Introduction
Shulin is known as the "land of red wine" since the first branded red wine in Taiwan was brewed by a local settler, Huang Chun-Qing,in Shulin in 1901. The crimson color with a purple hue actually changes to a golden hue after being stored for some time, and its rich fragrance makes it one of the most unique wine products in Taiwan. Shulin Winery has the best red rice yeast in the world as well as advanced hardware and technologies, thus its red wine enjoys international fame and popularity.
The theme of this year's "Red Rice Yeast Cultural Festival in Shulin" is "Love Shulin - the Homeland of Red Rice Yeast." Participants from schools, communities, groups, and home-economic class of the farmer's association will work together to promote red rice yeast recipes and Shulin's natural sceneries.
Content of Activities:
1.Seminar of Health Benefits of Red Rice Yeast
Nutritionists will teach the participants about the benefits of red rice yeast.
2.Competition of Innovative Red Rice Yeast Cold Drinks
A competition is held to encourage the public to come up with new recipes of cold drinks using red rice yeast.
3.Red Rice Yeast Recipes and DIY Lessons
Experts on red rice yeast are invited to demonstrate how red rice yeast can be used in daily cooking, and participants will receive material for DIY lessons.
4.Painting using Red Rice Yeast
A painting session makes use of red rice yeast and its related products.
5.History of Red Rice Yeast
Photos of the old Shulin Winery and the making of red rice yeast teaches the visitors about the history of Shulin's red rice yeast industry as well as modern red rice yeast products, the meaning of this industry to this town, and the product's health benefits.
6.Shulin Day Tour
Tour guides will be available to describe Shulin's features (historical sites and delicacies) and the DIY activities in the Cultural
Festival, helping our guests fully enjoy the local sceneries and culture.
7.Rediscovering Shulin and Red Rice Yeast
This fun and exciting festival has everything -- from culture and art to food and fun!
Purpose
Supported by local artists, the well-planned Shulin Red Rice Yeast Cultural Festival is completed with cultural and hands-on
activities for the purpose of promoting this industry, stimulating economic growth, and creating Shulin's unique tourism industry, and also known as the Shulin Red Rice Yeast Commercial Area.
Local Attractions
Shulin has Shanjia and Shulin Train Stations that are very close to the local attractions. Shanjia was founded hundreds of years ago which has historical sites, and other attractions are all within a 3-km range, that including ShuDe Temple, the world-class cold spring near the Temple, the old banyan tree in Shi-hui-keng, and the beautiful lotus pond in the Riverside Park. Moreover, Mt. Datong with the shape like a dragon is also a symbol of Shulin due to its geographical significance.
Ji-An Temple
Located on Bao-An St., Ji-An Temple (also known as Da-dao-gong Temple or Tan-Di Temple) is the religious center of Shulin and houses Baosheng Emperor -- the God of Medicine. March 15th (in Lunar Calendar) is this deity's birthday and a major event for the locals. The design, decorations, and engravings of this ancient temple are the work of Chen Ying-Bin, and on the day when Baosheng Emperor is carried around the town, thousands of followers crowd the street to participate in the event.
Dragon Summit
The end of Lane 45, Sec. 2 of Bao-An St. leads to the entrance to FuDe Temple and the Dragon Summit. The hiking trail has about 300 steps and takes about a 25 minutes walk. Located amongst beautiful hills, the 269m tall Dragon Summit is the northwest ridge of Mt. Datong and named so since its shape looks like a dragon. Today it is a popular park enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts.
