Tung tree blossoms flourish

In late spring Taiwan flourishes with Tung tree blossoms and events celebrating what was once a thriving cash crop for the Hakka community. The 2005 Tung Blossom Hakka Festival (客家桐花祭) runs until May 16, with events taking place in Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Miaoli, and Taichung counties.

During the Japanese occupation (1895 to 1945) the Hakka discovered manufacturing qualities in Tung trees that could be used to make toothpicks, matches and an oil-based waterproofing agent.

No longer harvested, the trees now serve as a tourist magnet attracting visitors from all over Taiwan. With the intention of promoting both tourism and Hakka culture appreciation, the Council for Hakka Affairs established the Tung festival four years ago.

Festival events organized by the council vary in each county. On a one-day tour to Hsinchu County it is easy to visit one or two Hakka townships while viewing the blossoming hillsides. Ermei (峨眉) offers hiking trails around the lake and Simaopu suspension bridge. There are also plenty of places to break for tea or locally produced coffee.

From there, Beipu (北埔) is a short 5km drive or bus ride away. What the township lacks in scenic landscape it makes up for it in architecture. A walk around the central area passes by several traditional homes and restored heritage sites. This is also a good place to sample Hakka cuisine or try leicha -- a hot beverage made from ground green tea, peanuts, and sesame seeds. It was quiet on a Wednesday afternoon, but the streets are filled on the weekends with tourists sampling local specialty snacks being sold by the many street vendors.

Tomorrow night a Tung flower and light ceremony will be held near Beipu at the Baoshan Reservoir (寶山水庫).

The public event is free and begins at 7pm. To get there from Taipei take the train to Hsinchu city, then a bus to Jhudong (竹東) and transfer to Ermei or Beipu (both are along Highway 3).

For information on what festival events are taking place in other counties contact the Council for Hakka Affairs at (2) 8789 4567 or check the website (Chinese only) at www.ettoday.com/events/2005flower/. A train time table and online ticket booking is available in Chinese and English at www.railway.gov.tw/.