Embrace Green Living in Taitung. East Rift Valley Low Carbon Eco-tourism

Dapo Lake, one of the ten sites to see in Taitung, is a marshland formed by plate movements and is the only inland wetland in Taiwan. The scenic area sits on 45 hectares of land, of which 27 hectares are covered in water. The rich water source comes mainly from the Hsinwulu subterranean river and overflows from the dams. The water that flows from Dapo lake then becomes one of the water sources for the Hsiukuluan River. Besides the poetic beauty Dapo Lake possesses, the freshwater meadow nurtures a rich ecosystem and has sustained many rare and precious plant and animal species. Take a stroll or bike around the lake so you can slow down and explore. Enjoy the lovely lotus paddies and blooming lotus flowers. You might even be lucky enough to spot wild geese and various resident birds. (Photo credit: Taitung County Government)

The best way to experience Chishang is to ride along the bicycle path under the white fluffy clouds and green mountains and inhale the faint fragrance of grains that wafts through the rice paddies. The Chishang Bicycle Path is 33.74 km long. It was routed out to highlight all of the cultural specialty locations in Chishang. The path is smooth and mostly flat which makes it easy for a bike ride or walk. We will begin our journey at the east gate of Dapo Lake and go along Fuzhen Rd. to enjoy the lovely rice paddies. When you pass by the Jinyuen Laundry Pavilion and the large well you can learn about the people’s way of life in the past. You can also choose to climb up the 6-meter-tall Great View Pavilion which overlooks 500 hectares of unobstructed rice paddies. (Photo credit: Taitung County Government)

Chishang is known as the home of rice and a majority of the residents in Chishang are farmers. Irrigation is a vital part of farming, and the Chishang Canal is an important water source to Chishang. The canal provides water for 1015 hectares of land including Xinxing, Dapu, Jingyuan, Fuyuan, and more. Are you interested in seeing the water source that nurtures the Chishang rice paddies? Ride along the bicycle path and you’ll arrive at the Chishang Water Conservancy Park. The park is located at the mouth of the Sinwulyu River and is near the Beinan River. You can witness the mighty flowing water from the park. The park also serves as a resting and educational space. There are waterfront boardwalks, lotus ponds, resting pagodas, and the Chishang Canal Fish Ladder where guests can observe the migration ecology of the local fish. (Photo credit: IG@berkut6262)

“Tian Mama” is the name of the project the Farmers’ Association created to assist women farmers in finding occupations and helping them use local specialty produce to open restaurants or sell farm produce. Since the majority of the Chi-Shang Healthy Gourmet Restaurant operation is Hakka, the restaurant decided to focus on Hakka dishes. The restaurant sources fresh locally grown produce, organic or Taiwan Agriculture and Food Traceability System certified ingredients to create healthy dishes that are “3 low and 1 high” (low oil, low sodium, low sugar, high fiber). Did you think that it is impossible for healthy dishes to also be delicious? Tian Mama Healthy Gourmet Restaurant has received the honorable award of “Top Ten Taiwanese Cuisine with Local Specialities” award. Each dish is lip-smackingly good. The restaurant is also Green Restaurant certified. Their policy is to reduce and not waste food, so if guests end their meal with leftovers, the restaurant also provides reusable containers for guests to pack up their food. (Photo credit: FB@Chishang Tian Mama Healthy Gourmet Restaurant)

After a full day of exploring, check into the Green Hotel Certified Pen Tree B&B. The B&B is clean and quiet, surrounded by mountains and grassy fields, making you feel as though you’re engulfed by endless greenery. The venue is made up of three buildings, offering rooms for two, four, five, and six people. The rooms are all furnished with wood flooring and furniture. The simple and humble interior creates a comfortable and peaceful environment that helps guests escape the concrete jungle. To reduce the carbon footprint, a 5% discount is offered to guests who opt for the sheets and towels not to be replaced when staying for longer than one night to encourage loving our environment. (Photo credit: Agoda)

Do you love drinking tea but can’t stand the bitter taste or worry that the caffeine will give you stomach aches or keep you up at night? Liping Organic Tea Farm’s organic tea is smooth, sweet, and good for your health. Did you know that in order to be a certified organic tea farm, the tea farm needs between 3-5 years of tireless care? The organic tea produced on this farm has been pesticide free for over ten years and is free from nearby pollutants so that you can enjoy a cup of delicious and safe tea. Liping Organic Tea Farm is located in Yongan Village. The farm grows many types of tea. The owner suggests teas for guests according to their preferences and explains how organic tea is friendly to the environment so that the guests can learn more and cherish the genuine flavors nature provides. In addition, guests have the opportunity to have the fun and interactive experience of making Hakka Lei Tea, using natural and fresh ingredients to create hints of milk or coffee flavors in the tea. (Photo Credit: FB@Liping Organic Tea Farm)

Take a stroll in the open fields or bask in the phytoncides that the mountains provide on your next vacation to release the stress that you’ve accumulated. The Yulongchuan Ecological Trail is 1100m long, including the Shengan Temple Stairway, Yulong Spring Pathway, and Highland Shaded Stairway. The entire trail will take around one hour to complete. You will find a spring area, wetland ecosystem area, water play area, and soil and water conservation education area, where you can observe animals and creatures up close. You might even spot some tree frogs, crabs, and freshwater shrimp. The natural tropical dry broadleaf secondary forest nurtures and supports a rich variety of flora and fauna, the thick forest even forms a green tunnel with fresh and crisp air so that a hike through the trail will surely refresh and rejuvenate you. (Photo credit: Taitung County Government)

Luye has been famed as the “Home of Red Oolong Tea”. When visiting Luye, besides tasting various teas, make sure to try out the creative tea cuisines. Zhengyi Tea Farm Tien Mama Specialty Meals is under the same Farmers’ Association projects as Chishang Tian Mama Healthy Gourmet Restaurant and has also received the Green Restaurant certification. Zhengyi Tea Farm Tien Mama Specialty Meals is unique in their culinary technique. They combine Hakka dishes with aboriginal cooking methods and have innovatively included red oolong tea in their specialty meals. The red oolong has a light tea fragrance which also highlights the flavors of other ingredients. The precise culinary process is quite stunning. In addition, the restaurant offers Hakka family-style meals that use locally-sourced ingredients that are in season. Some of the signature dishes include Luye chicken, ginger fried intestine, Hakka rice dishes, and many more that are a feast for both the stomach and eyes. (Photo Credit: IG@benson_cheng1216)

Do you know where Luye got its name? Besides hot air balloons and red oolong, what are some of Luye’s other specialties? If you are also a big fan of Luye, we highly recommend you visit the Cactus Rustic Studio to learn more about Luye’s story. The Cactus Rustic Studio is a professional culture office in the Luye area which was founded in 1999. In 2006, the office was transformed into a social enterprise that promotes regional revitalization in Taitung, building community, ecological tourism, and other related cultural work. The studio has played an important role in the famous tourism events in Taitung such as the Yongan Neighborhood activities, Luye Marathon, Yulungchuan Ecological Trail, Wuling Green Tunnel, and more. The Cactus Rustic Studio is currently being used as the community center and there are also exhibitions about Luye on display. The studio offers unique Luye gifts and publications for sale, visitors are welcome to come and experience the beauty of Luye. (Photo Credit: FB@Cactus Rustic Studio)

You’ll find blue skies and lovely lakes at the Xinliang Wetland which is usually not so crowded during weekdays. Flocks of reiers rest in the waters, creating a stunning and peaceful image that is postcard-worthy. The spacious wetland area is made possible by sustainable natural ecology. It is also a solution to the nearby water pollution issue. Luye Township is located at the meeting point of the Beinan River, and Luliao River. The water park was created and King Lily, Large-flowered Waterweed, Water Lily, and other aquatic plants with water purifying qualities were planted to help cleanse the environment and attract birds and water creatures to inhabit the space, creating a mini oasis. (Photo Credit: Taitung County Government)

The Two Story Ping Shui Bridge is also known as the “bridge walking on water” and “East Rift Valley’s ‘Water Running Upward’”. The intriguing name has attracted many visitors to check out the spot. The bridge’s location is at an elevated water channel. After the channel broke and began leaking, a water bridge was built in its place. Today, the bright pink bridge stands out in the grassy fields, being the highest vantage point in the area, guests can get an unobstructed view from the bridge. There are beautiful farm and field scenes to look at all year round: cosmos fields in January, grassy rice paddies in April, golden grains in June, and a lovely reflective mirror-like field when the rice fields are flooded. (Photo Credit: Taitung County Government)

There’s something magical and healing about the color green. It can help us develop our five senses, awaken our connection to nature, and spark the feeling of joy. If you want to experience this healing power, come with us as we begin our journey from Longtian Elementary School. Ride along the Longtian Bicycle Path and stroll through this town to experience being surrounded by green. The entire path is around 7.2km and it connects tea fields and rice paddies along with other scenic locations. You can overlook the rolling Rift Valley Mountains. There is a one-kilometer section of the path that is shaded by Madagascar almond trees. The light breeze will blow by as you enjoy your leisurely bicycle ride along the path. Since Longtian Village was once a Japanese immigration village, you will be able to spot many traditional Japanese-styled buildings and houses which will bring a sense of nostalgia. Listen to the chirping birds and insects, enjoy the historic tranquility, and allow your mind and soul to rest. (Photo Credit: Taitung County Government)

Longtian Village is the only successful village that has successfully restored the butterfly habitat in Taiwan. You will find countless butterflies during the spring and summer seasons all around the village. The people of Longtian village began working on the butterfly restoration process two decades ago. There are ten butterfly aviaries and greenhouses around the neighborhood that offer the right environment for the butterflies. If you are interested in the ecological secrets of Longtian Butterfly Village, there is also a Chushulan guided tour that guests can sign up for. A great effort is put into cultivating flowers and plants that attract butterflies. The botanical garden that is full of butterflies is also a sight worth seeing. The owner will introduce the various plants and seeds in the garden so that you can get to know the butterfly’s habitat. There are also fun handi-craft courses you can participate in at the park, including seeds, wood, and dried flower art, to help promote the idea of living an eco-friendly, recycling, and green lifestyle. (Photo Credit: FB@Chushulan)

The Traditional Home is located in Longtian Village. The restaurant’s exterior is surrounded by bamboo and guests enter the very traditional-styled three-section residential compound. The red brick walls are very representative of traditional houses and eating in such an environment brings back sweet memories of the past. The Traditional Home provides menuless meals, using locally sourced ingredients such as red oolong, pineapple, and free-range chickens, to creates delicious and healthy meals using innovative culinary techniques. Gentle reminder: Reservations are required. (Photo Credit: IG@taitung_happy_fruit)

The Luye District Office, which was built in 1937, is the only remaining township office building from the Japanese occupation period. Township offices were the office building Japanese public servants worked in, and the township offices are equivalent to today’s district offices. This structure was registered as a historic building in 2016 and was refurbished with the assistance of social workers and volunteers. They retained the Japanese-styled wooden structure of the building, including the connected building wings design, thick paper doors, tatami floors, and more, so that visitors can still experience the classic beauty and elegance of the structure. The Luye District Office is currently leased out to the Butterfly Conservation Society of Taiwan where they have created a coffee shop, and also host concerts, markets, and other events where the space is actively being used. (Photo Credit: IG@jeff8345521)