Shimen Songshan Community Century-old Stone Terraces Introduction
Located near Jianshan Lake in Shimen District, New Taipei City, the Songshan Terraces are the only century-old stone-built terraces in Taiwan constructed using volcanic rock from Yangmingshan. Over 300 years ago, early settlers used the triangular stacking method to build the stone walls along the edges of the terraces, creating beautiful geometric patterns with interlocking stones, complemented by the nearby rural paths. The best time to visit is during the Iris season in April and May, and in mid to late June when the cosmos flowers bloom. During this season, the sea of flowers and the terraced landscape create a breathtaking view! Rural revitalization and the cultivation of the "Thousand-Year Rice" have taken place in the Songshan community, which features multiple terraced landscapes and rich natural resources. However, it once faced agricultural decline, leading to an outflow of young people. In 2014, the Songshan community successfully implemented a rural revitalization plan, becoming the seventh community in New Taipei City to achieve this. The terraces were replanted with crops, introducing the Japanese Koshihikari rice variety, and the revitalized century-old stone terraces were used to grow it. The twelve participating farmers collectively have over a thousand years of agricultural experience, hence the name "Thousand-Year Rice." The most beautiful paths in the Shimen Mountain area, the Songshan community combines environmental restoration with tourism guidance. Collaborating with corporate groups and schools, they utilize work holidays to repair the terrace ridges and stone embankments, leading visitors in farming experiences such as seedling cultivation, rice planting, weeding, and harvesting. Through land restoration and the inheritance of farming practices, the community advocates for educational and enjoyable experiences while promoting non-toxic organic farming, industry guidance, and rural experiences, striving to revive the charm of past rural life.
