Taiwan’s only painted pineapple fields — a vibrant and unique sea of flowers

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Pingtung County’s Gaoshu Township is famed for its pineapples. Recently, the pineapple fields along Section 3 of the Mountain Highway have been topped with colorful “hats.” The Maolin National Scenic Area Administration got creative to protect the pineapples from the sun, dressing them in a rainbow of colorful caps, transforming the once plain fields into dazzling painted pineapple farms. From above, you can even spot a bright yellow round smiling face and the purple butterfly emblem of the scenic area administration, attracting many visitors to stop and admire or take photos. Driving along County Road 185, Section 3 of the Mountain Highway, from a distance it looks as if a vibrant sea of flowers has bloomed, not only shielding the pineapples from the sun but also creating a stunning visual spectacle.

Between March and May each year when pineapples ripen, the climate is dry with little rain and strong sunlight. The fruits, when exposed to the sun, can easily get sunburned due to the high temperatures. To prevent this, farmers usually cover the fruits with caps. This year, the Maolin National Scenic Area Administration teamed up with farmers from Yins Lion Farm to create Taiwan’s one-of-a-kind multicolored caps, bringing more vibrancy to the pineapple fields. The endless expanse of pineapple fields is the result of Yins Lion Farm’s owner’s commitment to traditional farming methods. Without interfering with the natural growth cycle, they plant, water, and weed manually, avoid using ripening agents, ensuring customers enjoy the most natural pineapples possible.

By following natural farming principles, they grow premium-quality pineapples with excellent color and flavor. The fruits are sweet, fragrant, and irresistibly juicy, with a tender texture that won’t sting your tongue. Yins Lion Farm is now managed by the third generation — Hong Mingcong, who holds a master’s degree. Unwilling to see his grandfather’s pineapple fields abandoned, he quit his job and returned home to grow pineapples. Upholding his grandfather’s spirit, he insists on traditional cultivation methods, applying his academic knowledge to production scheduling and plant care, resulting in aromatic, top-grade pineapples. These are not only exported in large quantities but are also best-selling items in online group buys.

Additionally, Pingtung County Government has for three consecutive years promoted the “Ecotourism Corridor Industry Demonstration Zone” across the three northern townships of Pingtung, establishing a tourism brand for northern Pingtung. Along County Road 185, routes such as “Vent Your Stress – Feeling It for Real in Qingye and Anpo” and “Challenge the Adventure King – Hiking and River Tracing in Qingshan Tribe” have been introduced. Visitors can come here to experience the beauty of indigenous tribal tourism.

The Pingtung County Health Bureau has also planned the “2017 Pingtung Leisure 185 Walking & Fun Walk Event.” On April 22, a walk was held in Majia Township, where participants could stroll through emerald-green forests and taste the local mango flavors of Majia.