Traditional bamboo broom maker is unafraid of Chinese competition

2026-08-05

In Miaoli’s Zaoqiao Township, there’s a 77-year-old craftsman who makes hand-made bamboo brooms using traditional techniques that were taught by his father. Chen Wan-te says he’s not afraid of Chinese competition as his brooms are much more durable than their Chinese counterparts, while his township chief is begging him to teach his skills to others. Let’s find out more.

Wearing gloves, he uses his hands to strip the leaves off bamboo branches, removing them one by one.

Next, he sorts through the bamboo branches. They must be chosen with precision to ensure a neat finish, then bound tightly with wire to form a broom head.

The final step is to insert a bamboo pole. There! He’s just successfully made a broom.

- How many can you sell in a month?
- I can sell 350 each month.

Chen Wan-te, a 77-year-old craftsman, lives in Zaoqiao Township, Miaoli County. He started to learn the craft of making bamboo brooms from his father when he was a child. Faced with competition from cheap Chinese imports, he is not afraid, but rather confident.

Chen Wan-te
Bamboo broom craftsman
The road maintenance workers need to sweep the streets, but they don’t buy Chinese brooms because they break down in less than a month. Go buy some and see for yourself; their brooms keep breaking pieces off and falling apart in less than a month of use.

This traditional method of hand-tying brooms is becoming increasingly rare. The local township chief has paid him a personal visit in hopes that he will teach courses to pass down his knowledge of broom making.

- How about we ask Chen to arrange a course to make bamboo brooms?
- Yeah, sure!

This septuagenarian insists on making bamboo brooms by hand, hoping to preserve an art that is on the verge of being lost.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#Taiwancrafts #Taiwantraditions #bamboobrooms #Taiwanbrooms

機器無法取代! 苗栗77歲職人"手製竹掃把" 不怕中國低價競爭

2026-08-05

苗栗造橋鄉，有一位77歲的手作職人陳萬得，他保留傳統製作竹掃把的技術，純手工製作，從撿拾桂竹枝，到如何整理綁成掃把，通通由他一人包辦，即使面對低價的中國掃把搶市，陳萬得也不擔心，強調他的掃把，比中國貨耐用。

戴著手套，徒手一刷，立刻把桂竹枝上面的竹葉，一一清除。

緊接著，整理挑出竹枝，必須選的剛剛好，才會整齊，再用鐵絲捆牢，綁成掃把頭。

最後步驟，插上竹棍，一支手作竹掃把，大功告成。

- 一個月可以賣多少把?
- 我一個月可以賣350把

77歲職人陳萬得，住在苗栗縣造橋鄉，從小跟著父親學，傳承竹掃把手作技藝，面臨中國掃把低價攻勢，他不但不怕，反而很有信心。

[[手作竹掃把職人陳萬得]]
“馬路工程人員要掃地啊，他不買中國的，因為不到一個月就壞掉了，你去買來看看，不用一個月，他們的掃把，一直掃，一直漏，一直掉”

傳統手工綁掃把，越來越少，鄉長也親自拜訪，希望他來開一門課，把技藝傳承下去。

- 是不是改天拜託陳大哥，來安排這樣的課程，我們來做竹掃把
- 沒問題，沒問題

七旬阿公堅持手作竹掃把功夫，希望能把這項瀕臨失傳的手藝，延續下去。

更多新聞內容，請鎖定：
民視台灣台（152頻道）週一至週五晚上9:30
民視新聞台（53頻道）週二至週六凌晨1:00

British paper names Kaohsiung 10th best November destination

Kaohsiung has been promoting its urban transformation in recent years, featuring attractions such as the Pier-2 Art Center, Lotus Pond, and Love River, as well as a thriving concert scene. Not only have these efforts made the southern port city the top spot for tourism among the six special municipalities for the past three years, it has even grabbed the attention of British media, securing the 10th-best November travel destination as named by The TimesTaiwan’s only spot in the ranking.

The imposing Dragon and Tiger Pagodas stand proudly over Kaohsiung’s scenic Lotus Pond, drawing scores of tourists over the weekends. The city has become a more popular destination in recent years, even gaining accolades from international media.

Tseng Hung-wen
FTV reporter
Kaohsiung was named the 10th-best November travel destination by The Times in the UK, the only destination in Taiwan to make the list. Lotus Pond was even featured as the cover photo for the report.

Chen Chi-mai
Kaohsiung Mayor
Pier-2, Lotus Pond, and the Love River here in Kaohsiung were all recommended by The Times. These are all great reasons to visit our port city in wintertime.

Tourist
Visiting Kaohsiung
I went to the Main Public Library before, and today we came to Lotus Pond.

Tourist
Visiting Kaohsiung
I want to go to Cijin, Sizihwan... These two places seem like quick ways to get to the ocean from the city center.

In addition to Zuoying’s Lotus Pond, which is steeped in rich religious tradition, Cijin offers stunning ocean views and delicious seafood, accessible after just a 10-minute ferry ride. The Pier-2 Art Center has also become a major draw for cultural tourism in recent years. Hugely popular characters like Ultraman and Chiikawa have been featured in events here. Add to that a burgeoning concert scene, it’s no wonder that Kaohsiung has been named the most satisfying tourism destination among the six special municipalities for the past three years running. Gaining recognition from abroad as well is the cherry on top.

Resident
Kaohsiung
I feel like Kaohsiung is gradually transforming from an industrial city. The attractions and infrastructure is all really good.

Chen Chi-mai
Kaohsiung Mayor
Aside from the attractions, we also have excellent street food here. We’ll keep working with organizers to bring concerts, including AAA in October and BTS.

Kaohsiung has been heavily promoting its recent urban transformation. With delicious local street food, convenient transportation, and targeted global promotion, Taiwan’s largest port city has created a proud identity to showcase to the world.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#Kaohsiung #tourism #LotusPond #TheTimes #traveldestination #internationalmedia #ranking #Pier2ArtCenter #concerts

2026-08-05

Taiwan set to double airport service fees to fund infrastructure

2026-08-05

42nd year of Han Kuang Exercise is a 10-day, 9-night affair

Today was day one of the 42nd edition of the Han Kuang Exercise, an annual event for combat readiness. Over the course of the event, which will last for 10 days, a variety of unscripted drills involving constantly changing conditions will test the troops and their commanders in simulated war-time situations. The Army, Air Force, Navy, and even the Coast Guard are working together and will introduce new technology in order to increase Taiwan’s defense resilience.

This F-16V fighter zips by on its descent to Hualien’s Chiashan Air Force Base. Next up is a Mirage 2000 fighter jet that is then followed by an Indigenous Defense Fighter. These military aircrafts are carrying out tactical redeployment drills, which allows for decentralized deployment of troops in order to secure positional advantage. The fighter jets of Taiwan’s Air Force are the opening act of the 42nd edition of the Han Kuang Exercise.

After being ordered to deploy, the Navy’s Kang Ding-class frigate has sortied out of the harbor. This patrol vessel of the Coast Guard Administration is inspecting the area as part of a simulation exercise in which law enforcement units are finding ways to support troops during a war. Also showcasing their combat prowess are these Army helicopters.

Several UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters from the Army Aviation 602nd Brigade are carrying out a troop transport mission in which they must rapidly drop off troops at tactical positions; this tests their ability to carry out long-range movements as well as air-ground coordination. This CH-47 Chinook helicopter is carrying 100 fully armed reinforcement troops, who are being taken to tactical positions in Northern Taiwan, thereby completing the mission to defend critical infrastructure.

Reservists in this mobilization exercise are using T65K2 rifles during live-fire drills, which are training them under conditions that’ll closely resemble the battlefield and help them strengthen their combat readiness. Also present is the Taipei City Reserve Command’s mortar battalion, who are training with US-made M4A1 rifles to improve their shooting proficiency.

The 42nd edition of the Han Kuang Exercise will last 10 days and 9 nights. Unscripted and utilizing decentralized command, the drills will incorporate new military technology, like the recently commissioned M1A2T, a M1 Abrams battle tank, as well as attack drones. The exercise will be a multi-faceted test of Taiwan’s overall defense and resilience.

Wellington Koo
Minister of National Defense
This year’s Han Kuang Exercise has adopted an unscripted approach, in which constantly changing conditions will force commanders to improvise, thus testing their decision-making and ability to issue commands.

Minister Koo expressed his confidence that the mobilization drills of the Han Kuang Exercise will involve the soldiers in every area of war, thereby showcasing Taiwan’s elite military forces.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#HanKuangExercise #TopGun #Taiwan #combatreadiness #military

2026-08-05

‘Kung fu grandpa’ does flawless one-foot split against traffic light

A passionate kung fu practitioner in Kaohsiung has become something of a local legend for his very public Shaolin-esque training. The man can often be seen balancing atop YouBike docks, or pulling his leg straight up in the air to do a formidable one-foot standing split against a traffic light. A video of him performing the stunts went viral online, with many admiring his commitment to the craft, and even drawing comparisons between him and bygone martial artists from the movies.

A man wearing a hat appears to be leaning right up against the traffic light pole. Already a strange sight, but not as shocking as the view from the front: a flawless one-foot standing split. The video went viral online, where hundreds were shocked by the kung fu master hiding in plain sight.

Others compared him to Mighty Steel Leg, Stephen Chow’s character in the Hong Kong classic Shaolin Soccer. Mastery of this skill is not for everyone. The man, who appears to be in his 50s, seemed fully at ease practicing the move at a pole on the street.

- That’s impressive.
- Could you do it?
- No way.

- He’s alright. Everyone can do that, even me.
- You can?
- Nah, I’m just pulling your leg.

And kung fu grandpa’s skills don’t end at leg flexibility. Some have seen him training his balance atop YouBike parking docks, 70cm from the ground. He regularly comes to this part of town to practice.

Voice of local
Kaohsiung
If I get here a little earlier, at 8, I usually see him on the bridge. He comes out even if it’s hot, under the scorching sun. He’s always doing static exercises and stretches. He’s just focused on himself, not on anything happening round him.

The man’s identity remains unknown but just in case any copycats get inspired, be reminded that the YouBike pillars have fragile sensors. So if you want to practice butterfly kicks or the praying mantis stance, be sure to abide by the Shaolin code and take care of public property.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#funny #martialarts #exercise #workout #parkour #kungfu #splits #stretching #fitness

2026-08-05

Hotels create family attractions, partner with popular IPs to attract summer stays

Hotels are vying for family business over the summer vacation. Marriott has stepped up its game with a 1,320-square-meter indoor play area with electric cars for children as well as indoor go-karts that both adults and kids can enjoy. Meanwhile, the Shangri-La and Hotel Cozzi are featuring well-known characters in themed rooms and play spaces, hoping to create a one-stop travel destination.

Children speed along in tiny electric cars, obeying the traffic signs as they have a blast driving around the track.

Chen Chih-fan
FTV reporter
Not only are there miniature cars for kids, but also electric go-karts that both children and adults can enjoy together. This hotel has set up a 1,320-square-meter indoor play area, seeking to draw the summer vacation crowds.

- I’m so happy! I love driving cars.

- It’s so fun and exciting! I want to be a race-car driver!

Parent
Thinks it’s great
I think it’s great. It’s boiling hot outside right now. I prefer to be inside where we’re not sweating constantly. Plus the kids can burn off their energy, so it works out well.

Another floor offers an artwork treasurehunt, with free afternoon tea for anyone who can complete it. This five-star Marriott transformed its banquet hall into an indoor family play zone, making it free from rain and wind, not to mention the scorching sun. Children can play from morning until night to burn off energy while staying cool during their summer break.

Sun Yi-tien
Marriott senior marketing manager
We’ve noticed that when families go on summer vacation, they need a place to let out some energy. So this year, we installed this 1,320-square-meter play zone in the banquet hall. We hope parents will bring their kids here for a one-stop entertainment experience. There are instructors standing off to the side to make sure they’re safe, so our guests can enjoy themselves with peace of mind.

Other hotels are looking to popular characters for a boost. The Shangri-La has teamed up with Sanrio to offer dreamy rooms and arts-and-crafts activities. At Hotel Cozzi, everything from the lobby to the in-room amenities are covered with Korea’s popular cartoon dogs Gonchil and Gongsil.

Wu Chia-ying
Shangri-La marketing director
Coming to a hotel allows for a more comfortable stay that also beats the heat. This wave of summer room bookings is expected to drive overall summer revenue growth by about 20%.

Chung Hung-ting
Hotel Cozzi marketing director
Across our two branches, we offer six different themed guest rooms. Overall revenue is expected to bring nearly a 15% growth in earnings.

Big hotels are pulling out all the stops to offer one-stop experiences for families looking for a fun summer travel destination.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#hotels #summervacation #familyvacation #gokarts #indoorplayground #Sanrio

2026-08-05

Terrifying Ghost Month shop display taken down in Miaoli

2026-08-05

TaiwanICDF chooses 6 students to go abroad to do 5-day diplomacy trips

The Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund received more than 100 applications for its first-ever campus ambassador program. A big challenge for the ICDF was whittling down the large candidate pool to just six students that’d be going on a 5-day diplomatic internship trip to either Eswatini or Saint Lucia. Earlier this week, the ICDF selected the six campus ambassadors, who faced stiff competition during a 3-week selection process.

This speaker is standing next to a screen that has PowerPoint slides depicting her diplomatic plan. She’s one of the finalists for the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund’s campus ambassador program, which on August 3 selected its 6 campus ambassadors. With 3 going to diplomatic ally Eswatini, the other 3 will be traveling to Saint Lucia, another ally of Taiwan.

Huang An-yu
ICDF Campus Youth Ambassador
I sought to understand the true nature of the exchanges the ICDF has with local women or the local people who receive aid.

Tsai Wan-yin
ICDF Campus Youth Ambassador
We help by providing them with crops and teach them how to grow crops even better. I think these issues are all a good example of Taiwan showing itself to the world, because it’s an opportunity for others to see us helping foreign countries.

Starting with a preliminary competition, this 3-week selection process ended with oral reports during the final stage. The campus ambassadors who were ultimately selected passed a battery of tests.

Lin I-chun
ICDF Campus Youth Ambassador
I want to take the passion and warmth of the Taiwanese people with me and share this with the local community, because based on my interactions with a lot of friends from abroad, the one thing I’ve heard the most is that they really like Taiwanese people. So I want to take our spirit, as well as what makes Taiwanese people special, and then bring this with me to the local community.

The committee needed to select six students from 100+ candidates, who faced off in a very competitive selection process.

Peifen Hsieh
Taiwan ICDF Deputy Secretary General
Our standards included how much passion they had for the ICDF and this program. We also considered their sense of motivation, planning ability, diplomatic insight, and ability to communicate effectively, which included their speech presentation skills. So, overall, this was actually quite a thorough selection process.

The ICDF hopes that this campus ambassador internship program will help students broaden their horizons, as this opportunity to travel abroad will offer first-hand experiences of international cooperation in addition to potentially leading to future jobs for these youth ambassadors.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#Taiwan #Eswatini #SaintLucia #jobshadowing #campusambassador #TaiwanICDF

2026-08-05

New THSR trains to arrive this month, enter service next July

The first next-generation N700ST train for the Taiwan High Speed Rail recently debuted at a rollout ceremony at the Hitachi Kasado Works in Yamaguchi, Japan, launching the 20-year-old THSR into a new chapter. The new trains will also come with a new timetable. Starting next year, the high-speed rail will undergo its largest schedule adjustment to date, to be carried out in five stages, significantly expanding weekly services to 1,400 and introducing a "super express" train.

This brand-new N700ST train for the Taiwan High Speed Rail features seats with added lumbar support, reading lights conveniently relocated to the seatback, and two trays: one large and one small. Every seat has outlets, and the overhead luggage racks are deeper, offering a major upgrade to the passenger experience.

The THSR bought 12 new train sets from Japan, the first of which is expected to arrive on Aug. 15 and enter service on July 1 next year. Minister of Transportation and Communications Chen Shih-kai and THSR Chairman Shih Che visited Japan recently to preview the new business class carriages. An unboxing video was posted to the official THSR Facebook page, featuring reactions from legislators.

- I think it’s great! Everyone should be looking forward to it.

- Having an extra tray is convenient to hold your coffee or water.

- There’s a lot of added space for luggage, which is a very useful service.

The “Dual Supreme Wing” nose cone, designed especially for Taiwan, can reduce noise and wind resistance, while the crisp white livery with orange and black lines running along the side gives the 13-tonne train a sleek and high-tech look, even while moving at high speeds of 300kph.

Shih Che
THSR Chair
After the new trains enter service, the high-speed rail will eventually have 1,400 services every week, up from 1,134 currently, boosting peak-hour capacity by at least 25%. Over the next two to three years, operating the two train models at the same time will bring about major timetable changes.

The new timetable is the high-speed rail’s biggest schedule overhaul since it debuted 20 years ago. It’s planned as a one-time change with five successive increases, to be announced in detail by the fourth quarter of this year for implementation early next year. There will be more peak-hour trains and better long-distance and express services, including a “super express” train between southern and northern Taiwan, and services connecting Yunlin and Chiayi directly to Taichung and Taipei.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#THSR #highspeedrail #newtrains #traintravel #N700ST #publictransit

2026-08-05