2026 Taiwan Design Expo "TAOYUAN in FLOW" Wraps Up in Style! Witnessing the Gateway City Transformed by Design

TAIPEI, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Now in its 24th edition, the Taiwan Design Expo partners with a different city or county each year to explore the evolving relationship between design and local development. It has captivated younger generations and the creative community while helping the public understand a city's urban context, cultural identity, and industrial ethos. By reorganizing local experiences through curation, the Expo sparks a renewed sense of awareness and identity among residents while building a distinct brand for the host city.

The 2026 Taiwan Design Expo was held in Taoyuan for the first time under the theme "TAOYUAN in FLOW," which drew on the flow of the region's waterscapes, the constant circulation of people and goods, the confluence of diverse cultures, and the trends driven by industrial innovation and global connections. The Qingpu area highlighted Taoyuan's industrial prowess, urban development, and future lifestyles, while the Zhongli area celebrated multicultural diversity and youth creativity. With 16 Themed Exhibitions, 5 City Exhibits, and 22 Design Response events, the Expo brought design out of the exhibition halls and into the city, local industries, and everyday life.

This year's Expo brought together 770 designers, 40+ academic institutions, 200+ young students, and 1,630 corporate brands, alongside nearly 50 international design teams from 16 countries—setting a record for the highest number of international works showcased in the Expo's history! The event drew crowds to Qingpu, Zhongli, and nearby areas, energizing the city and turning "TAOYUAN in FLOW" into a window on Taoyuan's urban growth, cultural integration, and industrial innovation.

Beyond the exhibitions, design thinking was actively put into practice in local industries and commercial districts. Key initiatives included a brand identity overhaul for the Chung Yuan Commercial District, which linked the campus with neighborhood businesses to boost the area's visibility. The Expo also helped local industries upgrade, transform, and reach the global stage. These efforts continue to expand the impact of integrating design into urban governance!

Through urban rebranding, local cultural curation, industrial innovation showcases, and public space enhancements, the 2026 Taiwan Design Expo "TAOYUAN in FLOW" empowered Taoyuan to tell its distinct story to the world. After the successful conclusion of the Expo, the impact of design will continue to flow through local partnerships, industrial growth, and spatial improvements, opening up more possibilities for the city's future!

SOURCE Taiwan Design Research Institute