The Shanglin community
Dalin Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan: The Travel in Cittaslow Dalin
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
The Shanglin community, located in Dalin Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan, is dedicated to ecotourism. The Zhangixalus arvalis (farmland green treefrog), a species of tree frog, inhabits the bamboo farms here and is considered endangered. The bamboo farms are cultivated in an eco-friendly manner, balancing bamboo shoot production with ecological preservation. The unique night treefrog watching tour offered in this community takes visitors on a journey to explore the local ecology, listen to frog calls, and experience the enchantment of nature.
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THIS PLACE
Ecotourism is the primary focus of the Shanglin community. The Zhangixalus arvalis (farmland green treefrog), a unique species in Taiwan, is also endangered. To conserve the treefrog while balancing bamboo shoot production and livelihoods, the local community has transitioned from conventional farming methods to ecological farming. They hope that by not using pesticides, they can protect the animals and ensure the safety of bamboo shoot ingredients. Community residents are farmers during the day and ecotourism guides at night. After participating in community ecotourism, visitors can taste the bamboo shoot meals developed by the community, providing guests with a profound experience and promoting the local economy.
THIS PLACE IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE
I hope that more people get to know about this program because it embodies the potential for communities to harmoniously coexist with their natural environment. Through the frog-watching tour, visitors are not only spectators but also gain an understanding and respect for nature, as well as an awareness of the importance of conserving the ecological environment.
SPECIAL TIPS
This itinerary is closely related to the local food, "bamboo shoots," which symbolize the abundance of this land and the community's way of life. To preserve the optimal flavor of bamboo shoots, in addition to blanching them in water to make salads, they can also be shredded and stir-fried. Furthermore, the residents use a marinating method to turn the harvested bamboo shoots into jars of marinated bamboo shoots. This not only allows them to enjoy the crispness of bamboo shoots but also savor the rich marinated sauce flavor. Visitors can experience various ways of enjoying bamboo shoots.
If you are participating in the night frog-watching tour for the first time, we recommend wearing comfortable outdoor shoes and long-sleeved clothing and bringing mosquito repellent to enhance your comfort while experiencing this up-close encounter with nature. Additionally, in accordance with Taiwanese law, it is not allowed to touch or capture endangered animals such as the Zhangixalus arvalis (farmland green treefrog), so please refrain from touching or capturing them.
