The tranquil Taiwanese town of Fenglin, celebrated for its unhurried pace of life, has embraced its unique identity by introducing an unusual attraction: snail racing.

Rather than resisting its slow rhythm, this community of around 10,000 has made it central to its appeal.

These distinctive races serve a dual purpose: they celebrate Fenglin’s commitment to a sustainable lifestyle, valuing healthcare, longevity, and strong community ties, while also aiming to boost tourism.

The initiative comes in the wake of a powerful earthquake in 2024, which significantly dampened travel to the surrounding areas.

"The earthquake two years ago had a relatively big impact on tourism because people are worried an earthquake may happen again," explained 32-year-old resident Hsu Lu.

She added, "Many people have left Hualien because of earthquakes," referring to the frequently seismic county.

In this context, the humble snail offers a novel, albeit gradual, method to entice visitors back to the region.

Focus on quality…