Baimi Clog Village

I. Historical and Cultural Features 1. Baimi Clog Culture Baimi Community was once a major production hub for wooden clogs in Taiwan. In the past, the clog industry supported the local economy, with artisans using traditional craftsmanship to make clogs for the market. Although the clog industry declined due to industrialization, the community revitalized itself by establishing 'Baimi Clog Village,' combining clog making with DIY experiences to attract visitors to participate firsthand and learn the story of this traditional craft. 2. Suhua Ancient Trail and Historical Sites Baimi Community is located along the Suhua Ancient Trail, which was once a pioneering frontier between Han Chinese and indigenous peoples. During the Japanese colonial period, a 'Fanchan Exchange' (Indigenous Products Exchange) was established, serving as an early trading hub. It bears witness to the history of immigration and development and has become an important cultural guided tour destination today. 3. Hakka Migration Culture Baimi Community is home to various Hakka ethnic groups. These immigrants brought with them sacrificial cultures and dietary customs, such as eating 'cai tou mi' (radish porridge) and fried sweet rice cakes on 'Tian Chuan Day' (Sky Patching Day). The migration and struggle stories of families like the Yous and Wus embody the resilience and adaptability of the Hakka people. II. Nature and Ecological Culture 1. Houhoukeng Stream and Ecological Resources The Houhoukeng Stream boasts rich ecological resources, with continuous water flow year-round, nurturing diverse life forms. The area around the stream has been developed into a base for leisure agriculture and eco-tourism, where visitors can learn about the importance of stream and nature conservation through guided tours. 2. One-Acre Field Environmental Education Park After a 40-year hiatus from rice cultivation, Baimi Community recently resumed planting rice and re-established the 'One-Acre Field Environmental Education Park.' The park not only revives agricultural culture but also integrates rural farming and farm-to-table experiences, making it a multifunctional venue for education and tourism. III. Festival and Culinary Culture 1. Tian Chuan Day and Sacrificial Culture Every year on the 20th day of the first lunar month, the community holds Tian Chuan Day activities to commemorate the myth of Nuwa patching the sky. On this day, farming is suspended, and ancestors are worshipped, symbolizing respect for nature and land. Traditional offerings like 'cai tou mi' (radish porridge) and fried sweet rice cakes embody profound Hakka cultural significance. 2. Hakka Cuisine and Special Dishes Made from preserved long-year vegetables (mustard greens) and cabbage, it is an essential ingredient in residents' daily diet and for sacrificial offerings. 3. Hakka Stir-fry Combining local ingredients such as scallions, tofu, wood ear mushrooms, and pork, it showcases the distinctive characteristics of Hakka cuisine. IV. Community Regeneration Story 1. Revival of Clog Culture Due to the construction of the North-Link Line during the Ten Major Construction Projects, clog factories withdrew, and the clog industry in Baimi Community once disappeared. However, through the concerted efforts of local residents and the government, clog culture was revitalized, becoming a core cultural asset that combines craftsmanship, education, and tourism. 2. Rural Regeneration and Sustainable Development Since 2015 (ROC year 104), Baimi Community has completed multiple ecological experience spaces through the Rural Regeneration Program and received subsidies from the Ministry of the Interior's 'Township Heart Project' to gradually improve its infrastructure. Today, the community focuses on promoting agricultural education and cultural experiences, striving to build public consensus and move towards the goal of ecological sustainable development.