The “Local Creation and Dissemination of Cultural Heritage – Fucheng vs. Yuejin” USR Project team from Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology (STUST), sponsored by the Ministry of Education, has once again partnered with residents of the Shennong Street Museum to host the Bingo Stamp Rally—Walk into the West Gate: To See the Scenery of Shennong Street. This month-long summer event, held from July 26 to August 31, invites the public to visit the former border of Fucheng’s West Gate and embark on a cultural exploration journey blending history and streetscapes.

【The “Local Creation and Dissemination of Cultural Heritage – Fucheng vs. Yuejin” USR Project” team, in collaboration with the Shennong Street Museum and 26 local businesses, is organizing the 2025 the Bingo Stamp Rally—Walk into the West Gate: To See the Scenery of Shennong Street. Participating businesses took a group photo on the opening day, linking the scenery of the West Gate City Wall, the neighborhood’s collective memories, and the aesthetics of everyday life, allowing local stories to come alive through the stamp collection journey (Photo: Group photo of participating businesses).】

The event also marks the 300th anniversary of the founding of the prefectural capital. The Shennong Street District Museum, once located in the Wutiaogang commercial and trade district during the Ching Dynasty, is conveniently close to the remains of the West Gate City Wall, which serves as the centerpiece of the event. The museum has launched the West Gate Cityside Scenery Exhibition, recreating the original appearance of the city wall. Through guided tours and interactive stamp collection, visitors can step into the present-day neighborhood and experience the flowing memories of a century-old landscape.

【The Shennong Street District Museum offers West Gate Cityside Scenery Exhibition, recreating the original appearance of the Ching Dynasty city wall. Visitors can collect stamps by answering questions and participating in interactive activities, experiencing the fusion of 300 years of city wall history with the life of the contemporary neighborhood.】

When the prefectural capital was first built in 1725, the western side of the city wall facing the sea was not protected by walls. Only the West Gate marked the prefectural city boundary, located approximately near the present-day Reception Pavilion and Fengshen Temple. After the Shuang-Wen Lin Incident in 1788, the city wall was rebuilt using cement. Due to foundation requirements, the western city line retreated inward, shifting the original location of the Great West Gate. The Shennong Street District Museum now stands at the junction of the old and new West Gates. Therefore, this event invites businesses to reflect on their store’s most memorable “scenery.” Participants in the stamp collection are encouraged to learn about the city walls from 300 years ago and explore daily life in the West District 300 years later.

【Participants can join the “Seeing the Scenery of Shennong Street” game by Chingyu Antiques, exploring unique antiques such as hibiscus stone seals and uncovering the cultural stories and scenic significance of these businesses.】

This year’s event extends beyond Shennong Street to the Minchuan Road district. Under the theme “Eat and Plunder,” the event offers a wide variety of gifts to the public with the enthusiastic participation of many local businesses. From food to lifestyle products, each store has prepared abundant prizes. Simply visit and enjoy the scenery to win gifts, and complete a BINGO connection to enter a lucky draw. All prizes are generously provided by participating businesses. Chingyu Antiques, joining for the first time this year, is offering a hibiscus stone seal as the grand prize. Kunbao Sharing Cultural Tourism is giving away a one-night stay voucher. Fat Cat Café is drawing attention with a four-inch fruit cake decorated with flowers. A local bag brand is offering its signature vegetable-tanned leather and cowhide products. A dazzling variety of surprises awaits visitors.

【After completing a BINGO connection, visitors can place the redemption coupon into a raffle box for exclusive gifts from local businesses, keeping the excitement of stamp collecting and discovery alive.】

【Holding ancient merchandise from Wutiao Honghang, visitors can unlock the secrets of the store’s “scenery” through interactive tasks, linking the historical commercial context with modern neighborhood culture.】

As President Nen-Fu Huang of STUST stated, the Cultural Heritage USR team will continue to cultivate the Shennong Street Museum and maintain a deep partnership with residents. Following the Lantern Festival event, this summer’s stamp collection activity once again showcases the achievements of community collaboration and takes concrete action to fulfill the 5Cs criteria for World Heritage selection, moving toward sustainable museum development. President Huang welcomes everyone to visit the West Gate this summer to discover the historical beauty and contemporary charm of Shennong Street through stamp collecting and exploration.

【The Bingo Stamp Rally—Walk into the West Gate: To See the Scenery of Shennong Street features a refreshed design, highlighting the innovative spirit of the STUST’s USR program, which leverages cultural heritage to inspire community exploration.】