Micro-Observation of Taichung Cultural Life vol.03 Crossing the River 【Jiapuwai】

"Micro-Observation of Taichung Cultural Life" vol.03 〈Crossing the River〉| Jiapuwai Upon arriving in Dajia, one is immediately struck by the settlements centered around the Dajia Matsu pilgrimage. Beyond faith, we discover Dajia's significant role in Taichung's developmental history. Daan and Waipu, with their agricultural and ecological growth, have shaped the region's natural terrain. Crossing the Dadu Mountains and the Dajia River, we find the ties that bind Dajia to home and faith. ------------------------------------- In the Jiapuwai region, we encounter the world-renowned pilgrimage, the "Dajia Matsu Pilgrimage." Around Zhenlan Temple, we observe a cultural ecosystem that has blossomed from this faith. Daan Port, once a vital transportation hub for the Taichung area before silting, established Dajia as a crucial economic and trade center in central Taiwan. The decision to focus on Dajia, Daan, and Waipu for this issue arose from conversations with locals. As chroniclers of Taichung's culture, Micro-Observation has witnessed the vitality that Dajia Matsu brings to the area, as well as the immense crowds during the annual March pilgrimage. More than that, we aimed to explore the local residents' sense of identity with their hometown. The people of the Jiapuwai region have achieved this. Within this community, Waipu and Daan thrive with agricultural and animal husbandry, while Dajia serves as a commercial hub. This area boasts Teitship Mountain and a seaside amusement park. It's a regional cultural ecosystem that fulfills the daily needs of Jiapuwai's residents while also attracting visitors from afar. Countless establishments and activities in Dajia are household names, and locals proudly identify as Dajia natives. Considering these townships brimming with a sense of identity, we ponder: on this land blessed by faith, what is the vision of "home" for its people? Beyond Dajia Matsu, what other forms of belief are cherished? If Dajia Matsu connects the hearts of the Jiapuwai people, perhaps we can also explore how Dajia Matsu has evolved from a local center of faith to one of central Taiwan's largest religious events. We document the journey of the Dajia Matsu pilgrimage in recent years, seeking out educators dedicated to promoting folk belief experiences and interviewing first-time participants of the Matsu pilgrimage earlier this year. We also guide readers to discover other beliefs in the Jiapuwai region, such as those honoring Koxinga and the Chastity Matsu, and delve into the stories of the indigenous peoples who were the earliest inhabitants of this land. The rich cultural tapestry of Jiapuwai has nurtured numerous enterprises and notable figures, achieving "firsts" both in Taiwan and globally. They have put down roots here, drawing strength from their culture to venture beyond Taichung, reaching across Taiwan and the world. Through diligent effort, they have brought numerous opportunities and stories to Jiapuwai, demonstrating with their expertise that remarkable achievements are possible. We pose a question to every reader: "What is your vision of home?" We hope you will turn your attention back to your own home and hometown, cherishing the places where you grew up and the memories embedded in your life. We grew here, setting out with our aspirations. While striving elsewhere, remember your original intentions before taking your next step. If you feel weary, return home; it will provide renewed motivation. In this issue, we enter Jiapuwai through the theme of "crossing the river" and the "connection between home and faith," revealing the lived memories of Jiapuwai driven by faith. We also invite you to "Cross the River, Go Home" after your reading. ------------------------------------- This Issue's Contents | ∥ People Profile ∥ Transforming Towns: Returning to Dajia's Splendor Life in the Old Home: An Unspeakable Delicacy Kite Surfing, Passersby, and a Seaside Eatery ∥ Cover Story ∥ What is the Dajia Matsu Pilgrimage About? | Essential Reading Before Departure Following "Crazy Matsu": Folk Belief is No Longer "Someone Else's Business" New Generation Submissions | The Interaction Between People and Deities New Generation Submissions | Towards Matsu ∥ Artisan Craftsmanship ∥ Miniature Furniture Canvas Bags Inheriting Natural Handmade Crafts: Three Generations of Rattan Fragrance ∥ Grain by Grain, Delicious Eats ∥ "Taro-ming" with You in Dajia An Al Fresco Wine Dinner Under the Grapevines: The Transformation Journey of "Gali Shi Winery" The Rural Young Farmer Managed with Business Acumen: "Captain Hong" ∥ Selected Food Readings ∥ A Fragrance of Half a Century, Where Purple Roses Bloom Taste Buds of Jiazi: Wanquan Xin ∥ Architectural Imprints ∥ The Rebirth of Old Houses: Fengyue Jinhuai / Fengyue Zhiwu Guihetang Wild House Cafe: Igniting the Hometown's Artistic Dream ∥ Strolling Through Jiapuwai ∥ The Mountain Ridge Holding Treasures | Teitship Mountain Scenic Area Transformation. Seaside. Music Festival. Boundless Forgetfulness: "Wangyou Valley" Where Worries are Cast Aside The Unspoiled Ruins: "Stone Park"