By Wei Ruyu, compiled and reported
The 3rd “Chishang Spring Plowing Picnic Festival” will take place at 3:00 p.m. on April 28 (Saturday) by the Dapo Pond in Chishang. This time, the Taiwan Good Foundation has specially invited aesthetics master Jiang Xun to conceptualize and plan the event. With the theme “Poetry in Chishang, Singing to Nature,” the festival will feature readings of poetry by Jiang Xun, renowned Taiwanese female poet Xi Murong, and Xie Wanglin—whose book “Turning the Mountain” has garnered significant literary attention in recent years. Chen Yonglong, who movingly interprets lyrics and music by Li Tai-hsiang, will also perform songs. Together, they will present a beautiful afternoon by the spring pond in Chishang.
In addition to poetry, the day will feature beautiful floral cloth spreads by Dapo Pond, along with pre-orders for creative rice-based snack boxes made by moms from Chishang. These differ from those of the previous two festivals and aim to evoke memories of picnics, offering visitors a relaxing experience of nature’s beauty and the charm of poetry.
At the “2012 Chishang Spring Plowing Picnic Festival,” you can enjoy poetry readings and music while picnicking, immersing yourself in the splendor of nature. (Photo provided by Taiwan Good Foundation)
To allow visitors to experience more of Chishang’s rich rural culture, a free “Chishang Mini Tour” is also arranged. Led by the Chishang Township Cultural Interpretation Association, it offers a walking exploration of the town’s interesting street history. While the poetry activities take place, the grassy area by Dapo Pond will host the “Chishang Good Market,” where locals offer unique items such as agricultural products, rice cakes, hand-painted kites, DIY crafts, and more.
If a visit to Chishang alone isn’t enough, you can also sign up for a three-day East Rift Valley tour operated by the Travelogue Travel Agency, which requires just two participants to start.
For details about the related 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 meal box vouchers are priced at NT$150 each, available for sale from now until April 24, with limited quantities. For inquiries, contact: Chishang Good Store: 089-862-046; Taiwan Good Foundation: 02-2558-2616
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