Farms galore in Central Taiwan’s Changhua County

Sanchun Old Tree Recreational Farm (三春老樹休閒農園) falls into the latter category. Located in Huatan Rural Township (花壇鄉), in Central Taiwan’s Changhua County (彰化縣), the farm has been open to the public since 2000. It’s conveniently close to Changhua City, one of the most industrialized places in Taiwan, a fact which makes it all the more precious and enjoyable.

The farm itself is relatively modest in size; walking around and taking a good look at everything won’t take more than two or three hours. Admission is charged — NT$30 for adults, NT$20 for children. Very young kids get in for free.

The farm has a pleasing mix of animals, flowers, and exotic crops such as unusual pumpkins. My three-year-old son adored the rabbits and turkeys, but he seemed reluctant to feed the ostriches, which towered over him and were taller than almost all adult visitors.

Floriculture is an important part of Changhua County’s economy, so it’s no surprise that flowers are in abundance at Sanchun. And where there are flowers there are butterflies — lots of them. The farm’s owners also seem to be making an effort to encourage frogs. I heard the croaking of just a few amphibians, and saw none, but the hundreds of tadpoles in the pools suggest that very soon the place will be alive with aquatic creatures.

Visitors needn’t go hungry or leave empty-handed. There’s a restaurant on site, plus a store which sells local farm produce. And what about the old tree in the farm’s name? This landmark is not actually part of the farm, but is about 100 meters away. It leans, and while not especially tall, the trunk is impressively broad and aged.

Finding the farm is not difficult if you can read some Chinese. Drive southwards from Changhua City along Road 137, following the bilingual signs to Dacun (大村). About eight kilometers from downtown Changhua, you’ll make a right turn and be at the farm within minutes. There are plenty of parking spaces. If you wish to confirm opening times, call the farm at (04) 786-0779.

Sanchun is not the only tourist farm in Changhua County — a leaflet published by the Changhua County Leisure Farm Association lists 12 others.

While in the Huatan area, you might also want to take a look at Hushanyan (虎山巖), where there’s a temple with a very scenic setting and a long history. The shrine, dedicated to Guan Yin (觀音), the Buddhist goddess of mercy, dates back to 1747.

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