Starting from 1999, Ilan County has been promoting new green ideas in Taiwan through the popular Green Expo held each spring. As its Green Declaration states, the county is trying to create "a superb green life with a positive attitude" and aims to build "a beautiful garden town with steady confidence." Similar to Ilan's other hugely successful event, the International Children's Folklore & Folk-game Festival, held each summer, the Expo attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, with nearly half a million attending last year.
Combining eco-tourism, agro-tourism and green industry as its themes, the Expo this year is divided into seven theme halls. The Beetle Pavilion will be displaying more than one thousand species of beetles or bugs found in Taiwan. Emphasis is placed on introducing Taiwan's native species. One rare and possibly unique beetle will be on exhibition; its estimated worth is over NT$10 million.
The Spider Pavilion will feature the world's largest spider species and also a kind that can catch birds. In addition, Taiwan's most poisonous and smallest spiders will be on display. The Water Plant Pavilion will recreate an ecosystem of marsh land so that visitors can appreciate the small yet beautiful water plants growing in lakes, ponds, streams or even ditches.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ILAN GREEN EXPO ACTIVITY
The Technology Pavilion is a new theme hall which will apply the latest interactive technology through virtual reality games. The aim is to assist the public to become more aware of renewable energy sources such as wind, water, light and electromagnetism, by incorporating Taiwan's latest developments in utilizing these types of energy into interactive games.
The Brazil Pavilion will replace last year's Korea Pavilion. The hall will feature Brazilian food and there will be displays of samba dancing. A simulated Brazilian aboriginal straw hut has also been built to allow curious visitors to experience the ecology of a rain forest.
The Forest Theater will show amazingly 3D movies from 9am to 6pm daily. Three films are scheduled to have either their Taiwan or world premier during this event. Subjects range from forest adventure to ocean and human inner body explorations.
Performing at the event will be 13 local and nine international performance groups, including troupes from South Korea, Ireland, Russia, South Africa, Nigeria, Middle East and South Asia. Wulaokeng Scenic Area is noted for its magnificent natural scenery and ecological conservation. It is a great place for camping, hiking, fishing and river trekking.
Performance notes:
What: Ilan Green Expo
Where: Wulaokeng Scenic Area in Suao Township, Ilan County
When: Tomorrow until May 14
Admission: Holidays: NT$250 for adults and NT$200 for children; Non-holidays: NT$200 for adults and NT$150 for children.
Contact: For more information call (03)925-1602 or see igreen.e-land.gov.tw
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