CREATIVE EXPO TAIWAN 2025

CREATIVE EXPO TAIWAN 2025 SHOWCASES THE POWER OF DESIGN THAT INTERPRETS TAIWANESE CULTURE THROUGH NATURAL LANDSCAPES, WATERWAYS, AND EVERYDAY LIFE

TEXT: KAWIN RONGKUNPIROM
IMAGE COURTESY OF CREATIVE EXPO TAIWAN

(For Thai, press here)

When it comes to major annual events that showcase the full potential of a country’s creative industries and cultural identity to the world, Creative Expo Taiwan is among the most prominent. Since its launch in 2010, the expo has steadily evolved its format, and in 2025, it returns under the theme ‘Water Scapes.’

Taiwan’s island geography has long shaped the way water integrates into daily life, woven through a rich tapestry of natural landscapes—from mountain mist and hot springs at the foothills, to rushing rivers and crashing coastal waves. This connection serves as the starting point for an exhibition that revisits the relationship between the Taiwanese people and water, while reflecting on the shifting global concepts surrounding water. Visitors are invited to experience the elemental force that gives rise to Taiwan’s vibrant culture.

The main exhibition is divided into four thematic sections, each curated by experts from different fields: The Island of Seascapes, The Realm of Mist, The Spirit of Water and Taiwan as Endless Streams

The Island of Seascapes by Lin Sheng-Feng (Yushan Workshop) features a floating woven art installation that explores Taiwan’s culture through its landscape and history. The open space also includes works by seven artists and photographers, inviting viewers to explore freely on this open-plan space.

The Realm of Mist by Ling-Li Tseng and Occasional Design recreates the atmosphere of an urban city shrouded in fog. Enhanced with the scents of forest, reused wood, and scattered leaves, the installation activates the senses and evokes a return to nature.

The Spirit of Water by Yashin Tzeng and Zoyi Lin (Yuren Design) focuses on diverse stories, myths, and rituals of Indigenous peoples, showing how water sustains their lives and beliefs. A simulated floating lantern ceremony allows visitors to send off their wishes along the stream.

Taiwan as Endless Streams, by Frank Huang, featuring local flavors and 102 curated selections from all 22 counties and cities, including major cultural hubs like Zhounan Salt Field and Guangxing Paper Mill. This exhibition reflects the uniqueness and beauty of Taiwanese art, deeply rooted in the country’s geography, surrounded by seas and coursed through by swift rivers.

‘Daily Craft +’ is a pop-up store featuring 70 craft brands carefully selected by the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute from across Taiwan, from tea utensils and tableware to fashion accessories and home décor. The store opts to encourage the spirit of craftsmanship in our everyday life, serving as a long-term companion and a tangible presence.

In addition to the five main exhibitions, this year’s event will offer over 50 live performances and special events, more than 10 expert talks, and two curated waterwalk routes, as well as Hi, Aqua Zone!, a large-scale commercial exhibition featuring over 630 brands from 10 countries, including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the U.S., and Thailand. This section alone is three times larger than last year’s, making it the biggest Creative Expo Taiwan to date.

One of the most notable highlights this year is the introduction of an intellectual property (IP) showcase dedicated to character design. The IP-STAR POP PARK and IPOP-UP! zones explore how character-based storytelling can reinterpret and extend Taiwan’s culture in a way that’s more engaging and relatable to modern audiences. Covering themes like food, travel, entertainment, and wellness, this initiative reflects strong government support for creative industries as drivers of future economic growth.

Creative Expo Taiwan 2025 will take place from 2 to 11 August, with the main exhibitions held at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, and the brand showcases at Nangang Exhibition Center. For schedules and more details, visit https://creativexpo.tw/en or follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creativexpo.tw