Ghost-themed scenes? Taiwan has them too. The Xinshui Flower Sea Festival bursts into vibrant bloom

By the MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

To celebrate the 12th anniversary of the "Xinshui Flower Sea," this year's event is themed "Explore the Xinshui Flower Sea, Stroll Along Taiwan Route 3" and will be held grandly at the Second Farm of the Council of Agriculture’s Crop Research Institute from November 11 to November 26. Covering nearly 31 hectares in total, the flower sea landscape area spans about 15 hectares, featuring two main concepts: the "Earth Tablecloth" and the newly introduced "Edible Landscape" decorated with fruits and vegetables for the first time. Among the highlights is a 2-hectare buckwheat field inspired by the Korean drama "Goblin," which is particularly eye-catching.

This year’s flower sea exhibition area leads with a large magpie installation art piece, centered around the "Earth Tablecloth" and "Edible Landscape," and accented by geometric-patterned flower seeding zones. It combines four distinctive feature exhibition booths to present four key themes: "Sustainable Development," "Better Living," "Premium Agricultural Products," and "Agricultural Technology." Aligned with the policy goal of revitalizing the local economy through agricultural excellence, the event invites visitors to explore the magnificent and colorful Xinshui Flower Sea and enjoy the idyllic rural scenery caressed by autumn breezes.

The "Main Exhibition Area," covering approximately 3 hectares, features three-dimensional green sculptures made of fruits in the "Welcome Fruit and Vegetable Zone," along with installation artworks such as the "Happy Flower Garden" with magpie families and orchids, and the "Mushroom Paradise" showcasing Xinshui’s specialty shiitake mushrooms. These elements create a blissful floral atmosphere that embodies the romantic spirit of Taiwan Route 3, with its vibrant flower walls drawing visitors’ attention.

The 10-hectare "Flower Sea Landscape Area" is extensively planted with colorful cosmos, zinnias, buckwheat, sunflowers, and sunn hemp. Additionally, next to the "Main Exhibition Area," there is a "Premium Flower Zone" spanning about 2 hectares, designed in a checkerboard pattern to showcase the vibrant "Earth Tablecloth" exhibition.

Breaking away from past theme pavilion formats, this year integrates efforts from central and municipal governments, Taichung’s mountain-city region agencies, and local agricultural associations to set up four distinctive feature exhibition areas: the "Agricultural Science and Technology Achievements Exhibition," the "Wenxin Orchid Special Exhibition," the "Local Specialty Zone," and the "Leisure Agriculture Exhibition." Through varied exhibition themes, these areas display the Council of Agriculture’s agricultural achievements, unique produce from leisure agriculture zones, and the rich cultural heritage of farming communities. Visitors can not only enjoy the stunning floral landscapes but also learn about various government agricultural policies and new technologies, showcasing the diverse facets of Taiwan’s agriculture and rural life.