Recently, the National Immigration Agency (NIA), in collaboration with the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) and the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), visited Tainan to connect with local new immigrants. Through interviews, they explored how new residents have built meaningful lives in Taiwan and contributed their unique cultural backgrounds. Featured individuals include Chan Hsien-Liang from Hong Kong, who volunteers as a bilingual cultural guide Tong Thi Dung from Vietnam, founder of the Viet Aroma Book House and Yang Xinmo from Mainland China, who is revitalizing historical buildings. Their stories reflect how new immigrants are enriching Taiwan's multicultural landscape. 

Hong Kong Immigrant Guides Visitors through Tainan&rsquos Historic Sites with Bilingual Expertise

Chan Hsien-Liang, a new immigrant from Hong Kong, moved to Tainan after retirement due to his love for the city&rsquos rich cultural heritage. With training from the Tainan City Government, he has volunteered for over 11 years as a bilingual (Chinese-English) tour guide. His in-depth knowledge and engaging storytelling bring historical sites to life. At age 74, he cheerfully describes himself as enjoying an age where he can &ldquodo as he pleases&rdquo and continues learning with passion&mdashhoping to introduce more people to Tainan&rsquos fascinating history. 

Promoting Vietnamese Language and Culture: Viet Aroma Book House Becomes a Bridge Between Taiwan and Vietnam

Vietnamese immigrant Tong Thi Dung came to Taiwan at age 19 through marriage. After overcoming language and cultural barriers, she devoted herself to teaching Vietnamese and serving the community. She founded Tainan&rsquos first Vietnamese-style cultural book house, Viet Aroma Book House, where she teaches Vietnamese and promotes cultural exchange. Her book Vietnamese Conversations, published in late 2024, has been well-received. The book house itself combines literature, coffee, and authentic Vietnamese décor, immersing visitors in a unique cultural atmosphere and serving as a vibrant hub for Taiwan-Vietnam exchanges.Congratulations to new Vietnamese immigrant Tong Thi Dung on the publication of her new book "Vietnamese Conversations". (Image source: Ministry of the Interior website)

Mainland Chinese Spouse Revitalizes Historic Home into a Cultural Landmark in Snail Alley

Yang Xinmo, a new immigrant from Mainland China, met her Taiwanese husband while traveling. Sharing a mutual love for heritage architecture, they purchased an old building in 2020 located in Tainan&rsquos "Snail Alley" and began restoration. Originally built as a Japanese police dormitory and later converted into a department store, the house retains its original brickwork and decorative windows. Blending historical elements with modern design, the couple created Snail City Luck&mdasha multifunctional space combining art, culture, and café elements. The revived site is now a popular spot for international tourists seeking to experience Tainan&rsquos alleyway culture.Mainland Chinese new immigrant Yang Xinmo and her Taiwanese husband created a multifunctional space called "Snail City Luck," which combines cultural creativity and a café. (Image source: Ministry of the Interior website)

NIA: New Immigrants Bring Vibrant Cultural Diversity to Taiwan

Xiong De-Ren, Deputy Commander of the NIA&rsquos Southern District Corps, noted that new immigrants are injecting rich cultural diversity and new energy into Taiwan. Through the New Immigrant Development Fund, the agency has been implementing multi-faceted empowerment programs, encouraging new immigrants and their children to develop their talents and pursue their dreams&mdashhelping Taiwan evolve into a more inclusive and culturally enriched society.