Ministry of Commerce Promotes 'Brand Street'! Qishan Banana Street Unites 55 Stores, Launches Mid-Autumn Point Collection and Taiwan-Japan Food & Travel Exchange

How can a local specialty evolve from 'one shop' into 'an entire street'? The Ministry of Commerce Development Agency promotes the 'Brand Street' initiative under the vision of 'one street, one特色,' supporting local businesses to connect based on regional industries and cultural traits. Through brand positioning, digital applications, and joint marketing, the program gradually builds shared neighborhood brands. Since its launch in 2021, the agency has assisted 32 'Brand Streets' across Taiwan.

During this year's Mid-Autumn holiday, the agency is launching a special event in Qishan, Kaohsiung: 'Golden Banana Good Times – Stamp Collection Stroll.' Centered on Qishan’s renowned banana industry, the campaign unites 55 partner stores, inviting visitors to explore the district and experience the charm of banana culture interwoven with local cuisine and traditions.

The agency notes that Qishan’s banana industry has a long history, serving not only as a key economic driver but also as a shared memory among residents. Thus, 'Golden Banana' was chosen as the core brand theme. Starting from local stories, the project extends into IP merchandise, souvenirs, dining experiences, and digital tools—helping Qishan’s商圈 and local shops present their unique identity in diverse ways. The goal is to transform industrial heritage into tangible brand experiences that consumers can see, taste, and take home.

To help local businesses master cultural commercialization and brand management, the agency held an 'IP Commercialization and Souvenir Design Workshop' on September 25. Using Okinawa’s Shisa lions and Qishan’s Golden Banana as case studies, the workshop guided shop owners through brand storytelling, product development, packaging design, and distribution channels—encouraging them to turn cultural assets into market-ready products and expand the potential of their street-wide brand.

From September 26 to 27, the 'Golden Banana Good Times – Stamp Collection Stroll' brings the brand concept into everyday street life. By linking 55 partner stores through digital stamp collection and cross-store spending, the event encourages visitors to explore Qishan’s商圈 and discover unique shops. Special rewards—including themed magnets, limited-edition tote bags, and 'Golden Banana Street' banana-shaped keychains—are offered to incentivize consumption and engagement, allowing participants to learn about Qishan through diverse products and services.

Coinciding with the Mid-Autumn holiday, Qishan District Office is hosting the 'Qishan × Okinawa International Food & Travel Festival,' featuring stalls from Kaohsiung, Okinawa, and local Qishan vendors. Through joint sales of food,文创, handmade crafts, and lifestyle goods, the festival fosters cultural exchange between Taiwan and Japan within Qishan’s streets. Visitors can enjoy the market while also participating in the 55-store stamp rally, experiencing everything from banana culture to Okinawan flavors and embracing the vibrant urban landscape.

The Taiwan-Japan exchange continues until September 29, when the agency hosts the 'Qishan × Okinawa Culinary Workshop.' Renowned chefs from both regions will exchange knowledge on Qishan snacks and Okinawan cuisine, exploring innovation in local dishes through ingredients, cooking techniques, and food narratives. By integrating local stories into dining and interactive experiences, the workshop supports vendors in developing more distinctive culinary offerings and immersive consumer experiences.

The agency emphasizes that 'Brand Street' is more than a one-off event—it’s a process where collective participation transforms local industries and cultural features into products, services, and memorable experiences. Since 2021, 32 such streets have been supported. This year, initiatives continue nationwide, including Taipei Zhongshan’s vintage fashion, Nantou Mingjian’s tea trails, Hsinchu’s Gōngwán rice noodles, Taichung’s Central District pastries, and Penghu Magong’s seafood culture—all helping communities link shops and develop unique offerings.

The agency stresses that building a neighborhood brand requires collaboration among industries, shop owners, and residents. Only through sustained brand management and joint promotion can local characteristics evolve from being 'visible' to 'purchasable, edible, and enjoyable' experiences. Qishan’s 'Golden Banana' theme, combined with Taiwan-Japan food exchanges and digital stamp activities, makes the Mid-Autumn holiday a perfect opportunity to discover local culture and unique shops.

The agency invites the public to visit Qishan during the holiday, join the 'Golden Banana Good Times – Stamp Collection Stroll,' browse markets, savor local delicacies, and explore特色 stores—experiencing the vibrant fusion of 'Golden Banana Street' and cross-strait cultural exchange. For more information on the街区 and events, visit the official 'Brand Street' website or the 'Commerce Development Agency – Caring for Business Matters' Facebook page.