Paddle in the water, Catch Fish and Shrimps, and Learn about the Indigenous Wisdom of Original Inhabitants
Located in Hualien Guangfu Township close to the foot of Central Range, Mataian creates a wetlands ecosystem because of its having constant temperature throughout the year and abundant underground water areas where spring is constantly flowing. Various recreational activities have been developed in that area, for example, flavorful special meals, afternoon tea, eco-tour interpretation, DIY seed creation program, and etc. Among all available options, the item which allows visitors to experience Amis’ fishing technique is considered to be the most distinctive.
The way Amis aborigines catch fish is to set up a kind of trap beside the river. This one-of-a-kind fishing method in the world is called Palakaw(巴拉告). The first step is to build earth ridges in the water to besiege three sides of the stream. After that, put in dozens of branches or bamboo tubes and wait for the initiative entrance of fish and shrimps before catching.
It is required that two partners work as a team during the catch: one holds the net and the other collects branches and bamboo tubes. Use two palms to block the edges of bamboo tubes and branches to prevent the escape of fish and shrimps during the practice. Take out the implements from the water and pour the preys into the net. The indigenous people of Amis believe that the failure of Palakaw(巴拉告) carried out by a group of men indicates someone’s wrongdoing: the result of catching no haul is the punishment given by the worshipped god. This kind of idea not only reflects Amis’ belief of Animism but is also the fun of the firsthand experience.
Instead of being a difficult challenge, Palakaw(巴拉告) provides valuable chance of parent-child interaction as you can experience the pleasure while playing in the water throughout the entire process. The temperature of the stream does not vary along with the change of outside temperature that it stays at about 19 Celsius degrees all the year round. It is an optimal place to go on scorching summer days!
Setting Foot on the Land, Getting Closer to the Source of Paddies
Yuli Township holds farmlands with largest crop acreage of Hualien County. Among them, Dongfong Organic Farm has chartered an extensive field which covers 47 hectares in regions of Changliang. The entire rice field adopts organic farming, without the application of pesticides spray and chemical fertilizer.
Due to its organic, non-toxic feature, Dongfong Organic Farm is particularly suitable for families who travel with children to visit and get close to the paddy fields, or even experience agricultural works by stepping into the mud. Once can experience the practice of mowing by bending down during the period of rice transplanting and rice-reaping during harvest seasons. For visitors who travel in a group, for instance, a school trip or fellowship tours, the farm will arrange treasure hunt activities in the fields.
Before participating in mowing activity, the farm will drain off water to allow the exposure of the charcoal grey soil in the field. Do not be afraid of getting dirty. The properties of the soil here are soft that it is quite comfortable to step on. Besides, you just do not get the chance of wandering about in the organic-farming farmlands of Hualien every day.
The biggest trouble of organic farming is the procedure of mowing. To be a half-day farmer with a sickle in hand and mow the grass diligently while sweating like a pig, you will discover small tips for mowing and gain some precious knowledge. The best part is to understand the hard work, along with the fun of farming. Wash your feet by the drawn water in the farmland after mowing. The rice-reaping meal prepared by the farm will be waiting for you right under the canopy nearby the field. The lip-smacking gourmets accompanied by cool breeze will surely give you a special sensation.
Nighttime Eco-tour Interpretation, Discover Endemic Land Crabs of Huadung Area
Little Frog Ecology Farm is located in Shoufeng Township, a 30-minute ride from the downtown area of Hualien. If you tend to go on a several-day trip to Hualien, it is recommended that you spend a night here, stand close to nature and explore the secret of nighttime ecology together with your children. The farm has been dedicating itself to ecology creation that it deliberately introduces mountain spring and applies local coconut leaves to develop the condition of frog spawning, building up an environment which is suitable for the growth of regional flora and fauna. According to the statistics, 14 frog species, the endemic geothelphusa cinerea (land crabs) of eastern Taiwan, and a wide variety of creatures have already been found in this area.
The strolling time after dinner is the best period for partaking in the nighttime eco-tour. The guiding interpretation lasts for about an hour, with the route of merely a few hundred meters on foot. It is suggested that visitors apply insect repellent and wear shoes sensible for walking.
To avoid upsetting disturbances to biological creatures, the entire nighttime itinerary stays close to the side of the road, where frogs and other living things pop up from time to time.
The firefly season starts from March to April in every year. One can see fireflies dancing among the woods from the roads around the farm. While the month of April is the breeding season of stag beetles, the growing season of rhinoceros beetles takes place in each May. The visitors are able to explore the habits of these little insects here on Little Frog Ecology Farm.
The croaking frogs that appear at midnight beside the lotus pond, which is built just outside the balcony of the room on the farm, have become the feature of the site. The best enjoyment of this place will be to get rid of the cell phone, sit on the balcony and drink a cup of lotus tea, and listen to the sound of nature.
Look for Leafhoppers, Relish the Flavor of Honey Scented Black Tea
The tea gardens in Wuhe (Satokoay) area of Rueisuei Township are known for its honey scented black tea. The success of the taste of honey scented black tea depends on the suck of leafhoppers which produces the irreplaceable honey scented flavor. What a nice leisure activity to roam through the tea gardens which covers most of the lands of Wuhe region while observing leafhoppers together with your children or experiencing the pleasure of tea plucking.
The eco-tour introduced by Jilin Tea Farm allows you to bring your kids and walk into the tea garden while listening to the guiding interpretation. You will be able to understand the nature of tea garden and seek after the sign of leafhoppers among tea plants. In order to boost the growth of leafhoppers, the garden adopts organic farming, and therefore nobody needs to about the problem with pesticides for it is completely safe.
Listen to owner’s giving explanation for the process of tea making and realize the discrepancy between the honey scented black tea of Hualien and the one from the areas of Nantou before savoring three kinds of organic tea like honey flavor black tea, pomelo blossom tea, and etc. inside the store, the profound experience of learning the process of a cup of tea from production site to the table is thus gained. Rich explanation which instructs the relevant knowledge of honey flavor black tea, Tianhe tea, and other types of tea in detail plus the programs of tea plucking and tea panning are also available at eco-story hall of honey scented black tea. There have been many Japanese tourists who made special trips to join the activity of tea plucking and tea making.
