“Learning collaboratively and sharing common interest, we are eager to open up the sustainable development of the green environment in Changhua.” Renowned as the “secret garden in the city”, Chenggong Barracks Green Environment Learning Campsite will become the “Green Environment Collaborative Learning Base” with the application and execution of the “2018 Ministry of Education University Social Responsibility” (USR) project. It also collaborates with Changhua County Government in this project. On the 22nd, they are going to hold the contract signing and opening ceremony. Deputy Magistrate Lin Ming-yu of Changhua County attended on behalf of Magistrate Wei Ming-ku and President Liang Cho-Chung of Dayeh University also attended. They and the honorable guests in the venue witnessed the future of “Chenggong Barracks Environmental Education Collaborative Learning Base” in the next two years. Magistrate Lin expressed that in the past Chenggong Barracks was used for National Defense purpose. After returning to the government and under its management, Changhua County Government gradually began to convert it into a learning campsite. In this occasion, it cooperates with Dayeh University hoping to convert the barracks into a green learning campsite, securing the national certification of environmental education. Changhua County government is endeavoring to promote green energy, hoping to transform Changhua into a major county of green energy culture. Environmental education is one of its main facets, including conservation works, contamination prevention, and more. It is hoped that with the thorough execution of the concept of environmental education, it is possible to promote county folks’ conscious of environmental protection to allow Changhua to develop sustainably. President Liang Cho-Chung of Dayeh University expressed that in the early stage Dayeh University planned with the principles of being “symbiotic with the natural environment.” In the campus, there many natural woods surrounding the campus. All the facilities in the university fuse into the natural environment of Baquashan and designed with the R&D capacity of the green technology and green aesthetics. In the past few years, it has regarded the vision of “sustainable and green university” for the development of the university. With the idea of feeding back the local region, with the support of MOE’s USR project, the university’s faculty lead the students to promote the innovative development of Chenggong Barracks with the interdepartmental and interdisciplinary capacity, collaboration with Changhua County Government, and the local ecology and cultural resources. Located at the foothill of Baquashan Scenic Area, Chenggong Barracks Green Environment Learning Campsite (formerly Chenggong Campsite) contains rich ecology, humanistic resources, historic and military relics. It is an ideal place of leisure and entertainment of Changhua folks. It is also the best place for schools and organizations to hold outdooring lessons. Originally, Chenggong Barracks was the barracks for the artillery and infantry. In 1993, after the army moved out, and the barracks was handed over to Changhua County Government. In 1995, it was transformed in to a holiday flower market. In 2002, Changhua County Government was successful in proposing the plan of transforming Chenggong Barracks into an environmental learning center. It secured the funds of the Construction and Planning Agency, Ministry of Interior with the “2003 Reformation of the Landscape – City and Township Landscapes Exemplar Competitive Subsidization Plan”. In 2004, it entrusted Changhua Elementary School (now it is Changhua Art Senior High School) to manage this place on behalf of the county government. Starting from this year (2018), Changhua County Government has planned to transform it into an important base for the promotion of environmental education. In the aspect of promoting environmental education, Changhua County Government pays close attention to the issue of sustainable development. Since the inauguration of Magistrate Wei Ming-ku, he has endeavored in promoting the green energy policy, constructing Changhua into a county with a magnificent landscape. Exploiting the advantage of ample sunlight and offshore wind site in Changhua County, he constructed the “green energy culture and intelligent Changhua,” transforming it into a LOHAS and livable city. In addition, in the evaluation of “Performance in Environmental Education” conducted by Environmental Protection Administration in 2017, Changhua scored full marks in it, winning the “Outstanding Award.” It also made set the record for winning the champion four times in a row. It accomplishments won it wide recognition. In Changhua County, environmental education starts from an early age so that every person treasures his or her emotional links with the land. Joining force with organizations, schools, enterprises, civilian groups, community environmental protection (education) volunteers, they endeavor to promote environmental education together. They also blend the local feature and environmental changes in to the activities and curriculum. Changhua County Government collaborates with Dayeh University to construct the Chenggong Barracks green environment learning campsite into a “Green Environmental Education Collaborative Learning Base” as preparation for the application for the certification of “environmental education facilities site.” Schoolteachers will bring their students and volunteers to conduct environment resources investigation, activity scheme planning, environmental education presentation, environmental information analysis, digital image record, and other works. With the aim of consolidating the social responsibility, they will enhance local links and cooperation of the development of towns and cities. Joining force with Dayeh University and local ecological environment, cultural resources, they work together to promote the innovative development of transforming Chenggong Barracks green environment learning campsite into a collaborative learning base. In addition to promoting the sustainable development of environmental education, we are eager to build Changhua into a LOHAS and livable city. Linking the emotion between people and the land, we are enthusiastic to promote Changhua local features. Executing this project and allowing students to participate in the workplace, they can learn to construct and develop the process and experience of this collaborative learning base. Helping the environmental education business to cultivate talents, we keep talents of Changhua’s environment education, we laid the foundation for a better and greener future. “Green energy culture and intelligent Changhua.” In this environmental education collaborative learning plan, other than enhance the importance of Changhua County Government and Dayeh University in the promotion of environmental education in central Taiwan, it also consolidates the environmental education action to promote county folks’ knowledge on environmental protection. Constructing a good and quality living environment, it highlights the goal of Changhua County to become a county with a sustainable, green culture. In the ceremony, many honorable guests attended, including Chair Chen Yi-ching of the Department of Environmental Engineering, Dayeh Univerity, Chair Li Ching-hui of the Bachelor Program for Communication Arts, Director-General Chiang Pei-ken, and staff and faculty form the university, and more. Source: Changhua County Government Official Websites Contact Person: Chief Shih, Department of Education, Changhua County Government (886-4-7112422 Ext. 202)

Cultivated by Dongluo River, the mother of Changhua, the silk cotton trees and bead trees growing at the banks of Dongluo River along Xihu, Pitou, and Beitou usually bloom from March to May. Dongluo River banks is the secret garden for flower watching. Wandering or cycling in the countryside and among the fields, you will hear Dongluo River murmuring, feeling the tranquility of nature. Each section of the path from Xihu to Pitou along Donghu River, there are different amazements and stunning flowers waiting for you. The trip will be filled with beauty and surprise. From Erxi Road in Xihu, just turn to Dongluo River after crossing Xihu Bridge, you will find silk-cotton trees are blooming wildly at the south of Daima Bridge. The tall trees and red flowers dye the sky red. Walking along the silk cotton path, you will merrily sing the song Silk Cotton Blossom or Country Road merrily without even knowing you’re singing it. You cannot help but immersing yourself into this poetic environment. Crossing Zhongxi Bridge and go to the south of Beidou along Dongluo River, romantic violet bead trees flowers are dancing to the wind. Bead tree looks very differently in different season. In spring, green sprouts grown, decorated with violet flowers. In summer, flowers wither and its leaves turn green. Fruits are hanging on branches. In autumn, when chill wind blows, its leaves turn yellow and fruits ripe. In the winter, golden-yellow leaves fall, and golden-yellow fruits are hanging on withered branches. In spring, flowers bloom along Dongluo River, with silk cotton blossom and bead tree blossom flourishing wildly. The natural landscapes along Dongluo River change in different seasons. The magnificent views of the shift of season always attract visitors, who are eager to visit Dongluo River after a certain period of time. They just want to immerse themselves in the natural and magnificent landscape by Dongluo River. In the beginning of the year, it is the start of flower watching in Dongluo River. The silk cotton blossom and bead tree blossom shield you from the sun the flowers and leaves. Changhua County Government would like to invite you to come and visit Dongluo River and enjoy yourselves in a beautiful and emotional tour. Traveling in nature and taking a walk in the pastoral landscapre, you will find the splendid landscapes quite relaxing. Tips: Don’t temporarily park your car on the road sides during you flower watching trip because it is located on major roads. As cars are driving at high speed, it will be very dangerous. When taking pictures, pay close attention to road traffic safety. Don’t disturb the traffic routes. Let’s maintain the high quality of the flower watching environment. Visitors with asthma or that are allergic to pollen, please don’t watch flowers at a close distance. Babies and young children are suggested to wear surgical masks. ●Silk cotton As Taiwan is located at the subtropical region, silk tree has become a kind of deciduous tree. In winter, all the leaves fall, and all the branches become bare. In spring, in April, its flower buds grow rapidly. Suddenly flowers bloom, colorful and beautiful. When flowers wither, green buds sprout. In a short time, green leaves grow, and breeze come. The leaves and their shades bring us another kind of beauty. Flower watching tips: Dongluo River banks in Pitou Township ●Bead tree Small violet flowers bloom on bead trees in March and April every year. From September to December, yellowish-brown fruits sprout. After the blooming of flowers, the blossom will last for about 10 days. It is the best time of flower watching. Belong to the species of meliaceae and Melia L., it is a kind of deciduous tree. It is windbreaking and drought resistant, mostly grown as street trees. Flower watching tips: Dongluo River banks in Pitou Township

The “Dragon King Ritual” is a prelude to celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival. This year, the Changhua County Government and Dragon Boat Committee are going to sponsor the “2018 Lukang Dragon Boat Festival Activities series – Dragon King Ritual Dragon Head’s Lift – Good Fortune Comes” and going to conduct the poe divination ceremony. As the old saying goes, “when the dragon’s head lifts, good harvest comes.” Therefore, in the morning on the 18th – “the 2nd day in the 2nd month of the lunar calendar”, a day of good fortune, they will pray to Guanyin Bodhisattva and the Dragon King deity to choose the luckiest day for the activity by throwing divinity blocks. Wei Ming-ku, the Magistrate of Changhua County and Tu Shu-mei, the new chairperson of the Dragon Boat Committee prayed for good weather, plenty of rainfall in the season, and perfect progression of the dragon boat contest by chanting the phrase “when the dragon’s head lifts, good fortune comes.” The chosen day for dragon boat launching ceremony for the 2018 Lukang Dragon Boat Festival Activities series – Dragon King Ritual will be on May 26 (Saturday) (the 12th day in the 4th lunar month). Magistrate Wei Ming-ku of Changhua County expressed that Lukang was originally called Luzaigang. It flourished during the regimes of Emperor Qianlong and Emperor Daoguang of Qing Dynasty from 1785 to the 1850s. At that time, the most popular scenic spot was “Lukang Feifan.” Now, the central government and the local government are going to collaborate in promoting the “Lukang National Historic Scenic Area Project” to integrate the tacit cultural assets in the surrounding areas with Lukang as its core. Planning to re-create the prosperity of having a thousand sails enter the harbor, they are going to construct Lukang as an international sightseeing town. The “Dragon King Ritual” is an important folk event in Lukang. The management committee of Lungshan Temple, Lukang is appointed as the group to conserve the tacit assets this year, responsible for the continuation of ancestors’ memories. By the way, this year is the year of the dog, the “Dragon King Ritual” will be held with the theme of the Year of Dog and the “Lukang National Historic Scenic Area Project.” A series of activities will be held, including “Projection Mapping Theater at Lukang City Hall,” “Grassland Concert,” “Luban Banquet,” “International Dragon Boat Contest,” and more. It is believed that “when the Dragon King takes action, Changhua will be prosperous. National history – charming Lukang.” Magistrate Wei would like to invite visitors from different parts of Taiwan to visit Changhua and “watch the dragon boat race, taste good food, visit historic monuments, and have fun with folklore.” The guests attending the ceremony included Tu Shu-mei, county councilor and the chair of the Dragon Boat Committee; Secretary Huang Hsin-tung of Lukang Town Office; Mayor Nien Li-sung of Fuxing Township; Chairperson Hsu Chih-hung of Luguang Town Representative Council; Director Chen Wen-pin of Changhua County Cultural Affairs Bureau, Director Teng Chin-chuan of the Department of Education, Chair Shih Hui-hsiung of Longshan Temple Management Committee; President Wang Kang-shou of Lukang Cultural Foundation; Director Chen Yu-chung of Lukang Chicheng Charity Association; councilors and legislators at various levels; local figures, and more. Source: Changhua County Government’s website Contact: Ms. Chen, Changhua County Cultural Affairs Bureau (04-7250057 Ext. 1854)

If you’ve missed the stunning cherry blossoms in early spring, you should not miss the magnificence views of the golden trumpet tree blossom bloom in Changhua. The golden yellow salutes you on both sides of the road with awesome views. On the azure sky, the golden yellow trumpet blossoms dance to the wind, falling golden yellow rain. It is perfectly happy. The splendid yellow flowers last for about 10 days. Don’t miss this golden period of flower watching! Recommended routes for the flower watching trip: ⭕Xizhou Tai Route -1 (south of National Highway 1): Xicuo Park, Xizhou Park, and Mainlander Noodles ⭕Ershui Kengnei Trail: Erbashui Water Park, Fengbo Trail, Babao Canal, Wuer House, Fried Noodles ⭕Fengyuan Changnan Road (Tai Route – 14D): Baozang Temple, Alice Garden <>

The first 228 and Human Rights Memorial Hall will be opened in Beidou, Changhua. Wei Ming-ku, the Magistrate of Changhua, first announced the news that the county will be establishing the first 228 Memorial Hall in Beidou Provincial Chief’s Residence when participating the 228 Memorial Day activities in 2017. Now, in the eve of 228 (February 28), his promise has comes true. On the morning on the 27th, the opening ceremony was held at the Beidou Provincial Chief’s Residence. Acting on behalf of Magistrate Wei Ming-ku, Chen Wen-pin, the Director of Changhua County Cultural Affairs Bureau participated in and hosted the opening ceremony. The opening ceremony and the first exhibition is themed “1947: Nostalgia and Innovation” – a new generation art exhibition in memory of 228. It opens from 9:00am-4:00pm, Wednesday to Sunday. It closes on Monday and Tuesday. For appointment to visit please call 0912-771609. Visitors taking public transportation can take bus routes 6881 or 6882 operated by iBus or Yunlin Bus and get off at Beidou Police Station. The address of the memorial hall: No. 18, Dizheng 2nd Lane, Beidou Township. Welcome all visitors. Director Chen expressed that the first 228 and Human Rights Memorial Hall was officially opened on February 27, 2018, actualizing Magistrate Wei’s policy. In the past, there was no memorial hall or monument regarding 228 Incident. Therefore, Magistrate Wei suggested transforming the historic building in Changhua “Beidou Provincial Chief’s Residence” into the 228 Memorial Hall. In the opening ceremony, young installation artists were invited to create their artwork. In the memorial hall, the historical documents, especially those in Beidou area and the history of Changhua, about the 228 Incident happened in Changhua are exhibited. More importantly, the photos of the movements on the rehabilitation of the 228 Incident in Changhua in the 1980s are displayed. Director Chen pointed out that after the grand opening, he will invite a professional team to work in the museum. At the same time, it will collaborate with the high school and elementary principals around Beidou actively to allow Beidou Provincial Chief’s Residence become the classroom of local folklores by opening it to the public. At the same time, he expects young people to learn more about the events that happened in Changhua during the 228 Incident and the promotion and protection of human rights in the county from the exhibitions in 228 Memorial Hall. Hopefully, they can better understand the local history of Changhua. “Beidou Provincial Chief’s Residence” is an important piece of historic architecture, occupying the area of 185 ping of land. The floor area of the main building is about 61 ping. In the past, it was the residence of Beidou Provincial Chief during the Japanese Occupation era. After control of Taiwan was given to the R.O.C., it had been inhabited by different officials and administrative in different periods. Maintained in good condition, it still retains its former Japanese style. It was completed refurbishment in August 2016. In the future, it is expected to become a base for the education of human rights and the collection of historical materials about the 228 Incident. In addition to making history complete, it allows our descendants to understand the history of the 228 Incident and treasure the peace and democracy we worked hard to achieve. Promoting racial integration, we work towards the goal of establishing the concept of human rights. As a local institution in Changhua County, the 228 and Human Rights Memorial Hall recalls the common value of “transitional justice”. At the same time, it works with the change of time, the shift of generation, and the social environment. Matching with the ways works are exhibited in the hall, the first exhibition is themed “1947: Nostalgy and Innovation” – an art exhibition of a new generation of art in memory of 228 will combine the memories of the past generation with the perspectives of the younger generation. Likewise, visitors can re-consider the meanings and values of human rights and peace. In addition, props used in human rights movements in Taiwan over past years are displayed in the exhibition space; for example, action play props, cosplay props, decorations, posters of activities, propaganda, banners and more to present the diversity, liberty, fullness, and creativeness of the human rights and social movements. At the same time, in July and August, it is scheduled to exhibit images on 80’s Taiwan social movements in; in September and October, photo exhibition and seminars on human rights in Changhua. Presenting diverse activities, welcome people to visit us. The guests participated in the ceremony included Councilor Hsiung Yi-feng, Principal Li Pi-yao of Beidou Junior High School, Principal Lin Min-tzu of Beidou Elementary School, Principal Hsu Mu-tsun of Luo Ching Elementary School, Commander Yeh Ching-tien of the Fourth Fire Brigade of Changhua Fire Department, legislators and councilors, representatives from schools of different levels, and local esquires. Source: Changhua County Government’s website Contact: Division Chief Lin, Changhua County Government Cultural Affairs Bureau (04-7250057 Ext. 185)

　　Changhua County celebrated the New Year of 2018 and held the activity of “Happy Communities Come Together” grandly at 7:30am on January 1 (Monday) at the Changhua County Government square. Hosted by Mayor Wei Mingku of Changhua County, people attended the event celebrated the coming of the New Year of 2018, R.O.C. with the Mayor. They welcomed the coming of the New Year with the flag hosting ceremony and talent show and business show presented by the communities to celebrate the New Year and welcome the new year with joy. Mayor Wei wished prosperity for the country, peace and harmony for the society, and affluence for the economy. He also expects the more progresses to be made in county affairs.

　　2017 Changhua Charity Year-end Party was held on Xiuan Road, Xiushui Township, Changhua Township. Mayor Wei Mingku of Changhua was invited to honor 29 individuals, businesses, and groups in the party, to express his gratitude to their contributions to their enthusiastic services and dedication to the county. In addition, around the venue, there were stalls exhibiting special products and gourmet food at charity purposes. When people attended the year-end acidity, they could also browse through, buy from the featured products, and eat good food at these stalls for charity purposes.

　　Puxin Township Office collaborated with Luocuo Catholic Church again to present the “Benignity and Grace - The Story of Light and Sound at Puxin Luocuo Catholic Church” again this year to celebrate Christmas and present a happy festive mood for all. In the evening of the 24th, the “Story of Light and Sound at Luocuo Catholic Church - Benignity and Grace”, a light sculpture show. Wei Mingku, the Mayor of Changhua County, and Chang Chengyu, the Mayor of Puxin Township attended the magnificent light sculpture show and enjoy the romantic and warm atmosphere with people at Christmas Eve.

　Changhua County Government and Tianzhong Farmers’ Association is going to held the “2107 Tianzhong Scarecrow Art Festival - The Bear Loves Paddy Rice Fields” at “Wangao Liao”, Dingtan Village, Tianzhong on December 23 and 24 for two days. In the morning on the 19th, a press conference was held at the courtyard of the County Government Building. Wei Mingku, the Mayor of Changhua Government, Wang Anshih, Director-General of the Central Region Branch, Agriculture and Food Agency, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Tseng Chaoying, the Chair of Tianzhong Farmers’ Association, the Director of Tianzhong Farmers’ Association, Chang Yaotung, the Chair, and Chen Wenjui, the Board Director attended the conference. Mayor Wei would like to welcome people to attend the festival. 　　Mayor Wei expressed that 2017 Tianzhong Scarecrow Art Festival will be held on December 23 and 24 for two days. This year will be the third time in holding this festival. In each year, more and more people come and visit the event. In each year, it is held with more and more creativity, more splendid landscapes, and more stunning flower seas. Now, it is the blooming season of cosmos, the whole place is covered with flourishing flowers, packed with visitors, He would like to invite more visitors to come and enjoy the festival.

　　Changhua County Government and Tianzhong Farmers’ Association sponsored the “2107 Tianzhong Scarecrow Art Festival - The Bear Loves Paddy Rice Fields” at “Wangao Liao”, Dingtan Village, Tianzhong on December 23 and 24 for two days. In the morning of the 23, Wei Mingku, Mayor of Changhua Government, Chang Yaotung, the Director of Tianzhong Farmers’ Association, Chen Wenjui, the Board Director, Tseng Chaoying, the Chair, and more attended the ceremony. Mayor Wei has promoted local rice cuisine by holding various activities, enhancing the visibility of Changhua’s special products. 　Mayor Wei expressed that 2017 Tianzhong Scarecrow Art Festival had been held for three years. This year’s theme was “The Bear Loves Paddy Rice Fields”, integrating the images of scarecrow and bear. Tianzhong is Taiwan’s rice barn, famous for growing Taigeng 9 Rice. In the venue, there was a huge sea of flowers, scarecrow DIY, and special & farm products exhibition, suitable for both adults and children. It was highly recommended for the whole family to attend the Scarecrow Festival.