How a small Taiwanese town uses slow snail races to bounce back

When the World Speeds Up, This Town Slows Down

In the quiet hills of Taiwan lies Fenglin, a town that has turned adversity into an unexpected charm. After a devastating earthquake in 2024 left its mark—not just on buildings but on tourism—this unassuming place chose an unconventional path to revival: a snail race.

Forget neon lights and roller coasters. Fenglin has spent over a decade as part of the Cittaslow network, a movement dedicated to "slow cities"—places where life unfolds at a deliberate, mindful pace. Its mascot? A snail, symbolizing resilience, patience, and the beauty of restraint.

From Small Gesture to Beloved Tradition

What started in 2024 as a simple act of healing—a quirky way to lift spirits after disaster—has now become an annual event. This year’s race drew a diverse crowd: locals relishing the familiarity, tourists lured by curiosity, and even a family who drove five hours just to watch Aquaman—a giant snail—inch its way across a 33cm table.

The rules were deceptively simple:

• First snail to reach the edge wins.
• Speed doesn’t matter. Consistency does.

A philosophy that resonates deeply in Fenglin, where an aging population and shrinking town have long embraced slowness as a way of life.

The Champions of Steadiness

Among the competitors stood Brother Snail, a seasoned racer and 2024 champion, raised by Tanya Lin on a diet of organic leaves. This year, he proved that patience wins again, crossing the table in just over three minutes.

Not every snail was a victor, though. Aquaman, despite its size, moved at its own pace—reminding everyone that not all races are won by the fastest.

A Slower Way to See the World

Fenglin’s charm extends beyond the races. Visitors can take e-bike tours past tobacco barns and colonial buildings, soaking in an atmosphere where time feels optional. Some, like two students from Hualien, found it a delightful escape—but not a place to stay forever.

That’s the magic of Fenglin. It doesn’t promise excitement. It offers a pause.

In a world that never stops, this town has found a way to slow down—and win.