Taiwan is famous for its advanced technology, particularly in the semiconductor industry. However, the beauty of its nature is also astonishing. This summer, we had the opportunity to travel to Chishang (池上), renowned for its high-quality rice, breathtaking scenery, and relaxing lifestyle.
The first thing we notice in Chishang is the silence – not the absence of sound, but a gentler rhythm of life. As we pedaled along narrow lanes framed by endless rice fields, the breeze carried a soft rustle, like whispers rising from the golden stalks. The mountains stood watch in the distance, and the horizon seemed to stretch without hurry. In this corner of Taitung (台東), time doesn’t chase; it lingers, inviting us to slow down and savor each moment.
Cycling Through Living Landscapes
Riding a bike around the rice fields is one of the most famous activities in Chishang. Pedaling through Chishang feels less like a workout and more like a meditative experience. The roads are wide and open, lined with rice paddies that sway gently in the breeze. On Mr. Brown Avenue (伯朗大道), the most iconic stretch, there are no cars to rush us – only the quiet hum of bicycle wheels and the occasional laughter of fellow travelers. Each turn reveals a new perspective: emerald fields stretch endlessly, mountains rise in the distance, and the sky opens like a canvas above.
What makes cycling here so special is the pace—no need to hurry. We can stop whenever the scenery calls to us – to take a photo, to breathe deeply, or simply to listen to the whispers of the rice fields. The ride itself becomes a rhythm of slowing down, of rediscovering how beautiful life can be when moving at its natural speed.
Rice Fields
The rice fields of Chishang are more than farmland – they are living art. In summer, the paddies shimmer in shades of emerald, stretching endlessly under the sun. By autumn, they transform into golden waves, rippling gently with the breeze. Riding them feels as though the land itself is breathing, whispering stories of patience and abundance.
Art of Surroundings
Beyond the rice fields, Chishang reveals another layer of beauty through its art and natural water features. Scattered among the paddies are installation artworks – playful sculptures, creative displays, and historical exhibits that transform the landscape into an open-air gallery. These pieces don’t overwhelm the scenery; instead, they harmonize with it, inviting us to pause, reflect, and see the fields from a new perspective.
Art of Picture Frame at the entrance of Mr. Brown Avenue.
A traditional waterwheel.
A place where people used to wash their clothes.
The famous Takeshi Kaneshiro Tree, named after the 2013 EVA Air commercial (I SEE YOU Change the way you see the world) featuring Takeshi Kaneshiro.
Dapo Pond
A short ride away lies Dapo Pond (大波池), a beautiful pond that mirrors the sky and mountains. Here, the reflections shift with the light: morning mist softens the horizon, while sunset paints the pond in hues of gold and crimson. The combination of art and nature makes this area feel like a living canvas – one where human creativity and natural beauty coexist.
Every pause during the ride becomes a moment of connection. Whether cycling past an art installation, resting by a pond, or sitting on a bench watching the fields sway, the rhythm of Chishang reflects the beauty of life here. It’s a reminder that this place is not just a destination, but an experience that invites us to slow down and appreciate our surroundings.
The Taste of Chishang
No journey through Chishang is complete without tasting its rice. Known across the island for its premium quality, Chishang rice is the pride of the region – fragrant, chewy, and full of character. The most iconic way to enjoy it is in the Chishang bento (池上便當), a simple yet satisfying meal that pairs local rice with seasonal vegetables, braised meats, and pickled sides. Most restaurants offer Chishang bento, and most, if not all, of them are delicious.
Beyond the bento, rice was also transformed into delicate porridge, crispy rice crackers, and even sweet rice-based desserts. Each form of rice products reflects the land’s abundance and the community’s care.
Where Time Ripens Gently
In Chishang, slowness is woven into both the landscapes and daily life. It’s a place where we can pause at art installations, linger by the pond, or simply listen to the fields. Here, time unfolds gently, and slowness invites a return to presence and beauty.
If you’re seeking stillness, let Chishang welcome you. Explore its roads, savor its dishes, and discover the art of living in harmony.
Travel Tips
Rice in this area is harvested twice a year.
- The first crop runs roughly from February to June.
- The second crop is from July to November.
- In December and January, the fields rest from rice cultivation, and farmers plant rapeseed flowers or radishes instead.
Therefore,
✏ If you want to see lush green fields, visit before the rice turns golden – in April, May, August, or September.
✏ If you want to see the golden sea of rice, come just before harvest – in late May to Early June, and again from mid-October to early December.
Travel Information
(The map was modified from the bike map indicated by the Chishang Township Office)
Official Websites (Traditional Chinese)