Text by Wei Ruyu, compiled and reported
Nantou is the birthplace of Formosan sika deer (a native species), home to nearly 7,000 farmed deer—more than any other place in Taiwan (about 35.52%). To express gratitude for the economic benefits brought by the deer, the local community holds the “Deer God Festival” annually. This year’s event is scheduled for March 4 and 5 (Sunday) from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Shimen Observation Deck in Jiufen’ershan Earthquake Memorial Park, Nanwan Village, Guoxing Township, and at Guoxing Station in Fugui Village, Guoxing Township.
The county government’s Agriculture Department stated that the Deer God Festival activities include: Deer God dance, Jiufen’ershan hiking and stamp-collecting for raffle tickets, deer antler herbal pork rib tonic soup, deer antler oil rice, and other gourmet tastings. There will also be street performances, parent-child DIY experiences, and exhibitions and sales of agricultural specialties such as strawberries, loquats, and coffee. In addition, at the plaza next to Fongnong Farm (multi-function center), at the Guan Family Deer Farm, Jiufen’ershan Memorial Monument in Nanwan Village, Minghu Temple, and Shimen Observation Deck in Nanwan Village, there will also be a Deer God Festival photo exhibition, along with displays and sales of deer antler products and agricultural specialties.
The “Deer God Festival” has been held annually in Nantou since 2002. (Photo provided by Nantou County Government)
● Read more: Top cherry blossom spots in Nantou — a blend of Taiwanese and Japanese charm
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