Revitalizing the Cishan Banana Kingdom

　During the banana export boom of the 1950s and 1960s, Cishan（旗山）was a major banana-growing region. Blessed with fertile soil, water, and sunshine, it was even nicknamed Taiwan's “Banana Kingdom”. Although those glorious days may have passed, Cishan proudly honors its legacy by turning bananas into delightful snacks, refreshing drinks, and beloved dishes that celebrate cherished local memories!

　To this day, Cishan retains its rich banana agricultural heritage, allowing visitors to savor unique specialties such as banana buns, tempura, and soup. A stroll down Cishan Old Street offers a chance to sample banana cakes, egg rolls, cheese sticks, and refreshing banana drinks.

　In late 2025, this historic town in southern Taiwan's mountains began rebranding itself as a revitalized “CISHAN”. With a new logo and a plan to breathe new life into public spaces, Cishan Old Street is embracing a vibrant new approach to sustainable development that restores its historic buildings and atmosphere. At the corner of Dagouding’s unstaffed visitor information center, for example, a cleverly placed viewing window directs visitors’ gaze toward the eaves of Tianhou Temple, offering a new perspective on local culture.

　Cishan, once known for its flourishing banana industry, now celebrates its heritage through specialty gifts and a revitalized historic street. Visitors can stroll through this historic area, savor local flavors and culture, and explore the town's journey from its past to the present.

旗山蕉城的前世今生
文/蔡蜜綺、蘇宇翎  

　　旗山得益於良好的水土環境與陽光，曾是香蕉的重要產地，在1950、60年代香蕉外銷興盛時期，更有「香蕉王國」之稱。時至今日，即使外銷榮景不再，旗山沒有告別香蕉，而是將鮮果化為點心、飲品與料理，延續地方記憶。
　　走進旗山，香蕉仍藏在許多角落。除了新鮮香蕉，還能品嘗香蕉包、香蕉天婦羅、香蕉湯等特色料理；旗山老街上有香蕉蛋糕、香蕉蛋捲、香蕉起司棒等農特產品及香蕉特色飲品，讓香蕉從單純的水果，變成值得帶回家的地方味道。
　　這座蘊含歷史文化的山城，去（2025）年底悄悄改變。旗山老街以全新的「CISHAN」識別系統與空間活化策略，在既有的歷史脈絡中，敲響屬於永續發展的嶄新節拍。例如在大溝頂「無人旅服中心」轉角處設置巧妙設計的視窗，引導旅客視線對準天后宮屋簷，用新角度看見當地文化。
　　從昔日繁盛的香蕉產業，到今日的特色伴手禮與老街活化，旗山持續讓在地記憶化為日常。來到旗山，不妨漫步老街、感受當地風味與文化，開啟一趟認識這座蕉城的旅程。