Shimen Songshan Community Centenary Stone Terrace Introduction
Located near Jianshan Lake in Shimen District, New Taipei City, the Songshan Terraced Fields are the only century-old stone terraced fields in Taiwan built with volcanic rock from Yangmingshan. Over 300 years ago, early settlers constructed the sloped stone walls using a triangular arrangement, creating beautiful geometric patterns as stones interlock layer by layer. The nearby trails add to the aesthetic charm. The months of April and May are the season for iris flowers, while mid to late June sees the blooming of cosmos flowers. During these seasons, the sea of flowers and the terraced fields beautifully complement each other, creating a breathtaking view! With rural regeneration efforts, the Songshan community in Shimen is home to several terraced field landscapes and rich natural resources. However, due to the decline of agriculture, younger residents left the area. In 2014, the Songshan community successfully proposed a rural regeneration plan, becoming the seventh community in New Taipei City to complete such an initiative. The terraced fields were replanted with crops, introducing the Japanese Koshihikari rice variety, which is cultivated in the restored century-old stone terraced fields. Given that the twelve participating farmers collectively represent over a thousand years, it is also known as “Thousand-Year Rice.” With the most beautiful path in the Shimen Mountain area, the Songshan community combines environmental restoration with tourism and collaborates with businesses, groups, and schools to implement the restoration of the terraced field ridges and stone walls through work holidays. They also lead visiting groups in agricultural experiences such as seedling cultivation, transplanting, weeding, and harvesting. Through land restoration and traditional farming practices, the community advocates for educational and enjoyable experiences, promoting organic farming, industry guidance, and rural experiences, striving to reclaim the charm of rural life.
