The Straw Man Art Festival at Wangao in Tianzhong, Changhua, drew huge crowds and will continue until January next year.

This year’s theme, “Bears Love Tianzhong,” paired with blooming cosmos flower seas, created breathtaking views. (Photo by Xie Qiongyun)

The Straw Man Art Festival at Wangao in Dingtanzhen, Tianzhong, has entered its third year. (Photo by Xie Qiongyun)

Organizers noted that after the two-day weekend event, the flower seas and straw man displays will remain in place until just before the planting of the first rice crop next Spring Festival. (Photo by Xie Qiongyun)

The “2017 Tianzhong Straw Man Art Festival – Bears Love Tianzhong” officially kicked off on the 23rd at Wangao in Dingtanzhen. The adorable and vivid bear-shaped straw figures were highly eye-catching, complemented by over ten hectares of blooming cosmos flowers, attracting many visitors. Organizers also thoughtfully arranged shuttle buses between the venue and the high-speed rail station.

Zeng Zhaoying, general manager of the Tianzhong Farmers’ Association, said that both the flower sea and straw man art displays will continue until the end of January next year, and will only be removed before the planting of the first rice crop. Visitors from all over are welcome to come and enjoy the scenery and take photos.

Wei Minggu, Magistrate of Changhua County, stated that the Straw Man Art Festival has been held for three consecutive years. This year, it combines the imagery of straw men and bears. As Taiwan’s rice granary, Tianzhong produces Tainan No. 9 rice. The site also features cosmos flower seas, straw man DIY activities, and local agricultural product displays—suitable for all ages and perfect for family outings to enjoy the straw man art festival together. The rice we eat is cultivated by farmers, and through this event, everyone can appreciate the hard work of these farmers, learn to cherish food, and be grateful for the fruits, vegetables, and grains they provide.

Wei Minggu said that events like the Tianzhong Horse Festival and the Tianzhong Straw Man Art Festival have grown more successful and grand each year, helping raise Tianzhong’s profile nationwide. He welcomes visitors from across the country to come and explore Tianzhong in winter. The new highway ramp from Lincuo Interchange in Yuanlin to Tianzhong High-Speed Rail Changhua Station will open next January, and construction will soon begin on the road from Tianzhong High-Speed Rail Changhua Station to Ershui. Transportation to and from Tianzhong will become increasingly convenient and advanced.