In a joint effort to promote faculty and student well-being and strengthen local ties, the Chiayi County Government and National Chung Cheng University (CCU) co-hosted the “CCU Picnic Day X Smart Tour Chiayi” on May 4 along CCU’s lush Phoenix Avenue. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, the event provided a healthy and joyful lifestyle experience that combined sports, family activities, and sustainability concepts. The event attracted nearly 300 participants — including county residents, faculty, students, and alumni — and quickly reached full registration within a day. Everyone enjoyed a Sunday afternoon filled with walking, picnicking, and laughter.

Renowned as one of the most beautiful campuses in Taiwan, CCU organized the event under the leadership of the Office of the Secretariat, in collaboration with Chun-Ju Liao, Professor from the Department of Athletic Sports and Director of the Physical Education Center. The event was part of the “Smart Tour Chiayi: Infinite Health” project, an initiative led by the Chiayi County Government. Faculty, students, alumni, and local residents were invited to walk a scenic route designed around five iconic filming spots from a popular Taiwanese drama — including the stadium, library, fountain, administration building, and Bauhinia Avenue — allowing participants to admire the beauty of the campus while staying active. A drone captured aerial footage throughout the event, preserving the joyful moments.

Smart Tour Chiayi: Walking Towards Community Wellness

Chiayi County Magistrate Chang-Liang Weng, CCU President Shaw-Jenq Tsai, and several senior university administrators personally led participants along the walking route, exemplifying a commitment to health and sustainability. Magistrate Weng, known for his regular walking habits, jokingly noted that even in dress shoes, he could complete the walk — proving that fitness has no boundaries. He emphasized, “Chung Cheng University is the highest academic institution in Chiayi. This Smart Tour system, developed in collaboration with CCU’s academic resources, elevates Chiayi’s health initiatives. We will continue launching innovative wellness programs to enhance residents’ quality of life.”

The "Smart Tour Chiayi: Infinite Health" initiative has installed smart walking and running systems in eight locations across the county, with CCU as one of the key sites. Residents can download a designated app to walk or run in these areas, accumulate mileage, and enter raffles, promoting health in a relaxed and engaging way while exploring the county’s hidden gems.

Sustainable Lunch Boxes Highlight SDG Commitment

CCU has long embraced global trends and actively fulfills its social responsibility. President Tsai noted that while strengthening school-local cooperation, the university also promotes responsible consumption through its Office of Sustainable Development. Each participant received a “Sustainable Lunch Box,” made with cage-free eggs and additive-free ingredients, demonstrating an environmental commitment. “Every bite represents not only nourishment but also a pledge to our land and planet,” said President Tsai. He encouraged everyone to adopt a healthy lifestyle and contribute to sustainable development.

Participants were reminded to bring their own picnic supplies and clean up afterward, as no plastic bags or temporary trash bins were provided — reflecting a spirit of self-reliance, mutual respect, and environmental consciousness. The first CCU Picnic Day concluded with cheers during the prize drawing, marking a joyful end to the event. Chiayi County Government and CCU will continue their partnership to promote health and sustainability, ensuring that every county resident embrace happiness and well-being.