Invitation to "Wanqi Plum Blossom Viewing"

Text and photos by Chen Chi-Hsiang. After Puzi’s farewell ceremony, I joined Yan Dingsheng and other Kaohsiung-based artists (Li Mingze, Su Wangshen, Wang Xingdao, A Puji, etc.) for a plum blossom viewing and tea tasting in the mountains of Nanshi, Tainan. We traveled from Annan District along the coast via the north-south expressway into Tainan’s foothills. Near Yujing, known as Taiwan’s “Mango Kingdom,” winding mountain roads revealed landscapes of betel nut trees mixed with old plum orchards—a delightful sight offering a unique atmosphere. Amidst this bright natural scenery, numerous local restaurants specializing in free-range chicken appeared due to agricultural transitions. Plums are the local specialty, so plum-based cuisine, particularly plum chicken, became the region’s signature feast. Guided by Yan Dingsheng, we visited a large rural restaurant to enjoy plum juice, plum chicken, turmeric chicken, and highland vegetables (cabbage). Amidst laughter, the Kaohsiung group remained quiet, savoring the leisurely countryside ambiance. After the meal, we relaxed in the old plum orchard behind the restaurant. The gnarled trunks and delicate white blossoms were charming; visitors happily picked plums from the orchard, enjoying a casual afternoon.

In the afternoon, we continued up the mountain to meet friends at “Wanqi Plum Blossom Viewing” for tea. This small plot within the Nanshi plum orchards is the most beautiful, captivating with its elegant space. It emerged when several arts and culture friends witnessed the decline of plum farmers and the abandonment of old orchards after they lost agricultural value. The project demonstrates land justice and agricultural transformation. Artists Yan Dingsheng, media person Lin Xinyi, tea master Dong Zhengdao and his wife, and others adopted over ten old plum trees. They made minimal changes, building low wooden platforms under the trees for tea, conversation, flower viewing, or playing the qin. The entrance is marked by a simple bamboo gate, with stones placed naturally before and after it, serving as both decoration and seating. The garden maintains ecological balance through natural farming, avoiding pesticides and herbicides. Lush greenery contrasts sharply with neighboring orchards dried out by excessive herbicide use. Under the artists’ ecological vision, sustainable land management is possible, and rural regeneration requires creativity. Sustainability, grounded in organic practices and a macro perspective, brings new vitality and opportunities to the area.

“Wanqi Plum Blossom Viewing” sits at an altitude of about 800 meters, featuring over ten century-old plum trees whose beauty is breathtaking. White plum blossoms, like drifting snow, adorn this poetic space. Tea Master Dong and his wife arrived early, setting up a red paper umbrella at the entrance. Beneath it, a green tablecloth and tea ceremony utensils were arranged. Against the colorful “snow” (plum blossoms), the red umbrella evokes the spirit and energy of greenery, creating a distinct atmosphere that highlights Master Dong’s unique aesthetic. Another tea table was set on a larger platform, while Teacher Yan chose a spot beneath a weeping plum tree for his tea arrangement. Like the “Wanqi Plum Blossom Viewing” agricultural leisure space, this initiative awakens the orchard’s energy and humanistic consciousness, transforming nature into culture. This rare case of agricultural leisure and humanities-art co-intervention allowed us to taste tea in this poetic space. During the tea ceremony, Guzheng teacher Wu specially came to play and sing, enhancing the experience. We enjoyed the elegant life art and the symphony of nature and humanity. The beauty of Wanqi attracted plum viewers, allowing them to witness this unique aesthetic and humanistic feeling firsthand, immersing themselves in natural and artistic culture. Elegant and free living stems from an attitude of existence, constructed through aesthetic awareness and action, realizing beauty in daily life, resulting in a heart overflowing with happiness.