NEW TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The highly anticipated "World News Media Congress 2023" concluded successfully on June 30 in Taiwan. The New Taipei City News Bureau organized a fascinating post-event tour for international media delegates, showcasing the local cultural beauty and promoting the city globally.
During the journey to Pingxi, delegates marveled at the majestic Shifen Waterfall, explored the captivating history of the coal mining industry, and witnessed the mesmerizing sight of sky lanterns illuminating the sky. Chang Ai-ching, director of the New Taipei City News Bureau, highlighted the city's rich natural landscapes, profound cultural heritage, and international recognition in cultural tourism.
The Shifen Waterfall Park provided multiple observation platforms for visitors to admire the waterfall from various angles and experience its awe-inspiring power up close. With a "people-oriented spirit," the New Taipei City government created accessible pathways to offer high-quality tourism routes that cater to diverse ethnic groups.
At the Taiwan Coal Mine Museum in Pingxi, delegates took a ride on the country's only operational coal mine train. The Taiwan Coal Mine Museum in Pingxi preserves mining-related artifacts, historical documents, and equipment that showcase the glorious past of Taiwan's mining industry.
The "Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival," which preserves the cultural heritage of sky lanterns, has repeatedly been recognized as one of the world's best festivals by international media, earning the reputation as a must-visit event in a lifetime. During the visit, international media delegates met Hu Min-shu, also known as the "Sky Lantern National Treasure" of Taiwan. Hu demonstrated making and releasing large sky lanterns, captivating all the media present. International media delegates also personally wrote wishes such as "world peace" and "press freedom" on sky lanterns, sending forth blessings and hope into the sky.
The event, organized by WAN-IFRA, marked the association's first congress in Taiwan in its 75-year history, which was also a significant return to Asia after a 10-year gap, bringing together 950 elite media delegates from 58 countries, including renowned media outlets like CNN, Reuters, and Asahi Shimbun, making it the most prominent international media event ever hosted in Taiwan.
