Taiwan News
Date: 2016-05-11
By: George Liao, Taiwan News, Staff Writer
The Chiayi County Government has planned to introduce electric motorbikes and electric 
shuttle buses to relieve weekend traffic congestion in areas around the glass “Blue High Heel Church” in Budai Township.
The Southwest Coast National Scenic Area Administration spent (SCNSA) NT$23.17 million to construct the uniquely shaped church, which is located in the Chiayi Budai Seascape Park. Comprised of 320 glass panels and 1,269 steel rods, the 17 meter tall and 11 meter wide glass structure has become a tourist attraction after its opening in February this year.
Even though the dazzling structure has a strong touch of glamour in appearance, it was actually inspired by the Blackfoot disease, a horrible epidemic that plagued the southwestern coast of Taiwan in the early 20th century and caused many women in the area to undergo amputations. The SCNSA said the blue heel stands in memory of all those girls “who lost their dreams of walking on a red wedding carpet in an elegant high heel.” [FULL STORY]
