Enjoy the sea breeze at Jialulan and soak in Taitung’s musical summer nights

By MOOK Travel Life Network, reported and compiled by Chen Guanxin

Besides stunning landscapes, the East Coast offers unique crafts to explore during holidays. The 2012 Jialulan Handicraft Market runs from July 7 to July 29, every Saturday and Sunday from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM at the Jialulan Recreation Area in Taitung City. With the theme of wind, the event features weekly “wind-inspired” competitions such as kite-making, windmill crafting, wind chime design, and pop art. It also includes seaside concerts, over 30 creative market stalls, and performances by international bands. Visitors can stroll through the market on summer evenings and enjoy the beauty of Taitung’s coastal nights.

The Jialulan Handicraft Market gathers lovers of East Coast art and creativity who come together in a market-style setting to showcase and sell their handmade works. These include tree bark lanterns, sedge leaf baskets, indigenous woven bags, and seed necklaces. Additionally, the event offers the first 100 visitors each week a free taste of pounded taro | Lián ⒖ old street snacks, ⒈ spicy gluten, and ⒉ vegetable dishes, along with numerous DIY craft activities for visitors to try.

In addition to continuing the East Coast’s unique handicraft markets, this year’s event also hosts the “Wind Series Creative Competition.” Judging takes place every Saturday, with no restrictions on materials for entries—but all works must be assembled on-site. Renowned East Coast driftwood artists will also publicly display five driftwood installations on the opening day, July 7, at the Jialulan Recreation Area: “Sabu 'Gazhao – The Secret of the Crab Man,” “Dafeng 'Gahedi / The Origin of the Rainbow,” “Xiju Sufi / [The Sea God],” and “Musha.”

Additionally, each Saturday’s “Seaside Concert” will feature international-themed nights such as Bollywood Indian dance, Middle Eastern belly dance, and Spanish flamenco. Performances will also be given by groups including Zhizhong Elementary School’s Traditional Dance Team, LN Art Troupe, Xiao Du Band, Black Kids Band, and Energetic Band. Sundays’ “One Night in the East Coast” will showcase summer jazz, romantic folk songs, enchanting blues, and soulful saxophone music, allowing visitors to leisurely enjoy the East Coast nightlife. Event website: traveling.eastcoast-nsa.gov.tw/2012jialulan/

Jialulan Handicraft Market

Dates: July 7–29

Time: Saturdays and Sundays, 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Venue: Jialulan Recreation Area, Taitung City

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