Chou-Teng Keng Leisure Agricultural Area Introduction
Chao Teng Keng Leisure Agriculture Area has won the Outstanding Award for Leisure Agriculture Areas in 2018 and 2021. Located amidst the mountains, this area is home to various insects typical of mountainous regions, with the most captivating being the fireflies. In recent years, there has been a strong push for firefly restoration, making it one of the region's most precious ecological resources. Due to the natural water sources from Chao Teng Keng and An Ying Keng Creeks, the area's original forest is well preserved, resulting in rich biodiversity. Every April marks the peak season for fireflies, creating a mesmerizing scene reminiscent of starlight, making it a highlight of eco-tourism in the area. Visitors can enjoy a water park for cooling off, observe fireflies at night, pick fresh fruits from orchards, shop for souvenirs at the farmers' market, and hike the An Ying Mountain Trail for panoramic views of the mountains. Hidden in the mountain paths, the area is adorned with natural scenery such as daylilies and fireflies in different seasons, resembling a dreamlike paradise. The Baileng Canal was constructed during the Japanese colonial period to supply irrigation water for sugarcane farming in the Xinshe Plateau. Its water diversion routes utilize the natural gradient of the terrain, showcasing the principles of natural engineering. This important facility embodies modern hydraulic engineering technology, the lifeblood of industrial economic development, and represents the emotional and aesthetic connection between people and rivers. It is closely related to the cultural history and natural ecology of the Xinshe area and emphasizes the human-nature interaction, which is a key aspect of cultural landscapes. Historical structures include the Baileng Canal's water inlet, the siphon pipe at Chao Teng Keng, and the cable-stayed bridge over the Aishan branch line. Themed activities include "Sweet Floral Fun," "Slow Living," leisurely trips around Xinshe, and DIY activities like herbal dyeing, ginger candy, and jam-making. The area produces crops such as white bitter melon, high-graft pears, citrus fruits, sweet persimmons, grapes, loquats, daylilies, plums, peaches, and shiitake mushrooms. Notable attractions include the Baileng Canal, Frog Habitat, Little Creek Ecological Park, and Chao Teng Keng Water Park. **Transportation Guide** **By Car:** From National Highway No. 1, connect to National Highway No. 4 towards Dongshi. After crossing the Dongshi Bridge on Provincial Highway No. 3, turn right onto Provincial Highway No. 8. At 10.5 km, turn right over the Long'an Bridge, head up the slope to the left, then make a sharp right turn after passing the Baileng Canal. At the junction ahead, keep left and continue straight before turning left. Continue for about 1 km to reach the leisure agriculture area.
