At the press conference for the “2024 Taoyuan Lupinus Festival,” Taoyuan Deputy Mayor Su Jun-Pin stated that Longtan’s Da-Bei-Ken and San-Qia-Shui are Taiwan’s earliest and largest areas for planting Lupinus. They are listed as one of the three major flower seas for Lupinus, along with the Maokong Camphor Tree Trail in Taipei and the Ba-Jia Tea Area in Miaoli City. Visitors to Longtan can not only enjoy the flowers but also experience the local culture, such as viewing the Lantern Festival art installations and participating in cultural experiences like the Antique Welcoming and Wealth-Inviting activities, which are sure to be enriching experiences.
Deputy Mayor Su emphasized that tourism needs a cultural foundation, and Taoyuan has great potential for tourism. Not only are more and more rural youths returning home to work in agriculture, but this flower season also features many small trips that combine agriculture and literature. Last year, Taoyuan’s Lupinus planting area was about 8.45 hectares, with approximately 470,000 participants over the 10-day event. With 10 hectares of Lupinus planted in Da-Bei-Ken, San-Shui, and San-He communities this year, it is expected to attract even more visitors. Everyone is welcome to come and explore Longtan.
The 2024 Taoyuan Lupinus Festival will be held from Feb 24 to Mar 3. Lupinus, also known as the “Mother Flower of the Hakka,” is collaborating with three local communities for the first time this year, planning three Lupinus-themed small trips: Da-Bei-Ken community’s Lupinus hammer dyeing, roadside Lei Cha rice, and walking tour of the Bo Gung culture; San-He community’s Lupinus silk printing, Niu-Wen-Shui DIY, and mountain flower viewing; and San-Shui community’s riverside flower viewing, handmade flower cloth bags, and Hakka rice handicrafts. The event aims to promote local Hakka culture and agricultural specialties.