We traveled back south to meet my parents-in-law and sister-in-law for lunch. They found an Italian restaurant in Changhua. Actually, they had planned to go there a few weeks ago, but it was fully booked until today. The food was nice, with great pizza, gnocchi, and steaks.
Afterwards, we went around Tianwei Gardens. I had seen marjoram before but regretted not buying it at that time, so I was hoping to find it again.
Later on, my parents-in-law decided to stay longer in Changhua, so we went to the Rice Museum before heading back to their place. We didn't do anything special on this day and didn't watch fireworks either.
We also took a walk around Tianwei Highway Gardens.
Finally, we visited the Rice Museum. Lianmi Enterprise built the "Zhongxing Castle" in Pitou Township, the birthplace of Zhongxing rice, in order to create a rice-themed tourist destination. It is the only rice-themed tourist factory in Taiwan and the fifth museum in the world that introduces rice culture.
Rice is the most fundamental economic crop in Taiwan, which is based on agriculture. The rice produced in Taiwan is currently exported to Asian countries, the United Kingdom, and North America.
In the green Pitou Township, there stands the "Zhongxing Gubao" that resembles a European castle. The baroque architecture is adorned with exotic decorations, creating a contrast with the local rice culture. The first floor houses the lobby and merchandise store, where visitors can discover various exquisite and delicious rice products. The second floor is the tourist factory, divided into eight themed halls. Through the factory windows, you can witness the magnificent sight of 28 rice warehouses operating simultaneously. The museum showcases ancient rice-making utensils and "glutinous rice walls" built using traditional methods, recreating the atmosphere of a traditional family dining room from the 1960s. It evokes warm memories for the elderly and allows the younger generation to experience the life and culture of agricultural Taiwan.
The Zhongxing Gubao Rice Museum has established the "Daoxiang Academy" to host DIY experience activities and provide visitors with interactive experiences. There are various activities such as making homemade popcorn and handcrafted rice balls, allowing tourists to enjoy making delicious rice snacks. The museum also invites professional teachers to explain rice cake cooking techniques and share rice cooking knowledge with the visitors.
