, international appeal, and livability, enjoying a safe, friendly, and happy journey with Snoopy.

The Transportation Bureau also invites citizens to pay attention to which Snoopy family member they encounter when passing through these 12 unique intersections. During daily commutes, shopping, school runs, medical visits, or transit trips, residents may have unexpected encounters with the beloved characters. The Bureau reminds the public that while enjoying these cute animations at busy traffic nodes, pedestrians must still obey traffic signals, wait for the green light before crossing, and avoid distractions such as using mobile phones, playing, or inattention. Together, we can create a safe and friendly pedestrian environment.