Chuanming Eco-Education Sericulture Farm Introduction
In Miaoli, in a tranquil corner of the Shitan Valley, there used to be terraced rice paddies. In the late 1970s, due to government initiatives, mulberry trees were planted, giving rise to plump silkworms and beginning a life as professional silkworm farmers. Initially, they produced round cocoons and later transitioned to flat cocoons. However, by the 1990s, changes in government agricultural policies led to the abolishment of the sericulture industry, and no one was buying silk anymore. Facing a vast green mulberry garden and an uncertain future, the farm owner was determined to preserve this valuable historical industry in Taiwan so that children could see the adorable silkworms. Thus, the "Chuanming Ecological Education Silkworm Farm" was established. In this pesticide-free ecological mulberry garden, thousands of silkworms are nurtured. Visitors can observe the silkworms as they eat mulberry leaves, grow, spin silk, pupate, and emerge as moths. In the garden, one can see cute insects and small animals fluttering and running around, and at night, fireflies accompany us. With a bit of luck, one might even spot a large silkworm! With over 20 years of experience in silkworm farming, Chuanming is currently the only professional silkworm farm in Taiwan and is designated as a demonstration teaching site by the Miaoli County Government. From the basics of mulberry leaf planting and silkworm raising to allowing visitors to participate in the process of making flat handcrafted silk quilts, the farm provides professional, engaging, and easy-to-understand guided tours, giving the public an in-depth understanding of the silkworm ecosystem and leading them to experience the wonderful world of silkworms.
