69話 - Take a stroll in rice paddies in Chihshang

Did you ever eat Taiwan's rice? If you like to eat Taiwan's rice, you shouldn't miss the chance to see the mass rice paddies in Chihshang (池上), Taitung and also try the specialty, Chihshang Rice. During the reaping rice reason, when the wind blows, rice stems will swing along, one swing after another, so they look like rice waves. Since I grew up in the city, it is unbelievable to actually witness these mass rice paddies and rice waves in front of my eyes.

Although there are a lot of rice paddies in Taitung, I think that the best place to enjoy rice paddies and rice waves is the Mr. Brown Avenue (伯朗大道) at Wanan Community (萬安社區) in Chihshang. Why is it called Mr. Brown Avenue? That is because one coffee company had shot the TV commercial in that area. Ever since, that area is called by the name. In the area, you won't see any street lamps or electric poles. Therefore, you can take as many beautiful photos from different angles as possible. When the rice is ready for reaping and it's a good sunny day, it looks like golden rice. You will see the golden rice paddies. And it definitely looks splendid when the wind blows, as you will see golden rice waves.
↓See the color of the rice

↓Mass rice paddies

↓Video for Rice Waves


Although we didn't visit there at the right timing (since some paddies had already been reaped), but I believe that if it is the right season and timing, it must be more impressive. Also, as I was surrounded by rice paddies, I smelled the rice fragrance. Took a few deep breathes. This rice fragrance reminded me of the well-being and gathering. That was the smell when the rice cooker was cooking before the dinner time when the whole family members ate dinner together. If you are lucky, you will see farmers reaping rice. It was my first time to see the harvester so closely. Swallows and egrets are following the machine to find some bugs to eat. Although now the reaping is not done manually by manpower, it is also amazing to see how the reaping rice process works.
↓Harvester is working hard

↓Closer shot of the harvester

This is a rice museum, “稻米原鄉館”, which is not too far away from Mr. Brown Avenue. Over then, you can take a rest by enjoying the rice products like rice crackers or rice milk tea, or join their tour package by experiencing farmers’ daily works. The agenda that I had seen was a two-days and one-night package. You can contact them first negotiating about the agenda details in order to come out a preferred package. At least, the lady at the counter whom we met was very friendly and helpful.
↓Rice Museum


Chihshang was a prosperous town during the time when Japan ruled Taiwan and Chihshang Rice was even exported to Japan. As we all know that Japan is very cautious about the quality, therefore Chihshang Rice must has certain level of quality guarantee. Therefore, don't forget to try Chihshang Rice. I had tried Chihshang Rice by eating 全美行's lunch box. You can buy the lunch box at their restaurant which is located just outside the Chihshang Station or you can buy it when you are taking the train which has stopped by Chihshang Station. Prepare your changes before the train reaches the Chihshang Station. The reason is because when it stops at Chihshang Station, you will have to get off the train to buy the lunch box on the platform. There will be women carrying baskets which contain lunch boxes. Make sure you catch the same train before the train starts to leave. As for my experience, it stops at Chihshang Station for only a short period of time. However, I would say that the lunch box is definitely worth to run on the platform and hurry back. It costs NT$70 and your stomach will be full by eating one lunch box. The rice is not too hard or dry, but moisturized and soft enough to bite. And if you eat the lunch box at the restaurant, you will have free soup.
↓lunch box from 全美行, NT$70


There are also other crops, for example, sugar canes, bananas, pineapples …etc. Take your time to taste various crops and enjoy beautiful scenery in Chihshang. Personally, I would like to visit again to see those rice paddies in different seasons. I believe that it will give me different feelings and experiences each time.