The Pears of Dongshi in Season! Follow the King of Fruits and Wander through Taichung City
Shinhe Tourist Orchard
“Shinhe Orchard” is run by the Zhan family who has been engaged in agriculture throughout generations. Mr. Zhan is the third generation of successor, and his son also helps to carry on the chores and business of the orchard. Both father and son do not afraid of challenging new technology and innovation that the fruits they plant are bigger and sweeter than those cultivated by others. Since it is the growing season of Tungshi’s pears, it is strongly recommended that tourists book their pear-plucking tour in advance. Mr. Zhan, the owner of Shinhe Orchard carefully explains how to determine the degree of maturity of the pears through paper bags. The hue of a ripe pear is basically yellow, and the fruit can be picked as long as a little bit of yellow is revealed through the paper bag upon close observation. During non-harvesting period, orchardists are normally busy with practicing field tasks such as soil preparation, the control of the height of pear trees, the prevention of the drop of fruits caused by low branches, the setting of fruit tree trellises, and the cumbersome process of grafting pear scion.
Unlike other fruit trees which can be done in one attempt, grafted pears require annual grafting.
The owner shares with the tourists the secret of pear picking. Instead of pulling the fruits downward, the act of which is likely to lead to the separation of pedicel and fruit flesh and cause harm to the trunk that supplies nutrients to the fruits due to inappropriate force application, we should bend backward in the opposite direction of the branches on the contrary.
If the gathered amount is relatively insufficient, there are sweet, fragrant, and crunchy pears which are categorized by different varieties, sizes, and grades on the site as well. Mangoes, juicy monster loquats, the size of which are four times bigger than the regular loquats, are also available at Shinhe Orchard. Remember to choose the right occasion based on the growing season for experiencing the fun of fruit plucking!
No matter which variety of the grafted pears is, green, yellow, or white, the large fruits and its pulps are of delicate texture with finger-licking, enticing sweetness, moisture content, appearance, and freshness. The season is on the horizon. In addition to Shinhe Orchard, pear-plucking programs and tours offered by other orchards inside Ruan Pi Keng Agri-tourism Area and Pears Homeland, located in Tungshih Shancheng, are particularly launched for visitors to join and experience the enjoyment of pear-picking on weekends. Visitors are welcome to contact the service center of these two recreational agricultural regions for further information.
Muxingquan Leisure Farm
“Muxingquan Leisure Farm” is known for its creative menus made from fruits and flowers. For example, its olive juice is made right from the fruits of that olive tree outside the door. From production site to the table, the juice is refreshing and of agreeable sweetness without the taste of leaves and tree. It is a highly recommended delicacy you must order.
The air is filled with the aroma of the boiling hot “pumpkin hot pot with vegetables”. The soup is thick and rich in flavor, and you can scoop up a spoonful of pumpkins from everywhere inside the pot. The dish is absolutely delectable! It is not difficult to tell that pumpkin is one of the most representative signature dishes of Muxingquan Leisure Farm as one can easily catch the sight of pumpkin ornaments displayed at the front door. Visitors can also make a purchase of homegrown pumpkins at the counter.
After being filled to satiety by a sumptuous feast, tourists can take a promenade in the mountains at the back of the restaurant. As the melodious music of forest symphony begins to rise from nowhere by the side of the ecological pond, one is allowed to gain the feeling of total relaxation upon being embraced by the primitive nature formed by flowers, birds, trees, lizards, frogs, and woods. Breathe heartily the unique smell of our mother nature, escape temporarily from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a leisurely and carefree lifestyle.
A Pleasure Trip to the Green Corridor: Hou-Fong bike path + Dongfong Green Tunnel
Hou-Fong bike path is an exclusive bike lane rebuilt from the old mountain railway line. The overall length is only about 4.6 kilometers that one can simply reach the 12-kilometer-long Dongfong Green Tunnel upon making a turn. The route of the entire cycle path route stretches to about 17 kilometers. Walk into the bike rentals to discover not only regular bicycles but also various types of electric bikes available for your selection. There is even “tandem electric bicycles” for those who feel reluctant to consume too great of physical strength. To visitors who travel with their families, the diversified transport rental service is absolutely convenient! “The First Winery” has the appearance resembling to that of a European castle. Inside the winery, the atmosphere and style of a manor is elaborately manifested. In addition to free admission, complimentary liquor is being offered as well. The exquisite arrangements and decorations within the winery such as the foot of pedestrian seats, barrel swings, and etc. adopt the concept of barrel piles or remodeling, accompanied by trains that are particularly set up for tourists to have pictures taken as mementos. Riding inside the endless “Tunnel Number 9”, a peculiar sense of ice-cold summer breeze caresses the cheeks. It is as cool and refreshing as the wind that blows from the air conditioner. The tunnel is equipped with excellent lighting facilities that no one should ever be worried about the darkness. Pass through “Steel Beam Bridge” stood straight over the riverbed on the way and discover its pier built of brick corner stones. The architecture, which was once an important indicator of Taiwan railway, is now being regarded as a historic building classified by Ministry of Culture.
One can reach the terminal stop, “Houli Horse Ranch”, after about a 30-minute ride or so. Since the horses are off duty at 4:30 in the afternoon, it is advised that visitors arrive earlier at the site for horseback riding before it is too late. Travelling backwards in the opposite direction of the farm and head to Dongfong Tunnel, a site rebuilt from the abandoned railway. The attractions along this cycle path are comparatively more with perfect comprehensive planning. Scooters and automobiles are prohibited to enter, together with pedestrians and bicycles separated by different lanes. The hot spots along the journey include Shigang Dam, Shihkang Station Lingdan Platform (transcribed from Taiwanese language, “lingdanzai” implies the meaning of “retail stall” in Taiwanese language), Valentine Wood Bridge, Meitsu Station, and Hundred-year-old Mango Tree. Enjoy the cool breeze that is gently stirring. Soothe and relax yourself in this lovely place and mark a perfect ending for the family trip.
