Why Chishang Township Is So Charming: Local Self-Governance Drives Economic and Happy Rural Revitalization

Text / Chung Yi-Ting (Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Institute of Sociology, Academia Sinica)

In recent years, Chishang has been a rural village that promotes many arts and cultural activities for local residents, making many people envious. It not only has large-scale performances or music events, but during winter and summer vacations also offers music appreciation or performance training activities for local schoolchildren. Since more than a decade ago, Chishang has actively promoted geographical brand certification and organic farming. Through unique self-governance ordinances, it allows farmers to make money and also lets people live happily, and has further attracted young and middle-aged people to return, filling the entire rural village with vitality and vigor.