One of the smaller townships in central Taiwan's Nant'ou County, Chushan (bamboo mountain) has the largest concentration of bamboo within the island province. Coupled with a flourishing bamboo manufacturing industry, over 70% of the area's population depends on this majestic plant for their livelihood.

Set amidst lush, bamboo-clad hills, the area's residents have come to incorporate bamboo into almost every aspect of their lives. Whether it be the broad-brimmed farmer's hat (touli), the sturdy baskets used for harvesting the fragrant tea leaves, or the delicate bamboo lattice fences in front of area residences, it is clearly evident that the appellation "bamboo mountain" is an apt one.

Long-time residents, having grown up in these surroundings are naturally adept at creating small treasures from the leaves and fine stalks of this plant. Look around any temple entrance or in front of any home and you can see elderly folk or young children using the bamboo to create small treasures like flutes or simple animal likenesses. But use of the versatile plant does not stop with these rural object d'art. The tender shoots of the young plant are a gastronomes delight and residents prepare a dried bamboo shoot that boasts a unique combination of flavors which they serve to visiting guests.

The bamboo plant holds a special place in the hearts of the Chinese. Growing tall and sturdy it represents strength and independence. A famous line from a poem states that a person cannot live a day without the presence of bamboo.

Located in the southern portion of Nant'ou County, Chushan is bordered on the east by Luku Township and to the south by Yunlin County's Kuk'eng. The natural topography of the area has helped to shape Chushan's unique character. The rugged, majestic peaks of the Central Mountain Range bisect the area and two sparkling rivers, the Ch'ing Shui Hsi and the Cho Shui Hsi meander through its borders. This combination of rivers and mountains lends a lovely rural ambience to the region.

Ch'en Cheng-chang, town magistrate points out that bamboo thrives in warm, humid areas and Chushan, with its average elevation of 1000 meters and its southwest exposure, which ensures ample yearly rainfall totals, is ideal for successful bamboo growth. Varying in elevation from low, rolling hills of 100 meters to rugged mountain slopes reaching 1800 meters, the entire area boasts well-drained, sandy soils that are also favorable for bamboo cultivation.

Chushan has enjoyed a long history of human settlement. During the last years of the Ming dynasty (1386-1644 A.D.) one of Cheng Ch'eng-kung's (Koxinga) generals, Lin Pa led a group of soldiers into the interior to open up the mountain lands. Following the mountain trails they chanced upon this area of rich, luxuriant forests. Succeeding waves of settlers from mainland China brought bamboo saplings with them, which of course flourished under the natural blessings of the area.

The favorable climate with its ample rain, coupled with the natural protection provided by the mountain range (which reduces the threat of typhoons), have given farmers an easier task than many other bamboo producing regions. Besides weeding and caring for the young shoots, they do not have to worry about irrigation or fertilization of the groves like many farmers on the Chianan Plain do.

Shoots are harvested three times during the course of a calendar year. During the first lunar month the "spring shoots" are produced. The third through fourth months is the period for the kuei chu shoots, while the fourth through eighth months marks the season for the ma chu and lu chu shoots. The ninth lunar month is the time that the meng tsung shoots push their way above the soil. They are also called "winter" shoots because they are produced during the winter (tung) season.

According to most people, the kuei, lu and tung (winter) bamboo shoots boast the most tender flavors. They are eaten fresh or cooked. The ma shoots, being coarser and more fibrous are pickled and used to make the popular dried shoots.

Bamboo has developed into the most important economic factor for area development. Most businesses have some connection with bamboo. Earliest businesses centered around the manufacture of small handicraft implements, especially those involving weaving, carving and lightweight furniture. Today Nant'ou's Chi Shan Road is crowded with shops featuring the handicraft treasures of skilled craftsmen. While there are several other areas that now boast thriving bamboo goods industries, like Tainan's Kuan Miao, Chiayi's Mei Shan and Taichung's Shih Kang, Chushan was the first area to produce bamboo products.

Today, over 70% of the bamboo products produced are sold abroad. Most of these goods are carved and include such pieces as light fixtures, platters and small statues. The bulk of export sales are to the United States, Japan and Canada.

Area residents, when speaking of their beloved township are full of pride and confidence. This natural feeling is born out of their respect for the natural bounty of the region. As anyone will point out, while bamboo is the most important product the area also boasts a host of other famous products. There is the Yen Cheng Li tea, the red sweet potato, the Fuchou bananas and the Shan Ch'ung sugar cane.

Some 300 hectares of land are given over to the cultivation of tea. Each year there is a competition to judge the best quality winter teas. Some 400 Yen Cheng Li tea growers participate, and during the last competition captured 35 prizes. Located near the "tea township" of Luku, Yen Cheng Li produces Tung Ting Oolong tea which is noted for its mild flavors.

Yen Cheng Li is also noted for its red sweet potato. Smaller in size than the standard sweet potato, this variety is boiled and served with sugar. Its sweet, delicate flavors are enjoyed by all. According to legend, the Ching dynasty emperor, Chia Ch'ing journeyed to Taiwan and while visiting the area sampled this unique tuber. Impressed that it tasted so good despite its small size, the sweet potato became known as the "emperor" sweet potato.

Chushan is also a veritable Garden of Eden in terms of fruit production. Its topographic setting, however, has produced some slightly different fruit flavors than the standard fruit crops of the low-lying plains region. A prime example is the Fuchou banana. Smaller and less sweet than normal bananas, it boasts a distinct flavor that has been attributed to the fresh mountain springs which water the banana plants. The Fuchou area has also been planted in tobacco and the popular beetle nut.

Sugar cane is another crop that has earned island-wide renown. Often compared to the famous cane produced in P'uli, the area's natural protection from typhoons produces tall, sturdy cane stalks. Among the other famous fruit crops grown on the fertile mountain slopes are mountain carambola (star fruit), guava and the shih ch'ieh.

Its natural mountain setting has also blessed the region with some stunning sightseeing vistas. The southeast area of Ta An Li, with its rugged mountain slopes and the deep running waters of the Liao Hsi River create a natural scenic region of unsurpassing beauty. The river course is marked by exquisite areas that have been developed into popular sight-seeing stops. There is the forest beauty of San Ling Hsi and the crystal cascading waters of the Juilung Waterfall.

The natural blessings of the region have also imbued area residents with a glow of health and contentment. Chushan's female residents are renowned throughout the island for their natural beauty. Large eyes, white teeth and the refreshing graces of rural living have made Chushan's maidens known to all.

In botany bamboo is listed as one of the fastest growing of plants as well as being one of its hardiest species. Chushan, like its namesake, shares similar characteristics. First to be developed among the 14 townships of Nant'ou County, it prospered quickly due to the blessings of soil and climate. Today its agricultural and manufacturing sectors show the same resilient strength as the hardy bamboo stalk. Blessed with this auspicious name, Chushan continues to flourish like the graceful groves of bamboo which grow proudly on its mountain slopes.

(Gerald Hatherly)

[Picture Caption]

Chushan features some spectacular mountain and forest vistas. The steep rock formations of T'ai Chi Canyon were recently opened to sightseers.

1. Bamboo cut into section pieces is set out to dry in the sun. These pieces will be used to produce bamboo swords. 2. After a long day of hard work, a woman laborer catches 40 winks on a stack of bamboo sections.

1. The sun sets behind a mountain reflecting the graceful stalks of bamboo against the peak--a scene reminiscent of a classic Chinese landscape painting. 2,3. Wu Sheng-tsung, one Chushan's most renowned artisans with a sample of his bamboo woven works. 4. Chushan's streets house many bamboo handicraft shops. Pictured is an assortment of one shop's goods. Included are a bed, light fixture and cupboard.

1,2. The fields of Sheliao Li produce an abundance of tobacco plants. Farms also contain sheds for drying and curing the harvested leaves. In front is a vast expansive field of the green tobacco plants. 3. Yeh Cheng Li's famous red sweet potato. According to legend the Ching dynasty emperor, Chia Ch'ing personally tasted the delicious tuber and it subsequently became known as the "emperor" sweet potato.

1. The neat, manicured appearance of this farm's living quarters at first glance seems quite similar to a school. 2. One of Chushan's renowned historic relics--the intricately carved window latticing of the Lin family Tun Pen T'ang. 3. Chushan High School's field hockey team is quite famous having previously won national team titles. Pictured are school team members on the practice field.

2. After a long day of hard work, a woman laborer catches 40 winks on a stack of bamboo sections.

1. The sun sets behind a mountain reflecting the graceful stalks of bamboo against the peak--a scene reminiscent of a classic Chinese landscape painting.

2,3. Wu Sheng-tsung, one Chushan's most renowned artisans with a sample of his bamboo woven works.

2,3. Wu Sheng-tsung, one Chushan's most renowned artisans with a sample of his bamboo woven works.

4. Chushan's streets house many bamboo handicraft shops. Pictured is an assortment of one shop's goods. Included are a bed, light fixture and cupboard.

1,2. The fields of Sheliao Li produce an abundance of tobacco plants. Farms also contain sheds for drying and curing the harvested leaves. In front is a vast expansive field of the green tobacco plants.

1,2. The fields of Sheliao Li produce an abundance of tobacco plants. Farms also contain sheds for drying and curing the harvested leaves. In front is a vast expansive field of the green tobacco plants.

3. Yeh Cheng Li's famous red sweet potato. According to legend the Ching dynasty emperor, Chia Ch'ing personally tasted the delicious tuber and it subsequently became known as the "emperor" sweet potato.

1. The neat, manicured appearance of this farm's living quarters at first glance seems quite similar to a school.

2. One of Chushan's renowned historic relics--the intricately carved window latticing of the Lin family Tun Pen T'ang.

3. Chushan High School's field hockey team is quite famous having previously won national team titles. Pictured are school team members on the practice field.