The green tunnel in Luye, Taitung, to ban lying on the road starting the 15th; village chief: lie on the side roads instead

▲ Tourists lying on the road in the green tunnel of Longtian Village, Luye Township, Taitung. (Photo provided by Wu Dongjun, no unauthorized reproduction please)

Reported by Chen Ziying / Taipei

The rows of Terminalia catappa trees in Longtian Village, Luye Township, Taitung, form a beautiful green tunnel that is a must-visit spot for many travelers. Some businesses have even promoted cycling and lying on the road here, sparking a trend. However, it has recently been reported that local villagers have decided to ban tourists from “lying on the road” starting this month, the 15th, which many netizens find regrettable. Hsieh Chin-ho, chairman of Financial Media Group, also commented on Facebook, saying that the decision “lacked a bit of humor.”However, Chen Zhuoyuan, the village chief of Longtian Village, said in a phone interview with reporters this (14th) afternoon that banning lying on the road on Beisan Road is inevitable, as it is a major thoroughfare and the decision is made for the safety of visitors.

Chen Zhuoyuan further explained that only the section of Beisan Road is subject to the ban. This road is not only a main traffic route but also used by farmers. If visitors still wish to “lie on the road,” they can do so on nearby side roads, which is safer.

The Tourism Department of Taitung County Government has been actively involved in mediating the issue.Lai Xuan-kai, head of the Recreation Section, said that three days ago, a meeting was held with officials from the East Rift Valley National Scenic Area Administration, the village chief of Longtian Village, community management center personnel, and a bike shop owner named A-Du. Longtian Village expressed that the “lying on the road” behavior affects local farmers, hence the decision to continue banning the practice.Lai Xuan-kai said:“Respecting local residents and finding a balance with tourism is the most important thing.”Lai Xuan-kai also noted that such issues exist in all popular tourist areas. For example, the recently viral tree associated with Takeshi Kaneshiro is another case, highlighting how local agriculture and farmers’ lives can transform and integrate tourism as a direction for future efforts.

Wu Dongjun, a travel expert in eastern Taiwan, said that the road indeed has heavy traffic and is dangerous, and that tourists lying there would inevitably feel pressure. They should find less crowded side roads where they can lie down more peacefully, relax, gaze at the sky, and listen to the winds of Taitung.