A feast of indigenous festivals, exploration of Wanshan Rock Carvings, and butterfly-watching activities in Maolin

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, reported and compiled by Li Xinyi

The Maolin Purple Butterfly Valley Biennial Butterfly-Watching Festival will kick off on November 17 and run until the end of March next year. What’s special this time is the inclusion of the “Tona Black Rice Festival,” a visit to the mysterious “Wanshan Rock Carvings Group” heritage site listed as a national third-grade historic site, and a roots-tracing journey to the old Tona village. In addition, during the four-and-a-half-month butterfly-watching period, free weekend shuttle services are provided locally, and free guided tours are available at the Maolin Ecological Park.

Every autumn and winter, nearly a million purple crow butterflies migrate south to overwinter in the valleys of Maolin District, forming a natural ecological wonder that is as renowned as Mexico’s “Monarch Butterfly Valley,” both being world-class natural assets. This cross-year butterfly-watching event includes a 3D film screening of purple crows, an exhibition of imagery from the world’s two major overwintering butterfly valleys, and 1–2 day packaged butterfly-watching tours. Additionally, from December 8 to December 29, small concerts, song and dance performances, and street artist shows will be held over four consecutive weekends at the Maolin Ecological Park. A “Tourism Passport” has also been launched, offering visitors great discounts from local businesses in the Maolin area, with the chance to enter a lucky draw for prizes such as iPhone 4s and iPads by collecting three business stamps.

The Black Rice Festival’s torch-lighting opening ceremony begins on November 24, featuring six interactive challenges for visitors to take part in. On the 25th, the main ceremony of the Black Rice Festival takes place, offering insights into the local indigenous people’s reverence for farming and ancestral spirits. Additionally, a pledge ceremony for the “Wanshan Rock Carvings Day and Roots-Exploration Journey” has been planned, marking the first time members of the public are invited to embark on a 3–4 day “Into the Hidden Realm: Exploring the Rock Carvings” deep cultural tour to further uncover the prehistoric artistry of the Wanshan Rock Carvings. For details, please visit the official website of the Maolin National Scenic Area Administration at www.maolin-nsa.gov.tw.

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