Dalin Slow City Development Association Introduction
Dalin was originally a forest, formerly known as "Dapu Lin." The preserved place names within the township, such as Zhonglin, Dingyuanlin, Lintou, Linzaiqian, and Lintouzi, suggest the lush scenery of the past. During the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, pioneering settlers discovered this fertile land and gradually formed a bustling town that became a trading center for nearby villages, known as "Dapu Lin Street." Since the Japanese colonial period, the development of Dalin Township has been closely tied to the Dalin Sugar Factory. In the early post-war years, the sugar factory significantly boosted local commerce and industry, resulting in a flourishing business environment and making it the wealthiest area in Chiayi County during its most prosperous times. This settlement is located in the busiest commercial area of Dalin Township, adjacent to Dalin Railway Station, primarily encompassing Zhongshan Road, Zhongzheng Road, and Heping Street, characterized by many buildings over 50 years old. In the 60s and 70s of the Republic of China, this was the most prosperous area of Dalin Township. In recent years, due to population outflow, the population has gradually declined, with about 30,000 residents currently living in the town, which is also a very livable town. The Dalin Slow City Association was co-founded by local residents Jiang Minghe and Hsu Kaixing, motivated by the realization that Dalin used to be the wealthiest location in Chiayi County and served as the northern gateway of the county. The history of its development dates back to the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, with many early settlers coming from Fujian, Zhangzhou, Quanzhou, and Guangdong. With its vast agricultural lands and abundant irrigation resources, Dalin has become an important granary of the Chianan Plain, famous for its quality rice and orchids. The town once boasted military camps and sugar factories, flourishing for a time. After years of decline, it became the first town in western Taiwan to be certified as an International Slow City in 2016, promoted by the local government. In recent years, several hundred cultural small trips and local activities have been organized, connecting sites such as the Wangguo Theater, Land God Temple, Taicheng Chinese Medicine Museum, Jiyang Yanpai Street Houses, Zhuoluo Mountain, Shixin Vision, and surrounding tourist factories. Utilizing old buildings, cultural features, experiential activities, and tourism together, the entire Dalin business community has formed a small collective. Additionally, the association has implemented a project supported by the Ministry of Culture for core creative works and independent workers to establish a cultural and creative community, achieving significant results. Dalin has a population of about 29,000, but it is estimated that over 200,000 people visit Dalin each year, attracted by its unique cultural characteristics and seeking to deepen their understanding of local features.
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