Using Snail Racing to Boost Tourism in Fenglin, Taiwan

May 5, 2026, 16:58
AsiaCulture

Introduction

The town of Fenglin has adopted a 'slow living' philosophy to attract more tourists and help the local economy recover after a series of earthquakes in the region.

Main Body

Fenglin officially joined the international 'Cittaslow' network in 2014, focusing on a high quality of life and the use of local products. This approach fits the town's current situation, as the population has decreased significantly over several decades. Currently, Fenglin is considered a 'super-aged' society, meaning that more than 20% of its residents are aged 65 or older. After a major earthquake in April 2024 caused 19 deaths and over 1,100 injuries, tourism in the area dropped sharply. To solve this problem, local organizers and residents, such as Cheng Jen-shou, started hosting snail races. During the May Day holiday, the third annual event took place, featuring several heats and a final race on a 33-centimeter track. The winner, named 'Brother Snail,' finished in 3 minutes and 3 seconds, attracting both locals and visitors from big cities like Kaohsiung. Furthermore, the local government has introduced other tourism activities. For example, they now offer guided e-bike tours that visit historic Japanese buildings, old tobacco barns, and the Hakka-minority museum. While these efforts have successfully attracted short-term visitors and university students, feedback suggests that people see the slow pace of life as a temporary break rather than a reason to move to the town permanently.

Conclusion

Fenglin continues to use its 'slow city' status and unique events to bring back tourists following the 2024 earthquake.

Learning

⚡ The 'B2 Jump': Moving Beyond Simple Verbs

At an A2 level, you describe things simply: "The town is old" or "Tourism went down." To reach B2, you need to use Dynamic Verbs of Change. These are verbs that describe how something is moving or shifting.

Look at these three power-phrases from the text:

  1. "Dropped sharply" →\rightarrow (Not just "went down," but a fast, steep fall).
  2. "Decreased significantly" →\rightarrow (A formal way to say "became much smaller").
  3. "Boost tourism" →\rightarrow (Instead of "increase," this implies pushing something upward with energy).

🧩 The Logic of 'Collocation' (Word Partnerships)

B2 fluency isn't about knowing more words; it's about knowing which words belong together.

A2 Level (Basic)B2 Bridge (Professional)Why it's better
Go down fastDrop sharplyCreates a vivid image of a cliff
Get smallerDecrease significantlySounds academic and precise
Make betterBoost economySounds like a strategic action

💡 Pro-Tip: The 'Adverb Hack'

Notice how "sharply" and "significantly" change the sentence?

If you say "The population decreased," it's a fact. If you say "The population decreased significantly," you are providing an analysis.

Challenge your brain: Next time you want to use the word "very" or "a lot," replace it with a B2 adverb like significantly, sharply, or considerably.

Vocabulary Learning

philosophy (n.)
A set of ideas about how to live or the way of life adopted by a group.
Example:The town’s philosophy of slow living attracts tourists who want a relaxed pace.
attract (v.)
To draw people or attention toward something.
Example:The festival’s unique activities attract visitors from nearby cities.
economy (n.)
The system of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services in a region.
Example:The local economy recovered after the series of earthquakes.
recover (v.)
To return to a normal state after a setback or damage.
Example:Tourism began to recover once new attractions were introduced.
earthquake (n.)
A sudden shaking of the ground caused by movement of the earth’s crust.
Example:The 2024 earthquake caused significant damage to the town.
network (n.)
A group of connected people or organizations.
Example:Fenglin joined the international Cittaslow network to promote sustainable living.
population (n.)
All the people living in a particular area.
Example:The population of Fenglin has decreased over several decades.
decreased (v.)
To become smaller or fewer in number.
Example:The population decreased significantly after the earthquakes.
super‑aged (adj.)
Describing a society where a large proportion of people are 65 or older.
Example:Fenglin is considered a super‑aged society with over 20% of residents aged 65 or older.
organiser (n.)
A person who arranges or coordinates an event.
Example:Local organisers hosted snail races to boost tourism.
hosting (v.)
To hold or conduct an event.
Example:They started hosting snail races during the May Day holiday.
historic (adj.)
Relating to or belonging to the past and having significance.
Example:The guided e‑bike tours visit historic Japanese buildings.