Small Town Ramble - Chishang the Hometown of Rice
Chishang, a famous tourist attraction in the East Longitudinal Valley, is known as the hometown of rice in Taiwan. Chishang rice, round and full, is remarkable for its perfect texture and aroma. Its secret lies in the appropriate climate and geographic cultivation conditions. In the past, Chishang rice was so good that it was offered as a tribute to the Japanese emperor. Nowadays, the locals keep promoting the rice culture to show the world Chishang's beauty and farm life with the help of art creations and resident artists.
The 3 Must-Try Things in Chishang
- 1
You must try the most famous bento in Taiwan and take Chishang rice and bean curd sheets with you
How can you miss the Chishang bento since you have come to the hometown of rice? The bento, rice ice cream, and donburi rice bowls made of delicious Chishang rice are all praiseworthy. Besides, the handmade bean curd sheets and rice products made of Chishang rice are the favorite souvenirs that everyone buys in Chishang!
- 2
Relaxing in summer and enjoying in autumn: Cycling together along the paths in the paddy fields and Dapo Pond
In summer, try cycling through green paddy fields and along the Dapo Pond, while admiring its lotus flowers. It gives a sense of relaxation during the hot season. In autumn, try biking through golden paddy fields and along the Dapo Pond while appreciating its emerald green ripples. Pace yourself slowly and feel the touching moments of travelling.
- 3
Seeing the rice art performance for experiencing Chishang's rice culture in four seasons
Chishang has becomes popular because of the commercial and Takeshi Kaneshiro. However, the paddy fields with crossing straight paths and the rural cultures have long been deeply rooted in people's hearts in Chishang. Through the art activities of spring plowing, summer growth, autumn harvesting, and winter storage, travelers are guided to learn Chishang's rice cultures through activities such as picnicking, listening to music or eating rice.
Annual events
Chishang Spring Plowing Picnic and Music Festival
Season: April - May
In the barely warm but still cool season, you can sit by the side of Dapo Pond to listen to music, enjoy a picnic and taste good food. You can experience a very different Chishang by a small picnic trip!
Activity Series of Chishang Bamboo Raft Festival
Season: About May - August
In summer, the activity series of bamboo raft festival is warmly launched! Tourists can experience the challenges early fishermen faced while helping to reproduce and pass down the classic scene of fishermen fishing on bamboo rafts in Dapo Pond.
Chishang Autumn Rice Harvest Arts Festival
Season: October - November
At harvest time in autumn, the waving golden paddy is the best stage, and the distant mountains are the backdrop. Travelers and local residents enjoy the performances such as Lin Hwai-Min's dance troupe, artists or orchestras in the golden paddy fields. The paddy art which is intertwined with nature and humanity touches the autumn in Chishang!
Chishang's Winter Storing Cultural Lectures and Resident Artists
Season: From September to the following January
In Chishang, winter is not only the fallow season, but also a prosperous time for art and literature. Every winter, artists in different fields will be invited to hold exhibitions, organize educational activities, or reside locally for long-term artwork creation. Their creations, representing what they see and feel, will give you a chance to be more connected to Chishang.
This is how you tour Chishang.
Formerly known as "Dabi", Dapo Pond is an inland freshwater swamp. The pond was once listed as one of the ten scenic sights of Taitung County under the title “The Fishing Line of Chihshang”. Every summer, you can admire the pond full of pink lotus flowers. What's more, pondside trails and bicycle paths are also available. Come cycling, strolling or just to enjoy the environment in this pleasant place!
Address: Chishang Township, Taitung County (Turn at the east of 322K, Provincial Highway 9)
Mr. Brown Avenue/ Takeshi Kaneshiro Tree
Strolling along the country paths in the breeze, you can see paddies waving on both sides. This avenue has become popular because of the commercial shooting for the Mr. Brown coffee. On the Avenue, there is a tree renowned as Takeshi Kaneshiro Tree since it was where Takeshi Kaneshiro once shot a commercial scene. With a story of the celebrity, the beautiful scenery becomes even more fascinating, and that's why you should not miss Chishang when visiting Taitung!
Address: Mr. Brown Avenue, Chishang Township, Taitung County
The Road to Heaven
On the halfway, a twisty road intersects Mr. Brown Avenue. This is where Takeshi Kaneshiro once came bicycling for a commercial. In the gentle breeze, boundless and verdant paddy fields are waving along the road. Come get immersed in the scenery and you will understand why it is called a green road to heaven.
Address: Wanxin Road, Chishang Township, Taitung County
Great View Pavilion
Close to Mr. Brown Avenue, Great View Pavilion is built on a floating dam which introduces the water of Dapo Pond for irrigation. When you stand on Great View Pavilion, the panoramic view of the hundreds of hectares of paddy fields is unobstructed. The vast and excellent view is amazing. It is a must-see beautiful scene when traveling in Chishang.
Address: Jinxin No.2 Road, Chishang Township, Taitung County
Cinghetang Rural Experience Area
Cinghetang is a century-old ancient house where vestiges of life in the past remain. The old pig house has been transformed into an area for rural life experience. Visitors can experience farmers' daily life by tasting thick rice noodles cooked with the ancient big stove and making everyday soap from plants.
Tel: +886-89-862997
Address: No. 24, Longzaiwei, Chishang Township, Taitung County
Jingyuan Farmland Club/ Laundry Booth
In a traditional rural village, women always did laundry in the ditch while chatting together. It was a social place in the past. Today, people in Chishang still retain this habit. On the path along the farmland, you may encounter a public laundry booth. It is funny but functional!
Address: Near No.335, Zhongxiao Rd., Chishang Township, Taitung County
Chishang Barn Art Museum
Chishang Barn Art Museum is the first art museum remodeled from a barn in Taiwan. Through activities and interviews, this art museum has collected Chishang's spirits and shared memories. As for its architecture, modern aesthetics is combined while the simplicity of the barn remains. The place has become the platform for artists to exchange ideas and exhibit creative works.
Tel: +886-89-862089 Address: No. 6, Zhongxi 3rd Rd., Chishang Township, Taitung County
Eat in Chishang
Chuang Mei Hang Bento Restaurant
Tel: +886-89-862270
Address: No. 1, Zhongzheng Rd., Chishang Township, Taitung CountyChishang No.9 Coffee Shop
Tel: +886-89-862035
No. 56, Qingfeng Vil., Chishang Township, Taitung CountyBuda Banai Coffee Shop
Tel: +886-988358005
Address: No. 316-1, Zhongshan Rd., Chishang Township, Taitung CountyWu Tao Chishang Lunch Box Cultural History Museum
Tel: +886-89-862326
Address: No. 259, Zhongxiao Rd., Chishang Township, Taitung CountyTienwei House
Tel: +886-89-865566
Address: No. 242, Zhongshan Rd., Chishang Township, Taitung CountyAt First Rice Bowl
Tel: +886-909588511
Address: No. 55, Zhonghua Rd., Chishang Township, Taitung CountyFuyuan Tofu Shop
Tel: +886-89-862413
Address: No. 70, Zhongxi 3rd Rd., Chishang Township, Taitung CountyDachi Bean buns, bean curd sheets and soy milk shop
Tel: +886-89-862392
Address: No. 39-2, Dapu Rd., Dapu Vil., Chishang Township, Taitung CountyWang Qunxiang Family Feast
Tel: +886-935284305
Address: No. 1-9, Wan'an, Chishang Township, Taitung County4.5 K.M. Coffee
Tel: +886-980634469
Address: No. 33, Shuizhui, Chishang Township, Taitung CountyGanweitang
Tel: +886-89-865855
Address: No. 290, Zhongshan Rd., Chishang Township, Taitung CountyVeggie Boy No.2
Tel: +886-928704076
Address: No. 59, Zhonghua Rd., Chishang Township, Taitung County