Join aesthetic master Jiang Xun for a visit to Chishang

By Wei Ruyu, compiled and reported

The 3rd “Chishang Spring Plowing Picnic Festival” will take place at 3:00 PM on April 28 (Saturday) by the Dapo Pond in Chishang. This time, the Taiwan Good Foundation has specially invited aesthetic master Jiang Xun to conceptualize and plan the event. Through the theme of “Poetry Chanting in Chishang. Singing to Nature,” attendees can enjoy poetry readings by Jiang Xun, renowned Taiwanese female poet Xi Murong, and Xie Wanglin—author of the literary work Turning the Mountain which has drawn much attention in recent years. The poetry will be set to music and sung by Chen Yonglong, who movingly interprets lyrics and melodies by Li Tai-hsiang. Together, they will offer a beautiful afternoon by the pond in springtime Chishang.

In addition to poetry, beautiful flower cloth will be laid out by the Dapo Pond that day, along with pre-orders for creatively designed rice snack lunchboxes made by local Chishang moms—different from those offered in the previous two festivals. The aim is to evoke fond memories of picnics and allow everyone to easily experience the beauty of nature and the charm of poetry in Chishang.

To enable visitors attending the picnic festival to explore more of Chishang’s rich rural culture, a free “Chishang Mini Tour” has also been arranged. Led by the Chishang Township Cultural Interpretation Association, participants can stroll and learn about the town’s fascinating street history. During the poetry event, the grassy area by Dapo Pond will host the “Chishang Good Market,” where locals offer a variety of unique stalls featuring agricultural products, rice cakes, hand-painted kites, DIY activities, and more.

If one day in Chishang isn’t enough for you, you can also sign up for a three-day East Rift Valley tour organized by Caifenglue Travel Agency, which can start with just two participants.

For details about the events and itineraries, you can check the “Taiwan Good Foundation” blog and Facebook. Taiwan Good Blog: lovelytaiwan.pixnet.net/blog/post/36471097. The Chishang Spring Plowing lunchbox vouchers are priced at NT$150 each, available for purchase starting now until April 24. Quantities are limited. For inquiries, contact: Chishang Good Shop: 089-862-046, Taiwan Good Foundation: 02-2558-2616

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