2022 "Meet Our Friendship Cities in Taoyuan" Exhibition: Guam, USA

Over the past seven years, Taoyuan City has continued to strengthen its international exchanges, raise its international visibility, and gradually enhance the international perspective of the public and private sectors to create business opportunities. To date, it has forged alliances with 33 cities around the world, laying a solid foundation for city diplomacy. In addition to sharing governance expertise, it also maintains ties through various exchange activities.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, international cities have only been able to communicate with each other online through video conferencing. The "Meet Our Friendship Cities in Taoyuan" Exhibition had participation from 14 sister cities and friendly cities from five countries in Asia, the Americas and Europe. Commemorative gifts and wonderful products from various countries were on display, enabling visitors to the Taoyuan exhibition to enjoy a taste of cities overseas and feel the glow of warmth and friendship from afar.

Guam is located in the heart of the Western Pacific Ocean. Known as the “pearl” of Micronesia, this is an island territory of the United States and has a tropical climate. Famous for its white sandy beaches and clear waters, it is an ideal destination for anyone looking to relax and escape crowded city life. It takes only 3.5 hours to fly directly from Taiwan to Guam, making it a very convenient and relaxing island resort with a clear blue coastline. It has an American ambiance and the Chamorro people’s complex history and island culture. Guam is waiting for you to come and experience it for yourself.

On December 15, 2021, Mayor Cheng Wen-tsan attended the Taiwan-Guam Virtual Economic Summit, where he discussed the economic opportunities brought by airports with Guam’s governor Lou Leon Guerrero, government officials, and scholars. The ceremony culminated in the signing of a sister-city agreement between Taoyuan City and Guam.

The souvenir for the sister-city agreement signing and a token of long-lasting friendship was a commemorative album marking the 75th anniversary of Guam’s liberation.

Beginning in 1941, the Japanese occupation of Guam saw the island renamed Omiya-Jima and the indigenous people forced to learn the Japanese language and customs, build airstrips and defense installations, work as prostitutes, or sell their land. This harrowing experience means the period is a painful memory for the people of Guam.

In July 1944, the US returned to Guam and recaptured it after a month’s fighting. Guamanians now celebrate July 21, the date US troops landed on Guam, as Liberation Day.

The wooden sea turtle is carved with a Guamanian flag and symbolizes the importance of marine environmental protection for Guam as an island.

The Guam rail, known locally as the Ko’ko’ bird, is an indigenous flightless bird on the brink of extinction.

A modern version of the woven bag made by the indigenous Chamorro people breathes new life into an ancient tradition.

The indigenous Chamorro culture is an important asset to Guam, and weaving is one of the key Chamorro craft traditions. The Chamorro people have incorporated weaving culture into all aspects of their lives. Items such as bracelets, gift bags, and sun hats can all be woven. The woven bamboo basket is a key artifact in Chamorro culture and highly representative of Guam.

In traditional Chamorro society, weaving used to be a daily task for women. Being able to make household items with one’s hands was a necessary skill.

Guam was influenced by Spanish colonization, and its architecture and clothing often show a blend of local and European styles. The Chamorro Mestiza costume on display is an expression of this Spanish heritage. When they wear this costume, Chamorro women often pair it with a wreath decorated with shells.

In the Chamorro language, Sinahi means “new moon.” Just as ancient Chamorro navigators relied on the moon and stars to navigate the seas, fishermen, hunters, and farmers also followed the lunar cycles in their work. This crescent moon necklace is often seen around the necks of Chamorro men in a sign of their reverence for the moon.

Canoes are an integral part of Austronesian cultures. The Chamorros added outriggers to the sides of the hull to increase stability. With their sophisticated equipment and techniques, the Austronesian peoples were able to navigate the islands scattered across the Pacific Ocean.