Chih Shang Rice Package Cultural Story Museum Introduction
In the past, the train ride from Hualien to Taitung took 8 hours, and the earliest Chishang Bento was created for travelers to enjoy during this long journey. Initially, the bento was wrapped in bamboo leaves, containing four triangular rice balls filled with beef jerky and sour plums. Over time, it evolved into a wooden box packaging, featuring rice made from Chishang rice, paired with pork, roasted meat, pickled vegetables made using traditional methods, and shrimp caught from Dapo Pond. With the changing times, Chishang Bento has strictly controlled its raw materials, creating a richer and more diverse menu, while continuing the legacy of the old brand through modern management. The Chishang Bento Cultural Story Museum is divided into several exhibition areas, including “Historical and Cultural Area,” “Agricultural Tools Area,” “Rice Culture Area,” “Chishang Bento Area,” and “Traditional Bento Area,” introducing the development of Chishang Bento over the years through text and images. It also houses traditional stoves and other utensils used in the early making of bento. Therefore, the Chishang Bento Museum not only provides public visitation but also serves multiple functions including cultural preservation and education. When visiting the Chishang Bento Cultural Story Museum, enjoying the bento is a major highlight, but there are also many other diverse activities to engage in, making it a travel destination where one can spend a little time leisurely. Additionally, beyond the spacious and comfortable dining area, visitors can even dine inside a retired train carriage from the Taiwan Railways parked in front of the museum, fully experiencing the nostalgic charm of being on a train, which creates a more pleasant travel atmosphere compared to eating Chishang Bento on an actual train.
