Readers’ Photos:

Rice-Field Floral Art for the Baishatun Mazu (Lin Yuting)

Miaoli’s Yuanli Township is famous for its expansive rice fields and is known as the “granary of Miaoli.” The local farmers’ association developed the skills to create floral art in the rice fields and invited the Mazu of Gongtian Temple at Baishatun in neighboring Tongxiao Township to come on her palanquin to attend the opening ceremony and take part in a traditional procession.

Rice Fields in Sanqi Village, Yilan (Luo Shuhui)

Rice is the main cash crop grown in Sanqi Village in Yilan’s Dongshan Township. The beautiful scene of ripening ears of grain is all the more charming when viewed through a sculpture of the outline of a rice grain installed on the embankment between two paddy fields.

The Fun of Hand-Reaping Rice (Chen Meiyan)

The recreational experience of reaping rice by hand offered at Wuyuan Temple in Changhua’s Xizhou Township attracts many participants, who pass a wonderful day amidst the sound of laughter while getting a first-hand feel for the hard labor demanded of farmers at harvest time.

Rice Fields in Chishang, Taitung County (Wang Liwen)

The country roads of Taitung’s Chishang Township meander their way through a vast expanse of lustrous green rice fields. When the continuous line of peaks in the distance is also brought into the frame, the result is a scene as beautiful as a picture postcard. Chishang is a rice-growing heartland that produces fragrant, tasty full-grained rice and is also a well-known scenic spot in the East Rift Valley.

Rice Field Scenery (Li Qingji)

Whenever harvest season comes around, you can see farmers at work in their fields, helping each other out. The traditional method of harvesting rice by hand involves a division of labor that includes everyone and trains farmers to master these precious skills.

Cycling amid Rice Fields in Chishang (Wang Yuling)

The golden ears of rice that appear in Taitung’s Chishang Township in autumn are visually stunning. Cruising though the fields by cycle around harvest time, one sees the rice plants form waves as they sway in the wind. One can lose oneself in the joy of such moments.

Paddy Field Reflection (Zhang Wenxiong)

Mt. Longzaitou, located in Changhua’s Ershui Township at the southernmost end of the Bagua Mountain Range, gets its name from its shape, which is reminiscent of a dragon’s head. The colorful train cars of the Jiji Line passing by the mountain are reflected in the wet paddy fields, making a pleasing image that delights travelers who come here.

Harvest Fun (Wu Peixuan)

In traditional Minnan villages, three-sided family compounds built of red brick and earthen walls offer a place where friends and family can gather to catch a cool breeze and socialize. This is where children play hopscotch, making beautiful collective memories. Moreover, at harvest time residents invite friends and family to join them in experiencing the hardship and joys of farming. Rice is not just a staple food, but an integral part of human history and culture.

Chiayi Turkey over Rice (Gao Yongchang)

Turkey over rice is one of the iconic dishes of Chiayi cuisine. Shreds of succulent turkey meat are placed on piping hot rice followed by a sprinkling of crispy scallions, and then turkey fat and sauces made to unique home recipes are drizzled on top. With every mouthful one can taste the fresh, sweet rice, and the authentic ingredients produce a rich flavor and complex texture.

The Lanyang Plain (Zhang Wenxiong)

Gazing out over the Lanyang Plain, one sees the winding Dongshan River cutting the plain in two. This plain is an alluvial fan built of sediment accumulated over countless ages. The carpet of ripening grain turning from green to gold, set off by little houses, makes for a scene as beautiful as a painting.