Taiwan Town Races Snails for Tourism Boost

Fenglin, a Taiwanese town of approximately 10,000 residents, has found an unconventional way to boost tourism and celebrate its slow-paced lifestyle: snail racing. The initiative aims to revitalize the region after a powerful earthquake in April 2024 significantly dampened travel. Residents explained that many people left the frequently seismic county of Hualien due to safety concerns.

The town has been associated with the Cittaslow international network, focused on quality of life and local foods, since 2014. This designation, symbolized by a snail, aligns with Fenglin's shrinking population and its status as a "super-aged" society. The snail races, organized in May 2024, drew dozens of attendees, featuring multiple races over two days, including a final where winners were ceremoniously pulled across a carpet.

Participants like 70-year-old Li Cheng-wen showcase their pet snails, selected for activity and appearance. Visitors, such as Kelvin Hong and Tiara Lin from Kaohsiung, traveled with their family and giant African snail, Aquaman, to participate. The winning snail, Brother Snail, completed a 33-centimeter race in just over 3 minutes, earning organic sweet potato leaves as a prize.

Beyond the snail races, Fenglin offers guided e-bike tours exploring historic sites. While students Annette Lin and Tanya Liu found the town's slow vibes a pleasant respite, they noted it might not be an ideal place for permanent residence.