Taitung’s natural landscapes, from the Chishang Rift Valley to the South Link Mountain Area, nurture a wide variety of flowers and pristine water sources that provide bees with a pure environment for nectar gathering. Local beekeepers such as Chishang Happy Honey Bee Farm practice natural methods of raising bees and produce pure honey free of sugar or additives. These land-friendly practices reflect the people of Taitung’s respect for the environment and commitment to sustainability.
(Photo credit: Chishang Happy Honey Bee Farm)
(Photo credit: Yoti Life)
Nomadic Lives Following the Blossoms
Beekeepers are often called nomads who follow the flowers, moving hives wherever blossoms bloom. Even in remote mountain areas, as long as trucks can reach, hives must follow. Taitung’s longan and lychee groves are treasured lands for beekeepers, who pray each year for abundant blossoms, rich honey, and stable weather. Processing remains simple and pure: impurities are filtered physically, and honey is concentrated by removing excess moisture through vaporization in a vacuum environment at 45–48°C, meeting CNS National Standards.
(Photo credit: Chishang Happy Honey Bee Farm)
Taitung’s Sweetness on the International Stage
Taitung honey has repeatedly won awards in national competitions. The Longan Honey and Lychee Honey from Chishang Happy Honey Bee Farm both received first prizes and were also honored with the iTQi Superior Taste Award, Two Stars. Taitung County Government actively supports the international promotion of local premium products, assisting beekeepers to participate in the Hong Kong Food Expo, where Taitung’s sweetness shone on the global stage. From the Taipei International Travel Fair (ITF) and the Taiwan Tourism 100 Highlights Exhibition to exhibitions around the world, every jar of honey tells the story of Taitung’s land.
(Photo credit: Chishang Happy Honey Bee Farm)
(Photo credit: Yoti Life)
Ecological Wisdom of the South Link Forests
In the South Link Mountain Area, Landcoexist adopts low-impact, forest-harmonious beekeeping practices to achieve sustainable under-forest economies. Forest honey reflects the seasons, as bees bring back nectar from different flowering plants throughout the year, giving each harvest a unique flavor. Through workshops and hands-on experiences, visitors learn about the importance of coexistence between bees and the ecosystem, echoing indigenous wisdom: “Take only what you need and preserve the roots for future generations.”
(Photo credit: Yoti Life)
Savoring the Taste of Taitung’s Land
Honey is not just sweet—it records the flavors of the land. Seasonal changes and different flowers bring variations in taste and texture. Longan Honey, with its lower glucose content, rarely crystallizes except during extreme cold waves, while lychee honey and wildflower honey almost always crystallize in winter. These natural physical changes are proof of pure honey and make the products of Landcoexist and other local beekeepers a genuine gift of Taitung’s terroir. Each taste embodies the purity and dedication found between the mountains and the sea.
(Photo credit: Kacalisian a Cau Cau Carnival)
