‘World Theme Travel – My first time in Taiwan!’ Part 4, ‘Pause for a moment and a healing rest area’, will be broadcast on EBS1 TV at 8:40 pm today (30th).
Taiwan, a small but deep island that towers over the Pacific Ocean and boasts huge mountain ranges and the mysteries of Mother Nature!
Wisan, the highest peak in Northeast Asia, 3952m above sea level
A creepy suspension bridge that blows away the midsummer heat
The bustling Keelung Jungwon Festival to celebrate ‘Ghost Month’
Beitou, Yangming Mountain, the source of hot springs with an active volcano
Hualien, where golden daylilies sway across the mountains
If you feel sad that the hot summer is gone, let’s go with cinematographer Kim Jeong-san into Taiwan’s unique charm that you can’t see anywhere else!
Eastern Taiwan facing the Pacific Ocean. The natural scenery is outstanding with the emerald sea and tall mountains. Among them, Hualien (花蓮), a representative resort for locals, is picturesque wherever you go.
Every summer, amazing scenery unfolds on Chike Mountain, 800 meters above sea level, at the top of Hualien’s coastal mountains. The daylily flower fields that fill Tsuke Mountain are shimmering in golden light. In Taiwan, farmers in the past cultivated daylilies because they are also used as cooking ingredients. Along with changes in food culture, agricultural land, which had gradually become less profitable, was transformed into an agricultural tourism site, becoming a tourist attraction that short-lives the lives of tourists. At a restaurant that showcases traditional food culture, you can taste food made with daylily and fill your mouth with the scent of the flower. At a nearby tea farm, you can experience picking tea leaves yourself. Enjoy a cup of deeply brewed tea while looking at the green tea fields.
The enchanting flower field scenery leads to the dense forest of Sheba National Park. Sheba National Park, which has 51 mountains over 3000m, includes Taiwan’s second highest mountain, the 3886m Sheba Mountain, and is famous for its snowy scenery in midwinter. Because it is bordered by mountain ranges, accessibility is low, so the natural environment is well preserved and it has the charm of allowing you to quietly feel Mother Nature. What was the scenery of the mountain range surrounded by a sea of clouds like as seen by the curator who climbed Mount Sheba on a two-day, one-night journey?
From Taichung, which has natural scenery and plenty of things to do, head to Gaomei Wetland, a delicious sunset restaurant. Wetlands formed through sedimentation are home to a variety of animals and plants. I capture the beauty of the sunset-colored wetland scenery on camera among people who have gathered just to watch the sunset.
The next day, head to the fairytale-like Rainbow Village. The narrow alleys are crowded with people taking pictures of the colorful paintings on the walls. A painting that village resident Hwang Yong-fu drew himself to preserve the village, which was in danger of demolition, became a hot topic on the Internet, and people gathered to bring life to the old village with colorful paintings. We capture the unfamiliar yet new journey of Taiwan in a village where another story is being created.
Economy Queen Reporter Park Yu-mi Photo provided by EBS World Theme Travel
.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Expert on Taiwan’s Cultural Tourism
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good evening, everyone! Today, we’re diving into the enchanting world of Taiwan, particularly its cultural tourism, which seems to be gaining a lot of attention. Joining us is Park Yu-mi, an expert in travel and cultural studies, who recently explored the unique charms of Taiwan. Welcome, Yu-mi!
Park Yu-mi (PY): Thank you! I’m excited to be here and talk about Taiwan’s incredible offerings.
TNE: Let’s start with the captivating natural landscapes of Taiwan. You recently visited Hualien—what makes this area stand out as a travel destination?
PY: Hualien is a true gem. It’s not just the stunning emerald sea and towering mountains; it’s the entire experience of nature intertwined with local culture. At Chike Mountain, for instance, the golden daylily fields during the summer bloom create a breathtaking landscape. What’s fascinating is how the locals have transformed their agricultural practices to support tourism while preserving their traditions.
TNE: That’s really intriguing. How has the agricultural shift impacted local cuisine and tourism?
PY: Great question! Farmers initially grew daylilies for cooking, but as food culture evolved and farming profitability decreased, these fields were converted into tourist attractions. It’s a brilliant example of sustainable tourism. Tourists can not only admire the flowers but also taste local dishes that feature daylilies, connecting them to the land and culture. This fusion enhances their understanding of Taiwanese heritage.
TNE: It sounds like a multi-sensory experience. Are there particular activities tourists can engage in beyond just sightseeing?
PY: Absolutely! For instance, visitors can participate in harvesting tea leaves at local tea farms, learning about the tea-making process. Afterwards, enjoying a cup of freshly brewed tea while overlooking lush tea fields truly encapsulates the Taiwanese way of life. These activities deepen the connection to the land and its traditions.
TNE: In your opinion, what role does cultural heritage play in Taiwan’s tourism strategy?
PY: Cultural heritage is essential. It’s what distinguishes Taiwan from other destinations. Festivals like the Keelung Jungwon Festival celebrate local customs and beliefs, offering tourists unique insights into Taiwanese spirituality and community. This blend of nature, culture, and involvement is critical for cultivating an enriching travel experience.
TNE: Lastly, as travel resumes globally, what advice would you give to travelers planning a trip to Taiwan?
PY: Embrace the local culture! Don’t just be a spectator—participate in local events, try traditional foods, and engage with the communities. This way, your trip to Taiwan will be about more than just sightseeing; it’ll be about connecting with its vibrant culture. Also, don’t forget to explore those untouched natural scenes—they’re worth every moment.
TNE: Thank you, Yu-mi! Your insights certainly make Taiwan sound like a must-visit destination with its rich culture and stunning scenery. We appreciate you sharing your expertise with us today.
PY: It was my pleasure! I hope more people are inspired to explore Taiwan’s beauty and culture.
TNE: And to our viewers, remember to tune in tonight at 8:40 pm for “World Theme Travel” on EBS1 TV, where you can see more of Taiwan’s extraordinary charm through the eyes of cinematographer Kim Jeong-san. Thank you for joining us!