For those who seek the unknown answers to the hidden future, Kuanhsi is the place to go. While there may well be those who can't tell you where Kuanhsi is located, they can certainly relate tales of the amazing accuracy of Kuanhsi's famed fortune tellers. Among the most renowned is Hsu Hsing-chieh.

Blind since his youth, Hsu was led into the world of fortune telling through the encouragement of a noted palmist. Recognizing Hsu's gift, the gentleman actively sought to have the boy pursue the art. His family balked at the idea of their son leading such a gypsylike existence. Hsu himself was not so keen at first, but the enthusiasm of the older gentleman pushed him to study in earnest.

His accuracy of prediction aside, Hsu feels he has an obligation to tell both the impending good and bad of a fortune. This way patrons can be prepared to meet the good, and work to avoid the bad. His uncanny abilities have won him a legion of admirers the world over.

Open since 1981, the Leofoo Village Safari Park has enjoyed immense popularity with enthusiastic visitors of all ages. The spacious, open areas are in stunning contrast to the barred cages of standard zoos. Covering 70 hectares of rolling land, the park is the inspiration of board director Chuang Fu. A visit to a similar site in Japan left a deep impression, and he says, "not only were you able to appreciate the natural beauty of the animals, but you could express your feelings for the love and protection of these creatures."

For those who do not have access to a car, the park offers tours on a rather novel bus. Painted with a camouflage coat of stripes, the bus rather resembles a large zebra. This natural coat of stripes succeeds in blending in with the surroundings, thus not alarming the foraging animals. The park route takes the visitor through three separate animal areas: the herbivore area (grass eating), the carnivora (meat eaters) area, and finally the more docile pet area. Park rules restrict visitors to their vehicles in the first two areas for their own safety, while they are free to wander in the pet area.

Among the many fascinating species found in the grass-eating animal areas are such representative types as the African elephant, American bison, zebras, deer, several species of antelope and the white rhinoceros. The sight of free-running antelope, or the lumbering white rhino, provide unforgettable moments for visiting children, as well as adults. Antelopes pressing their inquisitive faces up against a visiting car window leads one to speculate, just who is visiting who?

More precaution must be taken as the visitor enters the realm of the carnivoras. Magnificent lions, Bengal tigers, roving baboons, the majestic cheetah and the towering Alaskan brown bear are some of the species found in this section.

Whether grooming a mate, enjoying the afternoon sun, or performing daring acrobatics on the roof of a car, the baboons provide fun and enjoyment for all.

Among the numerous species of the pet area, the visitor can enjoy watching sheep, mountain goats, swans, llamas and kangaroos. The freedom to walk around and observe the animals is especially meaningful to the children, who get a chance to see first hand the animals so often seen in their text books.

Located in the Chin Shan Li region of Kuanhsi Township is the Chin Hai Tsu Lo Yuan, an amusement park development that centers most of its exhibits around waterrelated activities. One of the highlights is an act featuring a performing sea lion. Audiences enjoy the antics of the clever mammal as it dives, rides a bike, climbs stairs, sings and balances all manner of things on its nose.

In another area of the amusement garden is the lovely, scenic Chin Shan Forest Park. Just in the development stages, the park boasts some magnificent stands of primeval forest growth. Visitors can view the beautiful cloud formations, stunning sunrises or enjoy the mists which often bathe the mountain foliage.

Resembling a smaller version of Disneyland, T'ung Hua Shih Chieh is another of the outstanding scenic attractions in the Kuanhsi region. Colorful, romantic and not without a touch of magic, this wonderful amusement park features many thrilling rides and attractions. Visitors flock to see Pao Pao, a computerized robot bear that plays a host of musical instruments.

Kuanhsi, because of its stunning natural setting and magnificent scenery was originally called Mei Li Chuang by early settlers. It was officially named Kuanhsi Chen (township) on January 25, 1946. Kuanhsi is located in the northeastern sector of Hsinchu County, covering an approximate area of 125 square kilometers. The region occupies the greatest area of level plain in Hsinchu County. Of the total population of 36,000 people, roughly 90% of residents can trace their ancestry to Kwangtung province in southeast mainland China. They are of the Hakka group of Chinese, while the remaining 10% are made up of Chinese from Fukien province and the original aborigine groups.

While popular custom has dubbed this area, "Long Life Place" statistics have also proven there might be some truth to the belief. According to the latest census records there are about 500 people aged 80 to 89 years, 45 people aged 90 to 99 years and 3 people over the century mark. Cheng Sheng-hung from the township's public office attributes this successful longevity to mild winters, cool summers, clean air and a generally healthy environment.

The gods have also blessed the soil of Kuanhsi Township, for its fertile fields bring forth a cornucopia of produce each season. Rice, tea, vegetables, mushrooms, chestnuts, and luscious fruits such as plums and pears are all grown in abundance.

Originally black tea was grown in the area, but today the popular oolong and pao chung varieties are the chief blends produced. In fact, the total area under tea cultivation is the largest on Taiwan. The international market for black tea met with a number of related problems and Taiwan soon began producing less. The switch to oolong and pao chung met with some problems in Kuanhsi as farmers tended to be more conservative. The county government has put a great deal of time and effort into upgrading the quality and technique of tea production in the region.

The hardy chestnut tree, which produces its first crop after three years, is a boon to farmers as the ripe fruit falls off the tree thus reducing the manpower needed for harvesting. Brought back from Japan nine years ago, the chestnut has been successfully cultivated in the area. Today one hectare can produce 8,000 to 9,000 kilograms of the nut, bringing in an income of US$25,000. Popular served boiled, roasted, in soups or prepared with sugar (as commonly sold by street vendors), the chestnuts are usually bought by major hotels and restaurants. There is also a major market for the young chestnut saplings.

Besides the bountiful produce, Kuanhsi's soil is also rich in mineral products like limestone, quartz sand, and kaolin, the substance used in the production of the beautiful Chinese porcelains.

One of the more famous sites in the region is the Kuanhsi Agricultural School. Founded during the period of Japanese occupation, the school originally was designed to improve methods of tea cultivation. Since then, however, the school has expanded its curriculum and equipment, and today offers a wide range of courses including farm management, food related courses and livestock veterinary medicine. This year there is even a course in "home economics for the farm." There are those who have humorously dubbed it the course that trains farmers' wives.

As the sun sets on the lovely region of Kuanhsi, visitors are often reminded of some tranquil setting from a traditional painting. Bathed in the warm glow of sunlight and blest with the favors of nature, Kuanhsi represents the eternal beauty of this bountiful nation.

(Gerald Hatherly)

[Picture Caption]

1. A common sight in Kuanhsi Township: the expansive green fields sectioned off into traditional rice paddies. 2. A motorcycle shop's tool box that has been cleverly converted into a mail box has even aroused the curiosity of a butterfly.

The wild animals at the Leofoo Village Safari Park are usually very friendly. 1. The North American black bear strikes a friendly pose. 2. Cars travelling through the baboon area are play fully surrounded by the frolicing animals.

1. An aerial view of the T'ung Hua Shih Chieh Amusement Park's European Castle exudes a romantic aura. 2. The exciting "Cloud Bicycle" at the Chin Niao Hai Tsu Lo Yuan. 3. This is Laifu the dog's happy home. He was not in at the time. 4. Remarkable Mrs. Ch'iu, 104 years old, is pictured with her great grandchildren and great great-grandchildren. 5. One of the more popular pastimes among the elderly residents of Kuanhsi is playing the Huch'in (a traditional instrument) and singing folk songs.

1,2,4. Celebrated on the 15th day of the tenth lunar month, Hsia Yuan Chieh is quite popular locally. Alive with sound and color, people flock the streets browsing for books, playing games or enjoying their favorite foods. 3. Hsu Hsing-chieh is the renowned master of mokuhsiang, a fascinating form of fortune telling.

1. Students in the Kuanhsi Agricultural School's livestock class adjust a nose ring on a young calf. 2. Perched atop some poles, the broad-brimmed hats of the tea pickers lead one to wonder where the women have disappeared to. 3. The sun is out, time to go to the stream and wash clothes. 4. A market vendor hawks her tasty salted vegetables.

1. Women and children are the remaining inhabitants of the Fan family home which has enjoyed a long history. 2. Sitting admid the exhibition of the Huai Jung pottery Collection, assistant Ch'en Chen-fang "exhibits" himself. 3. As the sun slowly sets, a group of female students head home from school.

2. A motorcycle shop's tool box that has been cleverly converted into a mail box has even aroused the curiosity of a butterfly.

he wild animals at the Leofoo Village Safari Park are usually very friendly. 1. The North American black bear strikes a friendly pose.

2. Cars travelling through the baboon area are play fully surrounded by the frolicing animals.

1. An aerial view of the T'ung Hua Shih Chieh Amusement Park's European Castle exudes a romantic aura.

2. The exciting "Cloud Bicycle" at the Chin Niao Hai Tsu Lo Yuan.

3. This is Laifu the dog's happy home. He was not in at the time.

4. Remarkable Mrs. Ch'iu, 104 years old, is pictured with her great grandchildren and great great-grandchildren.

5. One of the more popular pastimes among the elderly residents of Kuanhsi is playing the Huch'in （a traditional instrument） and singing folk songs.

1,2,4. Celebrated on the 15th day of the tenth lunar month, Hsia Yuan Chieh is quite popular locally. Alive with sound and color, people flock the streets browsing for books, playing games or enjoying their favorite foods.

1,2,4. Celebrated on the 15th day of the tenth lunar month, Hsia Yuan Chieh is quite popular locally. Alive with sound and color, people flock the streets browsing for books, playing games or enjoying their favorite foods.

3. Hsu Hsing-chieh is the renowned master of mokuhsiang, a fascinating form of fortune telling.

1,2,4. Celebrated on the 15th day of the tenth lunar month, Hsia Yuan Chieh is quite popular locally. Alive with sound and color, people flock the streets browsing for books, playing games or enjoying their favorite foods.

1. Students in the Kuanhsi Agricultural School's livestock class adjust a nose ring on a young calf.

2. Perched atop some poles, the broad-brimmed hats of the tea pickers lead one to wonder where the women have disappeared to.

3. The sun is out, time to go to the stream and wash clothes.

4. A market vendor hawks her tasty salted vegetables.

1. Women and children are the remaining inhabitants of the Fan family home which has enjoyed a long history.

2. Sitting admid the exhibition of the Huai Jung pottery Collection, assistant Ch'en Chen-fang "exhibits" himself.

3. As the sun slowly sets, a group of female students head home from school.