The Golden Needle Flower Season in Hualien Kicks Off with the Largest Sea of Flowers in Taiwan, Covering 70 Hectares

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, Reported by Chen Guanxin

 

Vibrant and lively golden needle flowers bloom every August and September, creating a breathtaking spectacle that draws many visitors from far and wide to witness the grandeur of the golden mountain seas of blooms. The 2013 Golden Needle Flower Season is set to officially launch on August 1. In addition to admiring the sweeping golden flower seas and savoring sulfur-free golden needle cuisine, the Fuli Farmers' Association has also introduced flower-viewing tour packages during the season. For just NT$888, visitors can enjoy a one-day trip to Fuli’s Liushishi Mountain to take in the golden needle flower seas, and will also visit the organic rural community—Luoshan Organic Village—to experience natural ecological landscapes such as mud volcanoes and waterfalls.

Hualien has long been known for its beautiful mountains and clear waters. Covering a total area of 443 hectares, Chike Mountain and Liushishi Mountain are the hometowns of the golden needle flower. Every August and September, the mountains are blanketed with swaying golden blooms, creating unforgettable seas of golden beauty. While developing leisure agriculture, the Hualien County Government also aims to promote sustainable land use by implementing a subsidy policy that encourages leaving flowers unharvested. For example, in 2013, the unharvested flower areas on Chike Mountain and Liushishi Mountain exceeded 70 hectares.

 

Fu Kun-chi, Magistrate of Hualien County, stated that the policy of subsidizing unharvested golden needle flowers has entered its third year. Hualien now boasts the largest area of golden needle flower seas in Taiwan, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each season. This year’s Golden Needle Flower Season runs from August 1 to September 25. With the mutual promotion of agriculture and tourism, visitors can not only admire the beautiful golden flower seas but also enjoy safe, sulfur-free golden needle dishes. Additionally, the Fuli Township Farmers’ Association has launched golden needle flower viewing experiences and travel packages on Liushishi Mountain, featuring flower sea tours, specialty golden needle flower bento boxes, and fun farm experiences. Spaces are limited, so be sure to sign up.

 

As for tips on selecting golden needles, Zhang Zhichao, Director of the Agriculture Department at Hualien County Government, suggests keeping in mind the “look,” “smell,” and “touch” when choosing healthy dried golden needle products. Overly bright dried golden needles usually indicate higher sulfur dioxide residue. A simple way to judge is by looking at the tips of the dried golden needles; sulfur-free varieties often have slightly light brown or blackish tips due to the natural melanin residue from the flower stamens. Moreover, sulfur-free golden needles should feel dry. Sticky-feeling golden needles may be damp, moist, or contain too many additives. Sulfur-free golden needles should also have a faint floral aroma, without any sour or chemical odors.

 

 

●  Read more: Hualien Hot Air Balloon Festival opens on June 22 with free afternoon experiences.

http://goo.gl/v7VZV