NYUST and Chiba University Collaborate on the “2026 Douliu Old Town Regional Revitalization and Regeneration International Workshop” — Taiwanese and Japanese Students Co-Create a New Future for the Local Community

To promote regional revitalization, social engagement, and deeper international academic collaboration, the Intelligent Regional Design and Service Research Center at National Yunlin University of Science and Technology (NYUST) joined forces with the Community Innovation Office (OCI) of Chiba University, Japan, a leading partner in this field, to organize the “2026 Douliu Old Town Regional Revitalization and Regeneration International Workshop (Taiwan Local Project).” Held from August 1 to 8, 2026, the workshop brought together Taiwanese and Japanese students in mixed teams to conduct field research, community explorations, and oral history interviews throughout Douliu Old Town. Through cross-cultural exchange and design thinking, participants worked together to explore new possibilities for regional revitalization.

The workshop represents an important achievement in NYUST’s efforts to promote international exchange and place-based social practice. During the planning and recruitment process, the Office of International Affairs provided valuable support, contributing to the successful implementation of the workshop and demonstrating the university’s cross-unit collaboration in advancing international education and community engagement.

To help participants from Taiwan and Japan gain a deeper understanding of Douliu’s historical development, cultural characteristics, and urban evolution, the workshop included a guided walking tour of Douliu Old Town. NYUST faculty members Wang Hsin-Heng and Yang Hsin-Ju served as group leaders, with Ms. Chang Miao-Chu, coordinator of the Yunlin River Cultural Settlement Alliance, assisting with the local tour. Participants visited key historic districts in Douliu Old Town and learned about the area’s development, cultural heritage, and everyday community life.

Despite the intense summer heat, participants remained engaged throughout the tour, listening attentively and actively asking questions. Through on-site observation and dialogue, they developed a deeper understanding of Douliu Old Town and discovered that, as the seat of Yunlin County Government, Douliu possesses rich cultural heritage, a long history of industrial development, and extensive local knowledge, making it a city of significant cultural value and distinctive local character in central Taiwan.

The workshop focused on two research themes: “Local Lifestyle Industries” and “Cultural Tourism.” Taiwanese and Japanese students were divided into two groups to observe the urban fabric of Douliu Old Town, trace its development, and conduct field research, in-depth interviews, and data collection within the community. By engaging with local residents, shop owners, and cultural practitioners, participants explored the evolution of industries rooted in everyday life and examined the challenges and opportunities associated with cultural tourism development.

The field research received strong support from local partners. Special thanks go to the businesses along Taiping Old Street, Central Market, Yonghe Jewelry, Shengli Tailoring, Lin Yuan Mei Chinese Herb & Tea Shop, and other local businesses and residents for their warm hospitality and for sharing stories of local development and industry experience. These exchanges enabled Taiwanese and Japanese participants to understand local culture and industrial transformation through the lens of everyday life, bringing international exchange directly into the community and closer to the realities of the local area.

Following the field research, Taiwanese and Japanese students will integrate their observations based on their respective academic backgrounds and professional expertise. Applying regional design methodologies, they will develop innovative ideas for the future development and revitalization of Douliu Old Town. Through design thinking, they hope to respond to local needs and help identify new directions that balance cultural preservation with sustainable development.

Professor Huang Shih-Hui, Vice President of NYUST and principal investigator of the project, noted that the workshop centers on the concept of “Re-design.” Re-design is not simply about transforming physical spaces or visual elements; rather, it begins with understanding a place, followed by observation, analysis, problem identification, and the development of innovative solutions. Regional revitalization must be grounded in an understanding of local culture and residents’ needs, while international exchange can bring together different cultural perspectives and ways of thinking.

By working together in the community, Taiwanese and Japanese students can re-examine Douliu Old Town from diverse cultural perspectives. This not only stimulates more diverse and creative ideas but also allows students to learn, in a real-world setting, how to apply their professional expertise to address social issues. This, Professor Huang emphasized, represents one of the most important values of university-led social engagement and regional revitalization education.

The Intelligent Regional Design and Service Research Center at NYUST has long been committed to the revitalization of Douliu Old Town, integrating international collaboration, academic research, design practice, and community participation. Through international workshops, community co-creation, and talent development, the Center continues to build local knowledge and rediscover the cultural value of the area.

Looking ahead, NYUST will continue to work with Chiba University and other international partners to deepen international exchange, nurture professionals equipped with both global perspectives and local engagement capabilities, and inject new energy into regional revitalization. Together, these efforts will contribute to a vision for cities that combines rich cultural heritage with sustainable development.


Group Photo at the Opening Ceremony of the Taiwan–Japan Workshop


Friendly Exchange Between Taiwanese and Japanese Students


Local Guide, Ms. Chang Miao-Chu, Assisting with the Guided Tour


Professor Wang Hsin-Heng of NYUST’s Department of Cultural Heritage Conservation introduces participants to the history and culture of Douliu.

Vice President Huang Shih-Hui of NYUST introduces participants to the history, development, and characteristics of Douliu Old Town.

Organizing Unit: Intelligent Regional Design and Service Research Center
Director: Huang Shih-Hui
Contact Person: Huang Huan-Yueh
Tel: +886-5-534-2601 ext. 2870

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