Huangpu Village Embraces Hakka Culture with 'YOUNG Shike': Indigo Dyeing, Treasure Hunts, Music, and Markets All in One

Huangpu New Village in Fengshan has transformed into a vibrant stage for Hakka cultural experiences! The 'Huangpu YOUNG Shike – Cultural Arts Festival' took place over two lively afternoons on the 15th and 16th at 'Huangpu Kezhan,' drawing families and visitors into the alleyways of this historic military dependents’ village. Through treasure hunts, hands-on indigo dyeing, live music performances, and a特色 market, attendees explored Hakka culture amidst old buildings and living heritage, enjoying a uniquely refreshing weekend afternoon.

Co-organized by the Kaohsiung City Hakka Affairs Commission and the Kaohsiung Hakka Cultural Foundation, 'Huangpu YOUNG Shike' used the Huangpu Kezhan and surrounding Huangpu New Village as its stage. By integrating games, crafts, music, and markets, the event encouraged participants not just to 'see' Hakka culture, but to actively engage and experience it firsthand—naturally weaving cultural elements into daily life.

The festival kicked off with 'Hakka Treasure Hunt,' where participants followed photo clue cards to navigate the lanes of Huangpu Kezhan and Huangpu New Village, locating designated photo spots and completing tasks. Upon completion, they could join a lucky draw (capsule toy machine) to take home gifts such as translucent Hakka fans, store vouchers, and market coupons. This gamified approach allowed visitors to explore the village at their own pace, uncovering hidden cultural stories tucked within the alleyways.

'Good Guest DIY × Indigo Craft' invited Master Wu Shu-Zhen to guide participants through the traditional Hakka indigo dyeing process. From dyeing to crafting, attendees created their own personalized small items, with children and adults alike enjoying the tactile experience. This fun and accessible workshop helped bridge traditional craftsmanship with modern lifestyles, bringing Hakka heritage into contemporary living.

In the afternoon, live acoustic performances by 'Lubei Shi Yiren' and 'Little A-Lin Wang Yu-Ping' featured a mix of Mandarin, Taiwanese Hokkien, and Hakka songs. The melodic tunes blended seamlessly with the nostalgic charm of the village, creating a relaxed and heartwarming weekend atmosphere.

The on-site micro-market offered a variety of creative snacks and drinks infused with Hakka elements, including Hakka Lei Cha milk tea, Lei Cha custard, and osmanthus honey custard sweet potato balls. Visitors strolled through the market, savoring innovative Hakka flavors and experiencing the evolving face of Hakka cuisine through their taste buds.

Yang Rui-Xia, Chairperson of the Kaohsiung City Hakka Affairs Commission, emphasized that the event's core mission was 'Getting to Know Huangpu Kezhan.' She hopes interactive tasks and experiential activities will encourage the public to walk through Huangpu New Village, discover its surroundings, and engage with Hakka culture not just as spectators, but as active participants—integrating it into their weekend lives through play, crafts, music, and food.

Song Gui-Long, Director Secretary of the Commission, added that Kaohsiung continues to roll out vibrant Hakka events. The popular brand 'Hakka Market' will return from August 29 to 30 at the Dadong Wetland Park in Fengshan, inviting citizens to keep engaging with Hakka culture and experience Kaohsiung’s diverse and unique Hakka charm together.

The organizers stated that 'Huangpu YOUNG Shike – Cultural Arts Festival' serves as an entry point to Hakka culture through treasure hunts, walking tours, DIY workshops, music, and markets. It allows visitors to spend a culturally rich, musical, and delicious afternoon together at Huangpu Kezhan, while learning about the site and its surroundings in a fun and engaging way. For the latest updates, follow the 'Kaohsiung Hakka Cultural Foundation' Facebook page.