Simple Journeys, Humble Flavors: Banana

The Unique Ecology of Banana Plants
Although we often call the plant that produces bananas a "banana tree," it is actually one of the largest herbaceous plants in the world. What people commonly refer to as the "trunk" is actually a pseudostem formed by tightly wrapped leaf sheaths, while the true stem is hidden underground.

This special structure gives banana plants an amazing growth rate and regenerative ability. Simply cutting the underground corm (true stem) into palm-sized pieces for planting can quickly grow new banana plants. The growth cycle is typically 9 to 12 months, during which a single banana plant can produce 100 to 300 fruits. However, because the pseudostem structure is not as sturdy as regular fruit trees, it is easily snapped in half when typhoons strike, affecting banana farmers' livelihoods.

The "Golden Age" of Taiwan Bananas
Bananas are tropical fruits native to Southeast Asia, generally believed to have been introduced to Taiwan during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty. The period from the 1950s to 1970s was called the "Golden Age" of Taiwan bananas. At that time, Taiwan's exported bananas held up to 90% market share in Japan, with 1967 being the industry's peak. Taiwan's banana cultivation area exceeded 50,000 hectares, with exports reaching over 35.6 million boxes, earning the country nearly 52 million US dollars in foreign exchange. This glorious period earned Taiwan the reputation of "Banana Kingdom."

Although industrialization and intensified market competition meant Taiwan banana prices could not compete with countries with lower production costs, and export share gradually declined, that golden period still laid the foundation for Taiwan's development in international agricultural trade. Bananas remain one of the important symbols of Taiwan's agriculture today.

Golden Qishan Castle: Innovative Inheritance of Banana Culture
When mentioning Taiwan bananas, Qishan in Kaohsiung is probably the most commonly associated production area. Many of the bananas exported to Japan back then came from the greater Qishan area and were shipped through Kaohsiung Port. Pier 3 at Kaohsiung Port is even called the "Banana Pier."

Today in Qishan, Kaohsiung, "Golden Qishan Castle," established by the Kaohsiung City Qishan District Sugar Factory Community Development Association, is working hard to inject new vitality into Taiwan's banana industry. They have revitalized the old sugar factory warehouses as their base, combining local historical culture with agricultural characteristics, and through various experience activities, allowing visitors to deeply understand Qishan's banana culture.

The most popular experience activities include banana fiber kokedama (moss ball) making, banana sap painting, and banana handmade paper DIY. In the banana fiber kokedama making activity, visitors can learn how to apply the concept of circular economy, using banana fiber to replace traditional cotton rope, creating eco-friendly and beautiful home decorations.

Banana sap painting allows visitors to freely paint on coasters using banana sap, creating unique works of art. Banana sap is very difficult to remove once it gets on fabric, making it a suitable pigment. In fact, in the early days in various banana-producing areas, "white undershirts" stained with banana sap were seen as symbols of wealth. If a guest wearing one came to visit, they would immediately become the target of enthusiastic hospitality and sales from shopkeepers.

Golden Qishan Castle has also developed specialty products such as dried banana and banana flowers, continuing Qishan's agricultural culture while giving bananas new economic value. Walking into Qishan Sugar Factory, visitors can participate in guided tours, savoring the traces of time in the old sugar factory, and through these interactive experiences, feel the profound charm of banana culture.


Golden Qishan Castle helps visitors deeply understand Qishan's banana culture through various experience activities (Photo provided by Golden Qishan Castle)


Banana fiber kokedama DIY


Golden Qishan Castle has developed various specialty products such as dried banana and banana flowers, giving bananas new value (Photo provided by Golden Qishan Castle)

Jijibanana Farm: Discover Over 100 Banana Varieties at Once
Located in Jiji Township, Nantou County, "Jijibanana Tourism Factory" is another important base dedicated to inheriting and innovating Taiwan's banana culture. This tourism farm and factory, themed around mountain bananas (bananas grown at higher elevations), inherits the long history of Jiji mountain bananas and has opened up new possibilities for Taiwan's banana industry through diversified business models.

The most eye-catching feature of Jijibanana Farm is the outdoor ecological garden that cultivates over 100 ornamental and edible banana varieties. Visitors can see various rare banana varieties here, such as edible bananas like Rose Banana, Queen Banana, and Clam Banana, as well as ornamental bananas like Red Bird of Paradise, Yellow Lotus Banana, and Large-flowered Canna. Many visitors only learn after visiting that the "Bird of Paradise," commonly used in floral arrangements, is actually a plant in the banana family.

The guided tours in the park introduce the characteristics and cultivation methods of various banana varieties and provide banana harvesting experiences, giving visitors a glimpse into banana farmers' daily lives. The farm also offers diverse DIY activities, such as making mountain banana fruit vinegar, pizza, and cake, allowing visitors to participate hands-on. The farm has also developed various mountain banana processed products, such as Thousand Banana Candy, Golden Banana Q Candy, and Mountain Banana Roll Crisp, enriching the ways to enjoy bananas.


Jijibanana Farm's outdoor ecological garden cultivates over 100 banana varieties


Jijibanana Farm offers diverse DIY activities for visitors to participate in

Bananas as Part of Taiwan's Culture
Through the efforts of Golden Qishan Castle and Jijibanana Farm, we see more possibilities for bananas, filling us with respect and pride for this land. From the agricultural value of bananas to their cultural symbolism, this golden fruit has long transcended its simple role as a food ingredient, becoming an important part of Taiwan's agriculture and culture.

For those interested in bananas as a representative Taiwan fruit, more knowledge can be obtained through the "Taiwan Banana Research Institute." Established in 1970, the Banana Research Institute is dedicated to promoting Taiwan's banana production and marketing industry. Research areas include pest control, banana variety improvement, and farmer education. It also provides scholarships for banana farmers' children who continue to study in related industries.


Kaohsiung City Qishan District Sugar Factory Community Development Association
Address: No. 33-33, Zhongxiao Street, Qishan District, Kaohsiung City
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 10:00-16:30
Phone: 07-6622127
Website: Link 


Jijibanana Tourism Factory
Address: No. 38, Daping Lane, Jiji Township, Nantou County
Hours: 9:00-17:00
Phone: 049-2764562
Website: Link 
Admission: Free

This content was translated by AI. Please refer to the original text if you have any concerns.