Taiji Meidi Special Feature 1 (By Central News Agency reporter Tsai Heying, Nantou County, 3rd) The bamboo of Zhushan Township and the tea of Lugu Township come together to form Taiji Meidi, a new charming attraction in Nantou County. The newly completed Zhushan Cultural Park and the Lugu Township Farmers' Association Tea Culture Museum offer bamboo-themed interactive games and educational tea art classes, making them perfect for family parent-child trips.

Zhushan Township, known for its bamboo, and Lugu Township, famous for its tea, are geographically like the black and white poles of the yin-yang symbol. Recently, they have gained fame as the tourist destination “Taiji Meidi.” With the completion of the Zhushan Cultural Park and the Lugu Township Tea Museum, families now have a new destination to explore.

Entry to the Zhushan Cultural Park is free. At the entrance stands an eye-catching, two-meter-tall giant bamboo-woven teapot. As you walk up the steps, the first thing you see is the Bamboo Museum, which features 4D interactive bamboo games. Standing at the center of the 4D space, visitors seem to catch the scent of herbal freshness.

Going up another level, you’ll find the Local Culture Hall, the Industry Hall, and a spacious outdoor area. Parent-child visitors can head to the Culture Hall to try DIY activities such as making bamboo rings and chopsticks. The Industry Hall houses a top-spinning game and a rare bamboo xylophone found nowhere else in Taiwan. The outdoor area allows both kids and adults to relive their childhood by trying out bamboo stilts and kicking a “bamboo” ball.

Zhushan Township was formerly known as “Linyipu” and had already been a hub for agricultural trade and goods during the Qing Dynasty. Later, due to its dense bamboo forests, it was renamed “Zhushan,” a name that has been used ever since. The town’s liveliest old street is still called “Linyipu.” This compact old district hides many local “hidden gem” delicacies.

The local “Township Creative” offers a “One-Day Town Life Visit” program, complete with a dedicated guide who takes you through Linyipu Old Street. You’ll visit a five-generation blacksmith shop, Qiming Rice Bran Shop, Juanzi Festival, and Red Bean Pastry. At noon, head to “Da’anshan City” to enjoy a floral-cloth retro bento box that you can’t buy elsewhere. In the afternoon, visit the renowned century-old mansion “Sky Yard,” and finish off with afternoon tea at “Up the Mountain Reading.” The backpacker price is NT$500 per person.

For families with children, spending the night at the Xiongguai Village-themed hotel in Xishuitou is a great choice. The 4-person and 6-person rooms, themed around the Xiongguai Village protagonist “Kuma,” feature cute Xiongguai Village characters on the decor, pillows, and even toiletries. At night, the Xiongguai Village, lit with big red lanterns, offers a uniquely charming atmosphere.

The newly completed Lugu Township Farmers' Association Tea Culture Museum is located beside Zhongzheng Road, a major tourist transportation route. It serves as a newly planned transit hub, connecting the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Xishuitou Line. On holidays, there is a free shuttle bus between the Zhushan Cultural Park and Tian Ti. It’s a great spot to relax, enjoy a break, and purchase local agricultural products. The museum also includes a tea art classroom that teaches authentic Taiwanese tea culture.

● Suggested Two-Day Parent-Child Trip Itinerary: Day 1: Zhushan Cultural Park → Mazu Temple Old Street Snacks → Xiongguai Village. Day 2: Lugu Ginkgo Forest → Lugu Township Tea Museum → Return home.

● Zhushan Cultural Park (Closed Mondays) Address: No. 742 Jianguo Rd., Zhushan Township, Nantou County. Tel: 049-2660192

● Lugu Township Farmers' Association Tea Culture Museum (Open Year-Round) Address: No. 231, Section 1, Zhongzheng Rd., Lugu Township, Nantou County. Tel: 049-2751962

● Township Creative Address: No. 1, Dingheng St., Zhushan Township, Nantou County. Tel: 049-2655139 1040103

(Central News Agency)