Asia-Pacific Sustainability Action Awards-Sustainability Action Awards SDG11:Silver
Taichung City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau
A Century-Old Equestrian Park's Sustainable Rebirth
Established in 1912, the Houli Equestrian Park was a Japanese colonial horse ranch and a post-war military breeding base. Restricted for decades, it was transferred to local government administration in 1997. Facing aging structures, the city government designated its stables as monuments in 2016. By hosting the 2018 Taichung World Flora Exposition and the 2020 Taiwan Lantern Festival, the city launched a comprehensive restoration program to revitalize the park. Guided by SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, the city has leveraged public-private partnerships to introduce professional equestrian activities and circus programs. The park has also been integrated with the Houfeng Bikeway to create Taichung's signature green tourism corridor. Today, the park integrates cultural assets, equestrian sports, and recreation. It achieved a 308.4% revenue growth in 2024 and attracted over 250,000 visitors in 2025, generating approximately USD 19 million in tourism output. The once-solemn military relic has successfully evolved into a cherished public space and a source of shared memories for citizens.