Gukeng is the most famous coffee origin in Taiwan. Every October and November is the harvest season and there are all sorts of activities in Huashan area, around this time, the Coffee Avenue gets busy. The manager of “Huashan Recreational Agriculture Development Association”, Rui-chi ZHU said, when visitors come to Gukeng, the trails are the treasure troves of natural ecology in Huashan. Come drink coffee in the shops or stay to watch night views, and don’t miss DIY activities held by the Association to enrich the body and mind.
Roasting Coffee Beans and Making Coffee
Travelling in the coffee origin, the coffee related DIY activities are must try. Roasting coffee beans in the ceramic pot is exclusive in Huashan. 50 grams of coffee beans filled in the small ceramic pot are heated to roasted by self control . The taste, sour and bitter of coffee, is up to each individual. After learning the skills, the visitors can try to roast beans at home and enter the world of coffee roasting.
Plant-Derived Dyes
DIY plant-derived dyes is a highly welcomed activity that utilizes the diversified plants in Huashan area as the natural dye. The unique clothing of one’s own is functional and full of memories. For groups or companies of more than 10 people, please make reservations to have the clothing for dyeing ready.
Shell Night Light and Mosquito-Repellent Aroma Stone
Together with the shell stores on Coffee Avenue, the association provide the DIY activity, garnishing the night light with coffee beans, perfect for parent and children. The making is simple but takes brainstorming and the finished good is one of a kind. The ray of the night light radiates the family’s sense of achievement. And the mosquito-repellent aroma stone is the handmade work in response to local environment. The citronella essential oil is blended into the shape of coffee bean which can help keep bugs and mosquitos away.
Literary Trail
There are many trails in Huashan area and the Literary Trail was built along Huashan River, renovated by ecological engineering. The tilt arts with Chinese characters and literature work are along the way. Strolling along, visitors can read the words and relate to the feelings between the lines.
Coffee trees are planted on both sides of the trail, so visitors can find the red coffee beans on the trees just paying some attention. On halfway of the trail is the Coffee Farm where travellers can take a rest and drink a cup of coffee. Literary Trail is not challenging and the hike takes only 20 minutes that is ideal for those have time or strength concern.
Experience the Ocean, Having fun in the Mountain and Coast
Jinhu (Golden Lake) Leisure Farm connecting with other scenic spots within the area offers experience package to show visitors Kouhu and allow them to feel the land and fish farming industry in person, so to reinforce their impression of having fun in Kouhu Township, Yunlin.
Matige Specialty Shop
Matige is known as the largest clam in Taiwan; its size is 3 times larger than meretrix. Before relishing its freshness, visitors have to roll up their pants to get the clams, the activity will definitely wet the trousers. The hard work and the ecology introduction can help savor the tastiness of the food! Most of us have tried oyster omelettes but not necessarily shucked clams. It looks difficult but is an activity very welcomed by tourists-- kids exhaust themselves and adults try hard to pry clams open.
Good Shrimp Club
This club gains reputation online, and the gourmets come here to taste the whiteleg shrimps farmed in a drug free way. Coming to the club, shrimp fishing is a must try. During the fishing process, the guide introduced the farming skills and experiences. After fishing, we tasted the fresh shrimp which has a hint of sweetness. We bet you will want more!
Drug free is the principle of the shrimp club which means higher risks and more efforts. The big whiteleg shrimps jumping in the net are really mind-boggling to the seafood lovers who may feel like devouring all the shrimps.
Shuige Educational Farm
Qingshui XU, a.k.a Shuige (brother Shui), grows rose tomatoes in Kouhu. His stories are told by many famous media. He strived to grow the rose tomatoes with an average sugar level of 14, a story that tells “Man can conquer nature.” The geological environment in Shuijing Village in Kouhu Township is easily inundated and the soil is severely salinized that are poor growing conditions. And the population outflow is serious. But Shuige decided to move back to his hometown building the net house to grow tomatoes. He was laughed “people here don’t have houses to live, and you even built tomatoes a house.”
After years’ improvement, Shuige conquered the disadvantage of soil salinization and even turned it into a strength, growing sweeter fruits out of the salty soil. The net house is not opened to the public in order to secure a safe environment. However, Shuige and his wife welcome all to his garden and generously share their home grown tomatoes with visitors.
Haizhong Bao (meaning Oceanic Treasure)
Kouhu is the largest production area of karasumi. Winter is the harvest season and the Karasumi processing factories are very busy that drying karasumi is a common view. "Roasted Karasumi with Kaoliang Spirit” is a recommended activity of a special tour launched by Haizhong Bao, an old brand with more than 70 years of history.
Haizhong Bao is now run by the couple of 3rd generation. The younger generation is creative and launch tour programs such as "Knowing Karasumi”, “Roasted Karasumi with Kaoliang Spirit”, and “Sushi Roll with Karasumi XO Sauce” so to promote their products as well as familiarize tourists with the industry. The boss told us roasting karasumi with Kaoliang spirit brings the roes the fragrance of alcohol. It shouldn’t be roasted too long, like the steaks, karasumi tasted the best when it is medium raw. In addition, the salt content of the karasumi is adjusted lower to cater to modern people’s health concern, with an aim not to burden the physical body.
Huashan Leisure Farm
Add: No. 41 Huashan Village, Gukeng Township, Yunlin County TEL: 05-5900488
Jinhu (Golden Lake) Leisure Farm
Add:No. 163 Guangmin Rd., Wunan Village, Kouhu Township, Yunlin County TEL: 05-7895475
Matige Specialty Shop
Add: No. 5-3, Yangyu Rd, Gangxi Village, Kouhu Township, Yunlin County TEL: 05-7970503
Good Shrimp Club
Add: No. 1 Dongxin Rd, Wunan Village, Kouhu Township, Yunlin County TEL: 0922732776 Business Hours: By phone reservation
Shuige Educational Farm
Add: Behind Fengtian Temple, Shuijing Village, Kouhu Township, Yunlin County TEL: 05-790-6580
Haizhong Bao Traditional Karasumi
Add: No. 478, Sec. 2, Congwen Rd., Kouhu Township, Yunlin County TEL: 05-7894755
