Hualien’s Rice Straw Art Festival returns for Lunar New Year

花蓮的稻草藝術節於農曆新年回歸

Fuli Township will once again host festival focused on recycling straw waste


TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Hualien's Fuli Township will host the Rice Straw Art Festival for the second time after it was received well last year.

In addition to 20 rice straw installations, there will be a field of vibrant rapeseed flowers. The event will run from Feb. 2 to April 30.

Straw installations include hippos, cows, penguins, swans, and a 6-meter tall gorilla. Japanese anime character Totoro is also present as a giant straw sculpture for fans to take pictures with.

The Fuli Farmers' Association initiated the festival to encourage creative expression and, more importantly, to recycle straw waste after the seasonal rice harvest. Local community members worked for more than a month to collect the straw and weave the animal figures using rope, driftwood, and other natural materials.

Zhang Suhua, general director of the Fuli Farmers' Association, underlined the importance of environmentally friendly artworks. "Why are we displaying animal straw figures? The main reason is to promote a harmonious coexistence with nature."

Alongside a field of blossoming rapeseed flowers, locals and volunteers have created straw monkeys that hang off tree branches. The golden field and a backdrop of green mountains create a picturesque shot for visitors.

There is a cafe inside the Farmers' Association where visitors can enjoy the village landscape and fresh air. For more information about visiting the Rice Straw Art Festival, click here.

Time - 2/2~4/30

Location – No. 9, Donghu Lake, 9, Luoshan Village, Fuli Township, Hualien County