Rural Township · 竹塘鄉
🌾 Zhutang Township 竹塘鄉
44.9km²
Area
面積
~19,000
Population
人口
鄉
Rural Township
行政類型
What Zhutang Township is famous for 特色
Zhutang is famous for Champion Rice (冠軍米) — its grain has won national quality awards multiple times, earning recognition as some of the best paddy rice in Taiwan. The township is home to a centralized school kitchen (中央廚房) that prepares hot lunches for 14 local schools, sourcing exclusively from Zhutang's own farms.
竹塘鄉以「冠軍米」聞名全台——當地稻米多次榮獲全國優質米評比大獎，被譽為台灣最優質的稻米之一。鄉內設有中央廚房，每天為轄區內14所學校準備熱騰騰的午餐，所有食材均來自竹塘在地農場，真正實現從農田到餐桌的飲食教育。
Places to visit 值得一遊
Zhutang Central School Kitchen中央廚房
This pioneering farm-to-school facility supplies freshly cooked lunches to 14 local schools every day using rice grown right here in Zhutang. It has become a national model for sustainable school nutrition and agricultural education, attracting study visits from counties across Taiwan.
Rice Farms & Granaries稻田與穀倉
Zhutang's flat, fertile plains are blanketed with paddy fields that turn a vivid emerald green in early summer and golden amber at harvest time. Visitors can walk along the farm paths between fields, observe traditional granary structures, and learn firsthand how premium rice is cultivated and stored.
Bamboo Grove Scenic Spots竹塘竹林
True to its name — 竹塘 means "bamboo pond" — the township retains beautiful groves of bamboo that once lined its irrigation canals. These shaded, rustling groves offer a peaceful retreat and a living reminder of the landscape that gave this community its identity centuries ago.
Zhutang Earth God Shrines土地公廟
Scattered throughout Zhutang's village lanes are small but lovingly tended Earth God shrines (土地公廟), where farmers traditionally pray for good harvests. These intimate shrines reflect the deep bond between this agricultural community and the land, and come alive with incense and offerings during rice-planting season.
Did you know? 你知道嗎？
Six facts about Zhutang Township — perfect for quizzes and classroom discussions.
六個關於竹塘鄉的趣味知識，適合課堂問答。
National Champion Rice全國冠軍米
Zhutang's rice won the National Champion Rice Award (全國冠軍米) consecutively, putting this small township on Taiwan's culinary map.
A Farm-to-School Model農場直送學校
The central school kitchen (中央廚房) model — farm-to-school lunch in one township — has been adopted as a model by other counties across Taiwan.
Bamboo Pond Origins竹塘的由來
The name 竹塘 means "bamboo pond," recalling the bamboo groves that once lined the irrigation canals flowing through this rural township.
Taiwan's Hidden Gem安靜的世外桃源
Zhutang is one of the least-visited townships by outsiders — locals value its quiet authenticity and unhurried pace of rural life.
Rice Sold Direct Online直接線上販售
The local cooperative sells Zhutang rice directly online, eliminating middlemen so farmers earn more and customers get fresher grain.
Hands-On Farm Experiences農事體驗活動
Traditional rice-planting (插秧) and harvesting (割稻) experiences are offered to school groups in May and September, connecting young students to the origins of their food.