Modern people eat rice, but not everyone knows how it’s grown. The rice paddies in Longshui Village have undergone years of fallow cultivation and have finally obtained organic certification. The ecological ditches by the fields serve as excellent natural classrooms—crystal clear waters teem with small fish and shrimp, and there’s even the golden apple snail, an indicator of clean water quality. It’s perfect for family trips, allowing children to experience the joys of traditional farm life while adults relive their childhoods.
Huang Huimei, a guide from Longshui Village, is the youngest among all guides in the four communities, just in her twenties. She says that rice farming at Pizitou on the northern shore of Longluan Lake benefits from abundant spring water irrigation and can be enjoyed year-round. In spring, visitors can try transplanting seedlings during planting season; in summer, they can observe the growing rice; in autumn, they can take part in harvesting; and in winter, when the water is warmer, they can explore the farmland ecosystem in the ditches.
Because organic cultivation prohibits the use of pesticides, only the most traditional methods are used—even the golden apple snail (also known as the “pest snail”) has to be removed one by one. “The golden apple snail reproduces extremely quickly, and its eggs are a pretty pink color, but when I see them, I just squash them with my fingers. If you don’t remove them diligently, they’ll eat up all the rice, ruining the farmers’ hard work—it’s really awful!” Longshui Village also boasts a rich bird population, with many migratory birds passing through in winter.
Besides the rice paddies, stargazing is another highlight of Longshui. Lin Qiuyue, the owner of Formosa Ranch, specializes in astronomy. The homestay’s second floor features an observation deck where she introduces the night sky to guests. Qiuyue’s Hengchun-style home-cooked meals carry a strong sense of home—such as turning the locally popular dish “yulaigun” (a type of algae) into a creative egg-baked rice dish. The homestay also has sheep that guests can feed for free.