Citong Haishali Flower Fields is a winter flower display in the Haishali community of Citong Township, Yunlin County, created by planting cosmos and sunflowers on fallow farmland; the site was named one of Taiwan's 'Top Ten Scenic Flower Fields' in 2008, and the bloom typically peaks around the Lunar New Year. During the Japanese colonial era, Haishali was also known as a source of rice presented as tribute to the Japanese emperor.
The Haishali community was named one of Taiwan's 'Top Ten Scenic Flower Fields' in 2008 (Republic of China year 97), and during the Japanese colonial era it was known as a rice-producing area whose harvest was presented as tribute to the Japanese emperor. The flower fields are planted with cosmos and sunflowers on fallow winter farmland, with the bloom typically peaking around the Lunar New Year.
Highlights of the Haishali Flower Fields
The Haishali community's flower fields are not a commercial farm but the outcome of a community-driven rural revitalization initiative. Planting cosmos and sunflowers on fallow winter land serves both to provide ground cover for the farmland to reduce dust from exposed soil, and to attract outside visitors through the flower fields, generating tourism income for the community. The scale of the flower fields varies with the number of participating farm families each year and is not necessarily fixed.
The character of the Haishali flower fields lies in preserving the original rural landscape — field paths, irrigation ditches, farm roads, and flower fields coexist without deliberate theme-park packaging. The density and mixed colors of the cosmos (pink, white, red, and purple) contrast with the tall upright posture of the sunflowers, offering an opportunity to observe the actual appearance of agricultural rotation. Mid-January to early February is usually the peak bloom period; exact timing is affected by temperature and varies slightly each year.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There and Time
- Citong Township has no train station; driving is the primary option. From Douliu the drive is about 20 minutes; from Huwei about 15 minutes.
- During the flower season (January to February), crowds are larger on weekends and farm road parking is limited; weekday visits or early departure are recommended.
- The flower fields are farmland; there is no admission fee. In some years the community sets up a voluntary donation box; contributions support community maintenance costs.
Nearby Connections
- Can be paired with Yuanchang Buckwheat Fields; both are winter flower-viewing destinations, and a Yunlin winter flower fields one-day route can be planned.
- Huwei Sugar Factory and Huwei Old Street are about a 20-minute drive from Citong; you can extend the trip to explore the sugarcane industry history and culture area.
Sources: Citong Township Office and Haishali Community Development Association records. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the peak bloom at Haishali Flower Fields?
The bloom typically peaks around the Lunar New Year, with the exact timing varying slightly each year depending on temperature.
What is the history of the Haishali community?
During the Japanese colonial era, Haishali was known for producing rice presented as tribute to the Japanese emperor, and it was named one of Taiwan's Top Ten Scenic Flower Fields in 2008.
What flowers are planted at the flower fields?
Mainly cosmos and sunflowers, planted on fallow winter farmland to create the large-scale flower field display.
Is there an admission fee?
The flower fields are farmland with no admission fee, though in some years the community sets up a voluntary donation box for maintenance costs.
Sources
- 雲林、莿桐｜台灣十大景觀花田：孩沙里花海 — 孩沙里花海歷史背景與獲選全國十大景觀花田報導