Taiwan Tourism Administration Hosts Immersive Cultural Event at Chicago’s Union Station: A Unique Opportunity to Discover Taiwan’s Beauty and Warmth

Published on December 14, 2025

On December 13, 2025, Chicago’s historic Union Station transformed into an immersive gateway to Taiwan, welcoming locals and visitors to experience the island’s rich heritage, warm hospitality, and vibrant culture. The Taiwan Tourism Administration (TTA), in collaboration with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) and Taiwan’s major airlines, China Airlines and EVA Air, hosted the #PictureMeInTaiwan event—a day filled with hands-on activities, live performances, traditional crafts, and a chance to win flights to Taiwan. The event aimed to showcase the island’s diverse cultural experiences and invite travelers to discover Taiwan’s hidden gems, offering a unique taste of what awaits tourists on the island.

This cultural celebration wasn’t just a showcase but an invitation to explore the artistic, culinary, and scenic wonders of Taiwan. The event was held in the iconic Great Hall of Union Station, which was transformed into a mini-Taiwan fair with themed photo booths, games, craft stations, and presentations. It also featured Taiwanese folk music and cultural performances, providing an authentic Taiwanese experience in the heart of Chicago.

Key Highlights of the #PictureMeInTaiwan Event

• Walk-in Photo Booths: Visitors could step into themed booths designed to replicate iconic Taiwanese scenes, complete with props, to capture memorable moments.
• Taiwanese Craft Stations: Guests participated in traditional crafts like Paper Douli Hat Crafting and Zodiac Badge-Making DIY—hands-on activities that brought Taiwan’s artistic culture to life.
• Traditional Taiwanese Games: Fun games such as Taiwanese Pinball and the Ride the Waves of Wonder, inspired by Taiwan’s island landscapes, engaged families and travelers alike.
• Cultural Performances: Live performances, including flute and cajón folk melodies and dynamic yoyo (diabolo) acts, showcased Taiwan’s vibrant music and performing arts.
• Taiwan Flight Ticket Giveaway: The event concluded with an exciting Taiwan flight ticket giveaway, offering lucky visitors premium travel opportunities to Taiwan.

A Taste of Taiwan’s Cultural Diversity

Taiwan is an island that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern innovation, offering travelers a unique fusion of historical landmarks, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant urban experiences. This immersive event, with its interactive photo booths, live performances, and Taiwanese delicacies, gave Chicagoans a taste of what they could experience in Taiwan. Whether it’s exploring Taipei’s bustling night markets, trekking through the mountains of Taroko Gorge, or discovering the island’s hot springs and beaches, Taiwan has something for every traveler.

Why Taiwan? A Destination That Offers Something for Everyone

Taiwan is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after destinations for travelers seeking culture, adventure, and relaxation. With its world-class cuisine, breathtaking natural beauty, and friendly locals, Taiwan is a destination that welcomes visitors with open arms. Here are a few reasons why Taiwan should be at the top of your travel list:

• Rich Cultural Heritage: From traditional tea ceremonies to buddhist temples and aboriginal arts, Taiwan offers travelers a deep dive into its cultural roots.
• Convenient Accessibility: With direct flights from major U.S. cities like Chicago, Taiwan is easily accessible through airlines like China Airlines and EVA Air, making it an ideal destination for U.S. travelers.
• Adventure and Nature: Whether it’s hiking the Alishan mountains, exploring the Taroko Gorge, or lounging on the beautiful beaches of Kenting National Park, nature lovers will find plenty to explore.
• Modern City Life: Taipei, Taiwan’s capital, is a bustling metropolis with skyscrapers, shopping malls, and world-class dining that contrasts beautifully with the island’s rural landscapes.
• Exquisite Cuisine: Taiwan is known for its street food culture, with night markets offering everything from bubble tea to stinky tofu and beef noodle soup.

Immersing Yourself in Taiwan’s Warm Hospitality

What truly sets Taiwan apart is its people. Known for their genuine warmth and hospitality, Taiwanese locals are always ready to help visitors feel at home. The #PictureMeInTaiwan event at Union Station was designed not only to showcase the island’s cultural and scenic offerings but also to extend the welcoming nature of Taiwan to all who attended. Whether chatting with locals or enjoying the interactive experiences, guests were able to experience firsthand the warmth that makes Taiwan such a special place.

Economic and Cultural Ties: Taiwan’s Growing Influence in the U.S.

Taiwan’s economic and cultural ties with the U.S. have been strengthening in recent years. As one of the U.S.’s top trading partners, Taiwan has become a critical player in global technology and economic exchanges. In fact, Taiwan was the 7th largest trade partner of the U.S. in 2024, with a 24% increase in trade between the two countries. Taiwan’s presence in global industries, particularly in semiconductors and AI technologies, has made it an increasingly important player on the world stage.

Beyond economics, the event aimed to solidify the people-to-people connections between the U.S. and Taiwan, emphasizing the shared cultural values and growing ties. Director General Dennis Yen Feng Lei of TECO in Chicago mentioned that Taiwan’s robust tourism network with countries like the U.S., Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia further reinforces its status as a central hub for travel in East Asia.

A Growing Trend: Taiwan’s Commitment to U.S. Tourism

Taiwan is rapidly growing as a key destination for U.S. travelers. With the help of direct flights from Chicago, more and more Americans are discovering Taiwan’s beauty. The Taiwan Tourism Administration’s strategic efforts to enhance awareness and promote tourism through events like #PictureMeInTaiwan are making Taiwan more accessible than ever before. As part of its broader tourism initiatives, the TTA has launched several promotional programs, such as offering complimentary layover tours and NT$600 vouchers for eligible international passengers transiting through Taipei International Airport.

This event also aligns with Taiwan’s goal of increasing tourist arrivals in 2026 and beyond, attracting travelers seeking culture, adventure, and relaxation in one of Asia’s most vibrant and diverse destinations. The #PictureMeInTaiwan event is just one of several experiential activations planned across North America, further emphasizing Taiwan’s commitment to building stronger tourism connections with the U.S.