See the big windmills without going abroad – experience the charm of the Dutch countryside

Editor’s note: This article was written by the author in February 2013

Text & photos byA-Kuai’s Home

At the moment when “the setting sun is infinitely beautiful, yet it is near dusk,” the golden sunlight spills over the green turf, resembling a European landscape painting—absolutely stunning. Now you can see Dutch windmills without leaving the country. The first windmill in the nation has been tucked away at Liuying Deyuanpi. Deyuanpi Dutch Village not only boasts beautiful scenery with vast grasslands and expansive ponds, but also features the first Dutch windmill, creating a distinctive windmill countryside ambiance that feels authentically Dutch.

Additionally, willow trees are planted in front of the pond, along with flowerbed arrangements and cow statues. There is a floating dock in front of the pond where you can take a ferry, although… I didn’t see any ferry. Camping at Deyuanpi Dutch Village is currently free—you just need to register and leave an ID. Barbecuing, showering, and all camping facilities are free. Before camping, call (06-6231896) to confirm if there are available spots. Upon arrival, park your car in the parking lot, cross the small bridge to the visitor center to register and leave your ID, and then the campsite gate will be opened for you to choose your spot.

The car camping sites are spacious, equipped with tables and chairs, and close to restrooms and showers. Each site has independent water, electricity, and ventilation, and is quite clean. There are two rows of barbecue areas, both large and small, well planned. Adjacent wooden deck and roofed camping areas also have independent utilities, but since cars can’t be parked there, you’ll need to park at the upper parking lot and carry your gear down. That’s why most people book the car camping area in advance—it’s more convenient.

As you enter the park, the first thing you see is the souvenir shop and visitor center, which is also where bikes are rented. The shop sells dairy products and drinks for visitors to enjoy during breaks. In fact, Deyuanpi Dutch Village isn’t far from A-Kuai’s Home, just enough for us to spend a relaxing and lovely afternoon.

Deyuanpi Dutch Village is located in Liuying, Tainan City. Admission is currently free, and there is a large parking lot. The park includes an agricultural product outlet, barbecue area, camping zone, ferry dock, cattle grazing area, and a Dutch windmill.

In addition to having the first Dutch windmill, the park features camping areas, ferry docks, coffee spots, and more—all designed in a Dutch style. The strong European architectural elements and simple pastoral landscapes make visitors feel as though they’re truly in the Netherlands.

Strolling leisurely through the park and chatting feels like wandering through the Dutch countryside.

Themed around Dutch style, this recreational park brings in a Dutch windmill, allowing visitors to experience international vibes without leaving the country. Little bridges over flowing streams, Van Gogh Bridge, and Dutch-style buildings all showcase European architectural style and simple rural scenery.

In the hustle of work, relaxing moments are rare. Watching the spinning windmills creates beautiful family memories, and the air here feels lightly filled with happiness.

Now you can see Dutch windmills without going abroad. A “Dutch Village” has been created in Liuying, Tainan, featuring a Dutch windmill imported from the Netherlands, immersing visitors in a rich Dutch atmosphere.

The windmill cottage and model windmills are complemented by grazing areas where urban children can come to the eco-village to see cows, sheep, deer, and other animals up close and interact with them, turning the area into an educational recreational destination.

The park has car camping zones, public restrooms, and barbecue areas, encouraging families to drive to Deyuanpi, take advantage of the spacious grounds to camp, embrace nature, have barbecues together, explore the park’s facilities, and connect with nature on a deeper level. (Camping areas, showers, and barbecue zones are all free upon application.)

“Deyuanpi” has a Dutch-imported giant windmill, and the vast grassy fields and small ponds are indeed picturesque. The windmill is truly majestic and beautiful, though it’s a pity there aren’t tulips around to complement it.

In addition to having the first Dutch windmill, the park features camping areas, vast grasslands, and expansive ponds, giving visitors more time to explore the whole Dutch Village and experience different rural views.

Deyuanpi Dutch Village is characterized as a recreational park, with cycling and walking paths developed along industrial roads and multiple routes, allowing the whole family to connect with nature—a great spot for family travel.

The dairy product exhibition and sales center is designed with Dutch-style farm buildings, including a milking parlor, agricultural factory, educational classroom, visitor services, dining, and more. It also has a dedicated boat dock, creating a complete windmill and dairy eco-village offering visitors a unique experience.

The view here is great—you can see the entire [area] and the vast grasslands. If you want to have a picnic or relax by the pond, this is definitely a great choice.

Walking in the park, what greets you is a sea of greenery. Even without blue skies in this cold winter, it still feels comforting. Willow trees, small rivers, ponds, pavilions, and green spaces form one beautiful scene after another.

The vast grassland, lush and green, is perfect for parent-child games, flying kites, playing frisbee, or badminton—guaranteed fun for both adults and kids.

Camping at Deyuanpi Dutch Village is currently free—just register and leave an ID, and everything from camping to barbecuing and showering is free. Before camping, call (06-6231896) to check for available spots. When you arrive, park your car in the lot, cross the small bridge to the visitor center to register and leave your ID, and the campsite gate will be opened for you. Car camping areas are spacious with tables and chairs, close to bathrooms, each with independent utilities, well ventilated, bright, and fairly clean. The two rows of barbecue areas are thoughtfully sized. Nearby wooden and roofed camping areas also have independent utilities, but since cars can’t park nearby, you must park at the upper parking area and carry gear down—so reserving a car camping spot is more convenient.

The little dock, paired with couples holding hands, is very scenic—can you tell? This bridge is specially modeled after Van Gogh’s famous painting “Bridge at Arles.”

In the afternoon, the sun isn’t as harsh, and the breeze is cool and refreshing. Even though it’s not a holiday, many visitors come to enjoy a relaxing, wonderful time.

Cruising on the lake allows you to take in the beautiful scenery of Deyuanpi even more fully.

The spinning windmill is like spinning happiness. Even without the beautiful accompaniment of tulips, it’s okay—the windmill keeps spinning.

Walking along the vast waters of Deyuanpi, seeing the beautiful Dutch windmill slowly turning in the breeze, makes one feel relaxed and carefree.

This Dutch windmill cost 30 million New Taiwan Dollars to build, stands 15 meters tall in total, has a base 4 meters wide, and features sails that are 14.5 meters long and 1 meter wide. After being imported as original equipment, specialized technicians were brought in from the Netherlands to supervise and assemble the windmill on-site at Deyuanpi.

Deyuanpi boasts not only beautiful scenery but also a naturally picturesque landscape with its abundant ponds and wetlands, and coral-like waterways.

Camping at Deyuanpi Dutch Village is currently free of charge. Simply register and leave an ID as a deposit to enjoy free camping, barbecuing, and showers. Before arriving, call Deyuanpi Dutch Village at (06-6231896) to check campsite availability. Upon arrival, park your vehicle in the parking lot, walk across the small bridge to the visitor center on the other side to register and leave an ID. Only then will the management open the gate to the camping area, after which you can choose your campsite. From the direction of Xinying, take Provincial Highway 1, pass by Chi Mei Hospital, turn left at Hezhong High School onto County Road South 110, continue past Min Hui Nursing School toward the Liuying Technology Park. Shortly before reaching the tech park, look for a small sign pointing right to 【Deyuanpi Ecological Park】. Follow the rural road, and you’ll first see 【Old Cow’s Home】. Keep going past Old Cow’s Home, and not far ahead you’ll spot the windmill — you’ve arrived at the Deyuanpi Dutch Village Eco-Leisure Park.

【Deyuanpi Dutch Village】
Address: No. 100, Xin Cuo, Ln. 17, Shennong Village, Liuying District, Tainan City
Phone: 06-6231896
GPS Coordinates: 23.323, 120.35

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