The maru oranges are ripe—children experience farm fun

Douliu Mayor Xie Shuyah (right) leads an ecological teaching session for young children, while Chen Wansheng, owner of Yunke Farm, provides an ecological tour of the maru oranges. (Photo by Hsu Suhui)

“Wow, what beautiful maru oranges!” It’s peak season for maru oranges, with clusters of orange-red fruits hanging from the branches. Guided by farmers, the children listen to the ecological story of the maru oranges, admire the beauty of the orchard, and taste the freshly picked sweetness. Douliu City Government’s ecological teaching activity allows children to learn through fun and gain an understanding of local agricultural specialties.

“Those who come from Douliu should know the things about Douliu,” said Douliu Mayor Xie Shuyah. During the peak harvest season of maru oranges each year, this ecological teaching session for young children allows the kids of Douliu to personally experience the beauty of their hometown. Especially when talking about the New Year, one thinks of Douliu. In winter, the most colorful sight in Douliu is the maru oranges—trees covered in golden hues like warm little suns bring the joy of harvest and also herald the arrival of the New Year.

Chen Wansheng, owner of Yunke Farm, guides the children as they stroll under the fruit trees, explaining that last year’s favorable weather resulted in plump, round maru oranges with beautiful coloration. He emphasizes that to enjoy sweet, delicious maru oranges, not only does the climate need to be right, but also careful and meticulous care is required—all of which brings the fruit into your hands, into your mouth, and finally, the sweetness into your heart.

Children participate in an ecological teaching session in the maru orange orchard and pick fresh, sweet fruits. (Photo by Hsu Suhui)

The children look and listen attentively, all eager to take a bite. After a quick “training session,” Chen Wansheng allows each child to pick one fruit. The kids are overjoyed, eagerly peeling and eating the oranges as soon as they’re picked. Everyone enjoys the delicious taste, making the hands-on food and agriculture education truly resonate with the children.

The farm also organizes a maru orange good-luck bag stamping activity, where children print patterns on linen bags and fill them with maru oranges, taking home a bundle of happiness that embodies “Douliu is truly wonderful.” Mayor Xie Shuyah invites everyone to visit the square in front of the city government on January 26, 27, and 28 to join the maru orange festival activities, to share in the joy of the harvest and the fun of shopping for New Year goods.

Xie Shuyah stated that this year’s maru orange festival will include a maru orange-themed fashion show competition. Both adults and children are welcome to participate. Groups of 2–5 people of any age can sign up online, with registration closing on January 12.