屏東

On Saturday, September 6, the annual religious event “Hengchun Chiang Ku Festival” will take place. This year, 17 teams will compete for the championship banner!

When people think of Hengchun, the first things that come to mind are usually the overpriced stalls of Kenting Night Market, the iconic Eluanbi Lighthouse, or the breathtaking Kenting National Park. But beyond its tourist-heavy reputation, Hengchun has a hidden side—one that many have never witnessed firsthand: The “Chiang Ku” (Pole-Climbing) Competition—a jaw-dropping, high-stakes event that blends faith, courage, and ancient techniques, only performed once a year during the Ghost Festival.

Although it's not a typical tourist attraction and is somewhat remote, Shinyuan Township has a charm that keeps drawing me back. On one side, there’s the local legend of a mischievous carp spirit; on the other, the divine miracle of Mazu controlling the waters. These captivating stories, quietly brewing in the depths of this land, have become my reason for returning time and time again.

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.

The first impression Linluo gave me was how warm and united the people of this town are! Since the singer Julia Peng hails from Linluo, when she released her first Hakka album, the locals celebrated by hanging red cloth strips with creative Hakka text in their shops and homes. Even though I don't understand Hakka, I could feel how proud the residents are of this Golden Melody Award-winning singer!

Located in Nanzhou, Pingtung, formerly known as "Xizhou," the town was named after the "Xizhou River" flowing through it. Since there were many places in Taiwan named "Xizhou," to prevent confusion, it was renamed "Nanzhou" in 1956.