Oktoberfest Makes Its Grand Debut in Taichung Deputy Mayor Huang: A Celebration of German-Taichung Friendship and Global Culture

The spirit of Bavaria came alive in central Taiwan last night as the German Trade Office brought its first-ever Oktoberfest to Taichung, transforming the Leiter Wedding Banquet Hall into a lively haven of music, beer, and cultural flair. The celebration gathered German enterprises, local partners, and city leaders for an evening steeped in camaraderie and cheer. Taichung Deputy Mayor Huang Kuo-jung, attending on behalf of Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, joined the festivities and lauded the city’s growing role as a hub of international exchange.

“It’s a great honor to represent Mayor Lu at this joyful celebration of friendship and culture,” Huang said. “This event gives Taichung residents the chance to feel the warmth and passion of German tradition firsthand, while also underscoring the enduring partnership between our city and Germany.”

Huang expressed appreciation to the German Trade Office for its sustained efforts in deepening collaboration across industry, culture, and education, noting that these exchanges have produced substantial achievements over the years.

Highlighting Taichung’s pivotal role in Taiwan’s economy, Huang remarked that Germany remains one of Taiwan’s most important European partners, while Taichung stands as central Taiwan’s industrial powerhouse—a nexus for precision machinery, automotive components, aerospace, and smart manufacturing. He noted that global German giants such as Siemens Gamesa, Allianz, and Beckhoff Automation have established a presence in Taichung or partnered closely with local enterprises.

“Germany’s craftsmanship and precision mirror the very spirit of Taichung’s industries,” Huang added. “There’s vast potential for cooperation in technology, talent cultivation, and green transformation. The city government remains committed to openness, innovation, and efficiency—ensuring Taichung remains a top destination for international investors.”

The Economic Development Bureau emphasized that Taichung has in recent years stepped up its global engagement by hosting a range of international events and cultural festivals, reinforcing its identity as a cosmopolitan, globally minded city. The successful debut of Oktoberfest in Taichung, the Bureau noted, marks another milestone in fostering Taiwan–Germany friendship and showcasing Taichung’s vibrant, international energy.

This global outlook extends to the city’s flagship Taichung Shopping Festival, now in its seventh year, which continues to weave international exchange into its festivities. Since 2024, the city has invited foreign envoys and representatives to serve as brand ambassadors. This year’s lineup includes representatives from the EU, France, Finland, the Czech Republic, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Among them, Dr. Filip Grzegorzewski, the EU’s Trade Office Director from Germany, filmed promotional scenes at Xinshe Castle—a romantic European-style estate—and the New  NewPlace Museum, home to more than a thousand antique treasures. “Taichung feels wonderfully European!” he exclaimed during filming.

To welcome even greater participation, the festival’s digital platform now supports multiple languages and offers a US$10,000 prize exclusively for foreign participants. With its international ambassador videos going viral and widespread diplomatic engagement, this year’s event is expected to attract participants from over 50 countries and 10,000 foreign users of the “Taichung Pass” app. Over 500 international restaurants and 245 partner merchants are offering 450 exclusive deals—a major leap from last year—affirming Taichung’s growing reputation as a global city for gastronomy, culture, and shopping.

Guests at the Oktoberfest included Deputy Mayor Huang, Dr. Alexandra Lansky, Director General of the German Trade Office, Deputy Director Lee Cheng-feng, Economic Development Division Chief Hung Ching-jui, and numerous representatives from German firms and local businesses—all raising their steins to friendship, collaboration, and the joyful sound of “Prost!”

Advertorial by Economic Development Bureau, Taichung City Government.