From April to May each year, white tung blossoms light up treetops across Taiwan, creating a picturesque scene known as "May Snow." In mountain areas where ecological restoration has been successful, visitors can also enjoy the enchanting spectacle of fireflies dancing in the night. With its rich network of forest trails and diverse ecological landscapes, Dongshi Forest Garden is my top choice in Taichung for flower viewing and firefly watching.
Since I lived in Kaohsiung and spent my school years in southern Taiwan, I didn’t have much money or time to travel to the northern part of the island when I was a student. Whenever I had the chance to visit Taipei, I felt incredibly excited. My first stop in Taipei was always Taipei Main Station, located in the Zhongzheng District. Even though it’s still within the same country, arriving there gave me a sense of adventure, as if I was traveling far from home—a feeling I still find hard to forget.
一位在竹科工作的朋友告訴我，每當需要清空思緒、重新整理專案進度時，他總會來香山濕地放空，吹著海風，看著日落，讓每天和數據打交道的他，有重新校正的喘息空間。
直到我走進香山，來到賞蟹步道，才真正理解那位朋友的意思。
Located in the northeastern part of Kaohsiung, Neimen is renowned for its religious culture and traditional folk arts. It is the birthplace of the famous Neimen Song Jiang Battle Ritual and a top destination for experiencing the culinary artistry of master chefs. As I traveled along Provincial Highway 3 toward Neimen, I noticed numerous temples along the way. It’s easy to see just how deeply religious faith is woven into the lives of the local residents.
Houbi, known as the hometown of Taiwan's champion rice, is also one of the venues for the International Orchid Show. The idyllic landscapes, painted by rice fields, and the tranquil, laid-back rural culture have attracted many film crews to shoot here. The 2004 documentary Let It Be propelled Houbi to fame, establishing it as one of Taiwan's most iconic small towns. The drama The Making of an Ordinary Woman further introduced audiences to the enduring charm of Jingliao Old Street, sparking yet another wave of enthusiastic visitors. Both the countryside and the old streets, when infused with culture and art, take on a fresh perspective and evoke a renewed appreciation.
The season of golden trumpet trees is approaching! The blooming period of these beautiful trees is short, lasting only about three weeks on average. Often, they bloom just as the cherry blossoms are still lingering. However, once it rains, the blossoms quickly fall. Every year, from late February to early March, I enjoy visiting the Chiayi and Changhua regions to admire the golden sea of flowers in full bloom during early spring!
On a chilly night, nothing comforts me more than a bowl of sesame egg noodles. As I check the seasonings in my kitchen, I notice that I still have half a bottle of sesame oil brought back from Kanding. The mere thought of its rich aroma enveloping me during the winter brings a sense of warmth. Kanding, a region primarily focused on agriculture, cultivates sesame, wax apples, rice, and sugarcane. Due to the locals' dedication to traditional methods, sesame oil has become Kanding’s most iconic specialty.
Happy Lantern Festival! On this special day, when the Shang Yuan Heavenly Official bestows blessings, various festive events are held throughout Taiwan. Among the most famous are "Sky Lanterns in the North, Beehive Fireworks in the South, Handan in the East, and Turtle Granting Contest in the West." In particular, the "Handan in the East," which involves throwing firecrackers at Lord Handan, is celebrated in full excitement in downtown Taitung!
As we entered the vibrant area of Lucao Township, we were surrounded by art installations featuring deer. My friend and I couldn't help but exclaim in unison, "Lucao is just too adorable!"
Unless there is heavy rain, it is quite rare to see the sky in Pingxi without sky lanterns. As I watch the lanterns slowly rise into the air, with mountains visible in the distance, I can't help but wonder: won't this lead to the tragedy of a forest fire? However, it is precisely because Pingxi is surrounded by mountains that the lanterns cannot fly out of the area. Additionally, with an average humidity of 75-80%, Pingxi is the only place in Taiwan where releasing sky lanterns is legally permitted. This unique environment has also allowed Pingxi to develop local characteristics that are unlike any other township.