Shibi Recreational Agricultural Area established to highlight Yunlin’s slow tourism
(中央社訊息服務20251014 18:28:34)After years of effort, the Yunlin County Government held a ceremony to unveil the "Shibi Recreational Agricultural Area" at the Beitian Temple in Shibi on Sept. 26, announcing the official establishment of the county's third recreational agricultural area. This marks the latest addition in 19 years after the Jinhu and Huashan recreational agricultural areas. With "Zen and healthy life in the forests" as its core theme, the area combines forest ecology, village culture and local agricultural products to launch themed tours in accordance with the four seasons, aiming to drive Gukeng township’s regeneration, industrial transformation, and tourism development to become a new highlight of the county.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Magistrate Hsieh Shu-ya, Secretary Wang Sheng-ming of the Alishan National Scenic Area Headquarters of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Director Wei Sheng-de of Agriculture Department, Director Chen Bi-chun of Culture and Tourism Department, Director Tseng Chun-mei of the Public Health Bureau, Director Chen Chi-yu of the News & Public Relations Department, County Councilor Chang Ting-chi, Gukeng Township Mayor Lin Hui-ju, Chairman Lai Yu-hsien of the Shibi Recreation and Agricultural Area Development Association, and Caoling Village Chief Chen Ping-tung.
Deputy Magistrate Hsieh Shu-ya stated that after nearly 20 years of hard work, the Shibi Recreational Agricultural Area was finally established. As the 921 Earthquake disrupted the development of Caoling, Magistrate Chang immediately visited the villages upon assuming office in February 2019 to listen to the concerns of the villagers and devised a three-phase program to restore the township. Infrastructure such as transportation networks, parking lots, communications, medical care, and fire protection were gradually implemented. Combined with the establishment of the Shibi Bamboo Recreational Forest Park and the growth of related industries, the Shibi Recreational Agricultural Area was successfully launched simultaneously. She stressed that continued efforts and public-private partnerships are needed to create sustainable development in the region.
Director Wei Sheng-de said that Yunlin County is very pleased to open the Shibi Recreational Agricultural Area, nearly 20 years after the Huashan Recreational Agricultural Area and the Jinhu Recreational Agricultural Area were established in 2006. The Shibi Recreational Agricultural Area is located in the Shibi area of Caoling Village, Gukeng Township, at an altitude of about 1,000 meters, offering magnificent seas of clouds, bamboo forests, waterfalls, and primeval forests. It serves as an important agricultural area for crops such as tea, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and coffee, while also playing a major role in agricultural processing and tourism. He said that the county government has allocated funds since 2020 to kickstart the project, but met challenges such as the pandemic and adjustments to central government systems. However, through joint efforts of local communities, industry partners, and teams from various levels of government, the area was finally completed.
Director Wei added that the establishment of the Shibi Recreational Agriculture Area marks a significant milestone. Operated by the Shibi Leisure Agriculture Development Association, the area combines resources from the community and the county government across departments to actively promote sustainability through agricultural transformation and tourism-oriented activities. The association also collaborates with travel agencies to design package tours and vouchers, creating a financial feedback mechanism and a community sharing model to showcase the potential for independent development of the villages. He noted that they not only encourage young people to return to their hometown but also welcome visitors from all over Taiwan to visit the Shibi Recreational Agricultural Area to experience local agricultural products and leisure activities.
Director Chen Bi-chun stated that Caoling was once one of Taiwan's top 12 tourist attractions, but was forgotten after the 921 Earthquake. In recent years, through the joint efforts of the county government, the township offices, and the community, it has undergone a continuous transformation. It now boasts not only a 516-hectare forest healing base but also Taiwan's only World Bamboo Landmark. As the Shibi Recreation Agricultural Area received recognition from the central government, she noted that the unveiling is more than just a formal ceremony — it represents the transformation of an industry. She emphasized that the county government will continue to collaborate with the local communities to incorporate a diversified strategy fusing culture, ecology, and everyday life. She extended her invitation to the public to attend the Forest Healing Season, which will take place on Oct. 4 and 5.
Mayor Lin Hui-ju highlighted that Gukeng Township now offers two recreational agricultural areas with distinct features. The Huashan Recreational Agricultural Area showcases the landscape of shallow mountains, while the Shibi Recreational Agricultural Area boasts the beauty of deep mountains.
Chairman Lai Yu-hsien said that the Shibi Recreational Agriculture Area covers an area of 393 hectares, covering famous attractions such as Yunling Hill, Beauty Valley, Jiuqiong Sacred Tree, and Shibi Bamboo Recreational Forest Park, which are set to become new highlights of Yunlin attractions. He extended his aspiration that through the establishment of the Shibi Recreational Agriculture Area, local communities can work with the government to launch seasonal activities year-round, such as the Bamboo Shoot Festival in January, the Cherry Blossom Season from February to March, the Firefly Season from April to June, the summer vacation from July to August, the Forest Healing Season from September to October, and the Sea of Clouds Season from November to December. At the same time, the government will host a variety of activities to connect local industries and organize related tours, including coffee roasting workshops, aiyu DIY experiences, stir-fried chicken with camellia oil tasting events, and tea cake making activities. Additionally, local specialty products will be redesigned and upgraded to promote the brand of Shibi Leisure Agricultural Area and local economic development.
