Chao Teng Keng Leisure Agricultural Area Introduction
The Chou-Teng-Keng Leisure Agricultural Area has won the Thriving Award in the Leisure Agricultural Area evaluation in 2018 and 2021. Located amidst mountains and forests, this area is not only home to common insects found in mountainous regions, but also features the most captivating insect star, the firefly. In recent years, efforts have been made to promote firefly restoration, making it the area's top ecological resource. Thanks to the water sources from Chou-Teng-Keng and An-Ying-Keng streams, the original forest remains well-preserved, contributing to a rich natural ecology. Every April is the peak season for fireflies, creating a breathtaking star-like effect, which is one of the highlights of ecological tourism in the area. Visitors can enjoy a water park to cool off, observe night-time fireflies, pick fresh fruits in orchards, shop for souvenirs at the farmer's market, and hike the An-Ying Mountain Trail for beautiful views of the forests. Hidden among the forest paths, the area showcases a range of natural ecologies in different seasons, including daylilies and fireflies, resembling a dreamlike paradise. The Baileng Canal was constructed during the Japanese colonial period to supply irrigation water for sugarcane cultivation on the Xinshe Plateau. The water diversion route utilizes the natural methods of topographical changes to create elevation differences along the mountain slope, representing a significant advancement in modern water conservancy engineering. It serves as a vital link to economic development, embodies the relationship between humans and rivers, and reflects aesthetic imagery. The canal is closely related to the cultural history and natural ecology of the Xinshe region, emphasizing the interaction between humans and nature. Historical structures include the Baileng Canal intake, Chou-Teng-Keng inverted siphon, and the bridge crossing the Aishan branch line. Thematic tours include Sweet Flower Fun, Slow Life - Leisurely Trips in Xinshe, and DIY workshops for vegetable dyeing, ginger candy, and jams. Crops produced include white bitter melon, high-graft pears, citrus fruits, sweet persimmons, grapes, loquats, daylilies, plums, sweet peaches, and mushrooms. Attractions in the leisure area include Baileng Canal, Frog Habitat, Tiao Stream Ecological Park, and Chou-Teng-Keng Water Park. 【Transportation Guide】【By Car】Take National Highway 1 to connect with National Highway 4 towards Dongshi. After crossing the Dongshi Bridge on Provincial Highway 3, turn right onto Provincial Highway 8 at Fengshi Road. After 10.5 km, turn right over the Long'an Bridge, then make a sharp right turn just before going uphill. After passing the Baileng Canal, follow the road for a short distance, keeping left, and drive straight for about 1 km to arrive at the leisure agricultural area.
