Hospitality as Design: Taiwanese Cultural Itineraries Curate

Hospitality as design transforms service into a crafted experience, blending environment, culture, and personal connection. Applied to Taiwan's hidden cultural treasures, it reimagines tourism as a means to preserve heritage, engage communities, and promote sustainability.

This project showcases design's role in unlocking Taiwan's regional tourism potential through short-distance itineraries. Spanning north, central, and south Taiwan, these curated experiences explore cultural heritage, local craftsmanship, and modern lifestyles, all grounded in sustainability.

Dadaocheng Melody and Tea Experience (Northern Taiwan):
The northern itinerary exemplifies the "Hospitality as Design" ethos by merging traditional tea culture with the creative pulse of Dadaocheng, a historic tea and trade hub and the birthplace of Taiwanese folk songs. Through immersive experiences, visitors are invited to explore the intersection of heritage and contemporary culture, engaging with local artisans and modern creators. Here, hospitality becomes a gateway to understanding a city's soul, where history, music, and trade coalesce into a thoughtfully designed journey.

Nantou Bamboo and Tea Craftsmanship Experience (Central Taiwan):
In central Taiwan, the Nantou Bamboo and Tea Craftsmanship Route brings to life the story of the "invisible artisans"—those whose mastery of traditional bamboo and tea crafts often remains hidden. By integrating design thinking into the experience, this route highlights the sustainable practices and artisanal skills that keep these crafts alive. Travelers engage in hands-on workshops, learning about the sustainable techniques that define this region's craftsmanship, turning a typical visit into a designed experience where the guest becomes part of the cultural preservation process.

Creative Life at Jianye New Village Experience (Southern Taiwan):
The southern route, Creative Life at Jianye New Village, showcases how hospitality and design can foster community engagement and cultural revival. Once a military dependents' village, Jianye New Village has transformed into a vibrant creative hub, where visitors connect with local artists, makers, and entrepreneurs. By facilitating these interactions, the design transforms this itinerary into an authentic exchange of stories and ideas, where travelers can actively participate in the local cultural renaissance.