Keelung mayoral candidate learns urban branding from Zhubei mayor

Keelung mayoral candidate Walter Tong visited Zhubei City to seek advice on urban governance from Mayor Cheng Chao-fang. Tong, who also chairs the Keelung City Council, was particularly impressed by Cheng's ability to blend art and public affairs, making design a core element of urban transformation.

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Cheng integrates art and aesthetics with public affairs, making design the core of urban renewal. This reinforces my belief that Keelung can also be built into the most eye-catching and recognizable city brand in northern Taiwan.

Tong noted that Cheng's approach transforms public spaces like parks and libraries into integrated parts of the city's green belt and offers a high-quality experience for citizens. He highlighted the design of parks that encourage children to engage with nature and the innovative "scent library" concept at the Fudé branch of the Zhubei City Library, which creates a memorable urban space.

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Cheng is one of the most capable political figures I've seen who can fuse artistic aesthetics with public affairs. From citizen mobility and reading experiences to the municipal team's workspace, aesthetics and design are thoroughly integrated into municipal planning. 'Design' has almost become the DNA of Zhubei's transformation.

The visit also included Zhubei City Hall, which Tong described as embodying a citizen-centric service approach. The "Open City Hall" initiative transforms the building into a public space for civic engagement, life, arts, and youth entrepreneurship, featuring a gallery-like corridor and a cafe-style discussion area.

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The parks are not just independent spaces but part of the urban green belt. The basketball court and other venue configurations incorporate more trendy court designs and visual planning, demonstrating the leader's vision and governance capability.

Tong stated that Cheng's determination to redefine a place as a city brand and his commitment to perfection in every detail offer valuable lessons for Keelung. If elected mayor, Tong pledged to bring aesthetics, design, and public service into urban governance, aiming to make Keelung the most eye-catching and recognizable city brand in northern Taiwan.

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The Fudé branch of the Zhubei City Library is particularly impressive. Mayor Cheng has organized the space in front of the library into an area where children can play freely. Inside, through light and space design, the library creates an all-ages reading area distinguished by sun, moon, and stars, offering citizens a five-star reading experience.