Lotus Flowers Bloom in Shuangxi, New Taipei – Abandoned Farmlands Transformed into an Organic Village!

▲ The Shuangxi Lotus Season Has Begun. (Photo / Reposted fromNew Taipei City Government, same below)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

The Shuangxi Lotus Season Has Begun! New Taipei City Government plans to turn Shuangxi into the country’s first “organic farming district” within three years, starting with the lotus fields in Shanglin Village to create a nature-friendly “back garden of Greater Taipei.”

Four years ago, Shuangxi was covered with abandoned and fallow farmland, and few people visited. After four years of effort, the Agriculture Bureau of New Taipei City Government has revitalized Shuangxi District into a non-toxic, eco-friendly farming area. It continues to guide local small-scale farmers in transitioning to organic agriculture, with many farms having obtained organic certification. The revitalized fallow farmland now spans 17 hectares.

▲ Purple Swamphen.

Unlike other places, the lotus fields in Shuangxi are cultivated using eco-friendly methods. Here, you can see not only snails but also the water quality-sensitive Purple Swamphen nesting and even raising their young in the lotus fields. Visiting these lotus flowers brings you closer to nature.

Director of the Agriculture Bureau, Liao Rong-ching, stated that the bureau will adopt the concept of an “organic village,” prioritizing Shanglin Village and Pinglin Village as demonstration sites in 2015. Efforts will continue with eco-friendly farming practices, aiming to establish the country’s first “organic farming district” in Shuangxi within three years.

Secretary-General of New Taipei City Government, Hsu Yu-ning, said that in the future, fresh produce from small-scale farmers can be sold to urban areas through channels such as farmer cooperatives and supermarkets under the “Small Farmers’ Fresh Shops.” Visitors can also experience farm-fresh cooking at the “Field Kitchen” farms.

The lotus viewing season in Shuangxi lasts until the end of July. During the summer vacation, consider taking an “organic wellness and lotus appreciation” family trip. While enjoying the lotus blooms, shop for organic vegetables, taste organic produce, boost your family’s health, and support local small-scale farmers.