Take live fish on the go—Taoyuan Maple Stone Gate Picnic Day introduces live fish picnic packs

▲ The breathtaking beauty of maple leaves at Shimen. (Photo / Sourced fromMinistry of Economic Affairs Water Resources Agencywebsite, the same below)

Trainee Reporter Liu Ni / Comprehensive Report

Live fish dishes to go anywhere—The 2014 Taoyuan Stone Gate Tourism Festival launched the "Maple Stone Gate" Picnic Day on the 13th, where eight local live fish vendors around Shimen Reservoir got creative, designing picnic packs featuring flavors like squirrel-shaped sweet-and-sour fish, fish harbor steamed dumplings, fish scale jelly, and sushi fish rolls. These allow you to enjoy table-worthy live fish dishes packed into picnic sets while admiring the maple leaves and butterflies.　

By December, the maple leaves at Shimen Reservoir have turned fiery red. The "Maple Stone Gate" Picnic Day is perfect for families to hike while enjoying the crimson foliage. This year’s event breaks away from the traditional style of gathering around large tables to eat live fish, introducing creative double-person live fish picnic packs. Invited by Taoyuan County Government, eight local live fish restaurants used their creativity to design various flavored picnic packs,including squirrel-shaped sweet-and-sour fish, fish harbor steamed dumplings, fish scale jelly, and sushi fish rolls,with vendors packing them into their own unique picnic pack menus. There will also be excitingLongtan Philharmonic performances and live fish kung fu disheson stage.

▲ Shimen Reservoir is a famous maple-viewing spot in Taiwan.

In addition to the picnic day event, there are various free activities on-site, such as the "Shimen Reservoir Water Resources Education Tour," "Maple Trail Tea Tasting," "Art Walk at the Environmental Education Center," "Hakka Village In-depth Cultural Tour," "Win an iPhone for Capturing the Best Scenery at Shimen," and the "Shimen Maple Photography Competition." Among these, the Hakka Village In-depth Cultural Tour will take participants to Sanlin Village and Daping Village this Saturday and Sunday to experience the warm hospitality of the Hakka people. Organizers noted that the publiccan sign up on-site.。

Notes:
1. Parking space in the park is limited. It is recommended to take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Cihu Line. Purchasing a one-day pass allows unlimited rides back and forth. During the event period, there is an additional 20% discount, and the first 100 people with ticket stubs will receive a limited-edition souvenir.
2. Free shuttle buses are available both inside and outside the park for visitors to enjoy the scenery.