Chuanming Ecological Education Sericulture Farm Introduction
In Miaoli, in a tranquil corner of the Shitan Valley, there used to be terraced rice fields. In the late 1970s, with government promotion, mulberry trees began to be planted, nurturing plump silkworms and starting a professional sericulture life. Initially focused on round cocoon production, it later shifted to flat cocoon production. However, by the 1990s, due to changes in government agricultural policy, the sericulture industry was abolished, and no one was purchasing silk anymore. Looking at the vast green mulberry fields and uncertain future, the farm owner insisted on preserving this precious historical industry in Taiwan, allowing local children to see the cute silkworms, and thus the "Chuanming Ecological Education Sericulture Farm" was established. In this pesticide-free ecological mulberry garden, thousands of silkworms are nurtured. Visitors can observe the silkworms eating mulberry leaves, growing up, spinning silk, pupating, and finally morphing into moths. In the courtyard, one can see lovely insects and small animals fluttering and running around, and at night, fireflies accompany us; with a bit of luck, we may even see the large silk moths! With over 20 years of experience in silkworm rearing, Chuanming is currently the only professional sericulture farm in Taiwan and is designated as a demonstration teaching site by the Miaoli County Government. From the basic planting of mulberry leaves and raising of silkworms to allowing visitors to participate in the process of making flat handmade silk comforters, the farm provides professional, lively, and easy-to-understand guided tours, offering the public an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the silkworm ecosystem and leading them to experience the wonderful world of silkworms.
