Matsu Story Island Introduction
In Taichung's Tapie Mountain District, there lies a unique "island." This island is sculpted by the coincidental branching of the Toubian River, creating the only bullock's lake topography in Taiwan. Because of its resemblance to a stone mill, locals refer to it as "Mozaidun." Thanks to the conscious protection by its owners, the original landscape has been preserved. A few years ago, a man named "Mark" arrived on the island with lofty ideals to create a natural happy island. He rolled up his sleeves and gradually constructed his vision for the island with his own hands, making outdoor tables and chairs from driftwood, building pathways with stones from the riverbank, and crafting railings from discarded wood. He then laid down expansive green grass, making the area bright and open again by eliminating weeds. By preserving the original earthen houses and adding thoughtful design, he built a two-story restaurant out of mud. The area features many of Mark's creations for seating, providing a place for relaxation, and uniquely, he built a playground for children. He mentioned that while butterflies flutter and birds sing in the trees, there was still one important element missing—children's laughter. Thus, the wooden playground features slides, swings, balance beams, sandpits, rocking chairs, and more, ensuring that kids love this place and feel at home. Under Mark's dedicated efforts, "Mozaidun" has been revitalized into a vibrant and joyful island full of life and laughter. Mozaidun Story Island, covering over one hectare and perfect for group gatherings and family outdoor fun, showcases exceptional garden designs, riverside scenery, engaging activities, and a rich ecosystem. It offers steaming set meals, a relaxed atmosphere, and many attractions for children, such as a physical activity area, slides, swings, sandpits, rocking chairs, goats, and vast lawns. Adults can accompany younger children while enjoying rare leisure time to sip tea, chat, and appreciate the beauty of the island. The philosophy of Mozaidun focuses on "Nature, Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Education," which Mark personally designed and created. Every blade of grass and structure is aesthetically pleasing and harmoniously integrated into the natural environment, allowing visitors to relieve stress and feel a beautiful connection with nature. Mozaidun utilizes natural building methods to provide animals with the best natural habitats and refrains from pesticide spraying, maintaining a complete ecological chain and creating suitable habitats for flora and fauna. The island's construction utilizes local materials and repurposed waste; for example, fresh basil leaves from cinnamon trees can be picked or dried for tea, and during the longan harvest season, visitors can pick fresh longans to taste, with leftovers made into dried longan. Fallen branches serve as natural fuel for barbecues and earth ovens. This dedication upholds the principles of nature, ecology, and environmental protection, which has led to the establishment of the "Toubian River Nature Conservation Education Center" on Mozaidun Island. Activities on the island include traditional earth oven DIY, stone slab barbecuing, guided tours, ecological film viewing, plant and animal education, ecological environment tours, water play in the Toubian River, stories about the earthen houses, antlion tracking, group games on the vast lawn, physical challenges in the play area, feeding Taiwanese black goats, and painting with clay and stones, among others. ★ Groups of ten or more can reserve earth oven or stone slab barbecues. ◆ Mozaidun's unique self-made stone slab barbecue uses an earth oven below and stones on top, with branches as firewood. This method produces less ash, heats quickly, and prevents burning, allowing for delicious barbecued meat to be ready without much waiting. Visitors can enjoy tasting more than ten kinds of fresh, specially prepared barbecued meats and relish the joy of barbecuing with family. ◆ Experience the fun of making an earth oven together as a family, wrapping red eggs, roasting sweet potatoes, herbal whole chicken, and cinnamon pork knuckles. When the oven opens, you can savor fragrant earth oven chicken, hot sweet potatoes, and red earth eggs—a lively and enjoyable experience that is truly rare. ◆ Hands-on experience making oven-baked pizza. ◆ Spring is the season for lychee flowers, during which orchids that parasitize lychee trees bloom. ◆ From March to May, butterfly and moth larvae abound. ◆ From May to September, the Toubian River provides clear fun. ◆ In June and July, soldiers of rhinoceros beetles invade, and butterflies and dragonflies dance in the skies. ◆ When visiting in June and July, you can enjoy the sight of vibrant lychees. ◆ In August, organic longans can be freshly picked and tasted.
