Chihshan Rice Bowl Cultural Story House Introduction
In the past, the train journey from Hualien to Taitung took 8 hours, which is why the earliest Chishang rice box was created for travelers to enjoy during the long trip. Originally, the rice box was wrapped in bamboo leaves, containing four triangular rice balls filled with pork jerky and sour plums. Over time, it evolved into a wooden box packaging, featuring rice made from Chishang rice paired with pork belly, roasted meat, pickled vegetables made using traditional methods, and shrimp caught from Dapo Pond, among other ingredients. With the changing times, Chishang rice boxes have adhered to strict sourcing of raw materials, creating a richer and more diverse menu, and have continued the legacy of this well-known brand through modern management. The Chishang Rice Box Cultural Story Museum is divided into multiple exhibition areas, including the "Historical and Cultural Area," "Farming Tools Area," "Rice Culture Area," "Chishang Rice Box Area," and "Traditional Rice Box Area." These areas introduce the development of Chishang rice boxes over the years through text and images, and also preserve traditional stoves and other tools used in the early days of rice box production. Therefore, the Chishang Rice Box Museum not only provides a place for the public to visit but also plays a role in cultural preservation and education. When visiting the Chishang Rice Box Cultural Story Museum, enjoying the rice boxes is a major highlight, but there are also many other diverse activities to see and do, making it a travel destination where one can spend some leisurely time. In addition to the generally spacious and comfortable dining area, visitors can also dine inside a retired train carriage from Taiwan Railways at the front door, fully experiencing the nostalgic atmosphere of eating on a train. This offers an even cozier travel vibe compared to eating Chishang rice boxes on a real train.
