Taoyuan Mayor San-Cheng Chang attended the pre-expo press conference for the 2026 Taiwan Design Expo on Sept. 2, announcing that the flagship event will make its Taoyuan debut on Sept. 24. Centering on the theme “TAOYUAN in FLOW,” this year’s expo draws inspiration from the city’s iconic landscape, which is traditionally known as the “land of a thousand ponds.” The concept of “flow” symbolizes Taoyuan’s dynamic vitality, cultural heritage, and deep-rooted inclusiveness, aiming to highlight the city’s rich cultural diversity and industrial capabilities through design.
Mayor Chang noted that the expo features two main exhibition hubs, Qingpu and Zhongli, which showcase the distinct contrast between Taoyuan’s modern and historic urban spaces. Qingpu highlights contemporary cityscape aesthetics and creative innovation, while Zhongli demonstrates design-driven urban revitalization through the transformation of its historic downtown core. Various city government departments have also curated specialized pavilions to present multifaceted dimensions of Taoyuan’s development.
Highlighting the city’s demographic growth, Mayor Chang pointed out that Taoyuan’s population has expanded by roughly 80,000 residents over the past four years. The city boasts Taiwan’s largest Hakka and new immigrant populations, as well as the second-largest Indigenous population after Hualien County, reflecting its remarkably inclusive character. The city government hopes the expo will help newer residents connect more deeply with Taoyuan. Through key mechanisms, such as the Urban Creative Design Center, urban aesthetics task forces, and aesthetic reviews for public infrastructure, the administration aims to embed design into daily urban life and municipal administration.
The 18-day event will run from Sept. 24 to Oct. 11 across Qingpu and Zhongli, featuring 16 thematic exhibitions and five satellite sites. The program includes international forums, design markets, outdoor light shows, curated tours, digital stamp rallies, and augmented reality (AR) experiences. Over two years in the making, the expo brings together more than 700 designers, 1,630 corporate brands, 41 academic institutions, and over 210 students, along with nearly 50 international creators from 16 countries. For more information, visit the official website (www.designexpo.org.tw) or social media channels (www.facebook.com/Taiwandesignexpo).