Event Introduction
“Taoyuan Urban Vision Lecture Series” brings together expert faculty from Chung Yuan Christian University to explore two core themes shaping the future of Taoyuan. As the city stands at a pivotal moment of transformation — from its century-old irrigation pond systems to the revitalization of its historic downtown following railway undergrounding — every citizen plays a vital role in co-creating the city of tomorrow.

Join us for two inspiring lectures that reveal Taoyuan’s unique urban potential, the challenges it faces, and the breakthroughs shaping its path forward. Together, let’s reimagine the kind of city we want to live in.

講座資訊
｜October 18, 2025 (Saturday) | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
｜Topic: Envisioning an Ecological City – The Possibilities of a Livable Taoyuan
｜Speaker: Associate Professor Wenhui Peng
Department of Landscape Architecture, Chung Yuan Christian University
｜Event Description:
Have you ever dreamed of enjoying a countryside lifestyle right in the heart of the city?
Imagine living in a green, nature-filled neighborhood — where a five-minute walk takes you to a park or stream, where healthy, local food is within easy reach, and where neighbors of all ages gather for tea, conversation, and community activities — all in a pollution-free environment.
This dream isn’t far-fetched. It begins with how we live, and extends to ecological buildings, green communities, and ultimately, sustainable cities. The key is: how serious are we about making it real?
With over a century-old network of irrigation ponds and canals, intertwined with rivers and farmland, Taoyuan is uniquely positioned to become a foundation for an ecological city. Combined with the development of new MRT lines and public transportation systems, the potential to create diverse, sustainable living environments is within reach — and it’s time we start building that vision together.

｜November 29, 2025 (Saturday) | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
｜Topic: Global Vision vs. Local Politics: The Struggles and Aspirations for a People-Centered Taoyuan
｜Speaker: Assistant Professor Kun-Hua Tung
Dual Bachelor’s Program in Architecture and Urban Design, Chung Yuan Christian University
｜Event Description:
In recent years, the Taoyuan railway underground project — along with intense public debate over the so-called “pedestrian hell” — has brought the issue of old town revitalization and people-centered urban design to the forefront.
Since 2023, the Taoyuan City Government has launched a cross-departmental initiative and invited professional planning teams to rethink the old urban core. Drawing inspiration from successful domestic and international case studies, the team integrated global urban design concepts and adapted them into actionable strategies tailored for the local context.
But translating vision into reality has proven difficult. Residents and labor unions have voiced strong opposition — “Don’t change the roads,” “Don’t reduce parking,” “Don’t disrupt taxi queues.” Local shop owners worry that expanding pedestrian areas will hurt their businesses. Neighborhood leaders are caught between pressure from residents and the need for change. Meanwhile, central government funding tends to prioritize hard infrastructure, often overlooking streetscape design and human-centered placemaking — resulting in a gap between visionary planning and actual resource allocation.
This is more than just a road improvement project. It’s a test of social transformation and governance.
With early progress in Taoyuan’s old town core, we hope to gradually gain the support of the local community, influential voices, and central government — paving the way for long-term, steady improvements in both Taoyuan and Zhongli’s human-centered environments.

Registration:
2025 Urban Transformation Lab – Taoyuan’s Future City Vision Exhibition

Lecture Series Registration Form

See details
Taoyuan Urban Transformation Laboratory — Prospects for Urban Futures