Residents and tourists in Fenglin, a small town in eastern Hualien County, Taiwan, have revived a snail-racing event to celebrate sustainable living [1, 2].
The event serves as a community recovery tool following a devastating earthquake in April 2024 that killed 19 people in the region [1]. By attracting visitors back to the area, local organizers aim to counteract population shifts and economic challenges facing the remote town [1, 2].
First held in 2019, the tradition was brought back in 2024 to emphasize a slower pace of life [1]. The competition typically features about 12 snails [1]. The event structure includes six races held over two days, drawing several dozen residents and tourists to cheer on the slow-moving competitors [2].
Organizers designed the race to promote a more sustainable way of life in contrast to the fast-paced nature of modern urban centers [1, 2]. The town of Fenglin is using the quirkiness of the event to put the region back on the tourism map after the natural disaster [2].
While the races are lighthearted, they reflect a deeper desire for community resilience. The effort to revitalize Fenglin involves balancing the need for economic growth, a philosophy of mindfulness, and environmental sustainability [1, 2].
“The event serves as a community recovery tool following a devastating earthquake.”
The revival of the snail race in Fenglin demonstrates a strategic use of 'slow tourism' to foster psychological and economic recovery. By leaning into a niche, sustainable identity, the town seeks to create a resilient local economy that does not rely on high-volume mass tourism, but rather on quality-of-life attractions that appeal to those seeking an escape from urban stress.
