Zidong Community (Pingxi District Farmers' Association Dongshi Ecological Education Center) Introduction
Zi Dong Community is located in Dongshi Village, Pingxi District, and belongs to the tea plantation type of rural landscape in northern Taiwan. It is situated in a valley with limited farmland, but it is rich in forest resources and has abundant water sources, featuring diverse ecological resources. Additionally, the community's well-preserved traditional stone houses become important characteristic resources of the area. Significant cultural and historical sites in the community include the "Qianzhen Ancient Trail," the "Dongshi Ecological Education Center" which offers local cuisine and environmental education, as well as "Chen's Mountain Residence" and "Dengshan Rongzhuang" where visitors can engage in hands-on experiences with local agricultural products. Visitors can explore the ancient trails, visit farms, and connect with nature. The Dongshi Ecological Education Center, located near the Pingxi District Traditional Agricultural Area, is surrounded by mountains with lush greenery, providing an ecological resource-rich environment. The center offers venue services, local cuisine, agricultural experiences, and environmental education facilities. Chen's Mountain Residence is located in the Huoshaoliao settlement, which started coal mining during the Japanese occupation and ceased operations in the 60th year of the Republic of China. The site still retains three tunnels: Benxie, Fengkeng, and Xinkeng. The Shigu Well is a natural giant pot-hole shape formed by erosion from creek water. The owner, Sister Lan, embodies the traditional spirit of perseverance, maintaining the farmland on the mountain for years and is skilled in cooking, now being a culinary expert in the community. Visitors can experience picking fresh vegetables and making pumpkin cakes and rice dumplings. Dengshan Rongzhuang is located in the Fanzi Keng settlement, at the junction of Pingxi and Pinglin, offering a stunning view of the tea plantations. Mr. Gao Dengshan, the ancestor of the mountain, had his historical home refurbished by Mr. Gao Mingfu in the 85th year of the Republic of China. At the same time, Mr. Gao Mingfu became a grandfather, and to commemorate Gao Dengshan's legacy, it was named Dengshan Rongzhuang, allowing this story of filial piety to be passed down through generations. The turmeric and vegetables planted at Dengshan Rongzhuang are grown using natural farming methods, aiming to provide safe agricultural products to visitors. The Pingxi Farmers' Association provides firefly watching precautions: 1. Fireflies can be seen in various places in Pingxi District. Wear light and comfortable clothing in natural colors; long sleeves and long pants are recommended to avoid insect bites, and insect repellent is advisable for those afraid of mosquitoes. 2. Wear rain boots or cloth shoes; do not wear sandals or flip-flops to prevent snake bites. Avoid entering grasslands to prevent encounters with venomous snakes and be cautious of where you step to avoid frogs or snakes. 3. During firefly watching, remind yourself not to scare wildlife, and under no circumstances chase any wild animals, allowing them to forage and rest freely.
