"That was an exciting time for this neighborhood," Yang said. "Had there been no US military advisory here, there would never have been a Chin-Guang business circle," as he calls the Combat Zone and surrounding commercial district."
Yang hopes his plans for a walking district can start to be realized as early as next year. He has the support of Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) and the city government, he says, but needs the financial backing of local corporations, who would provide the sponsorship capital.
"The hope is that, by turning this area into a place that is about culture -- American culture, Filipino culture, even Hawaiian culture -- all the businesses in the area will benefit, not just the pubs," Yang said.
Fan agreed: "This area needs to be more about culture and less about curiosity."
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