The Xingang Daqing Incense Factory in Chiayi has recently become an internet sensation. The factory arranges its incense sticks, known as “incense feet,” in an interwoven pattern on the courtyard ground for sun-drying, creating clusters of “incense flowers.” These pink incense flowers are as eye-catching as the red Bassia scoparia in Ibaraki, Japan, making the Daqing Incense Factory a hot spot for social media photos in Xingang, Chiayi. Due to the high number of visitors and the time-consuming setup, the factory is currently open only on weekends, making it a weekend-exclusive “flower viewing” spot in Chiayi!
Daqing Incense Factory Official Facebook Announcement: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the factory is currently not open for photo-taking. Please check their Facebook page for updates if you plan to visit.
Xingang Daqing Incense Factory Transportation
The Xingang Daqing Incense Factory is located in Xingang Township, Chiayi County. It takes about 10-15 minutes to reach after exiting the Xingang Interchange. Use Google Maps to navigate to “Daqing Incense Factory.” Since the factory is not a tourist factory, parking is only available on the roadside. Visitors should prioritize safety and avoid obstructing traffic. According to the factory’s Facebook page, the pink Bassia scoparia incense flowers are displayed only on Saturdays and Sundays until the Lunar New Year. Any changes will be announced separately.
Address: No. 37, Dongcuo, Gonghe Village, XingangTownship, Chiayi County Business Hours: 08:30-20:30, Bassia scoparia Display: Sat-Sun 09:00-16:00 Phone: 0919120567 Admission: Free Website:Daqing Incense Factory Facebook Page
Daqing Incense Factory: The Beautiful Colored Bassia scoparia
Originally a century-old incense-making business passed down through five generations in Xingang, Chiayi, the Daqing Incense Factory uses traditional handmade methods and natural, pollution-free materials to produce various incense sticks, including agarwood and sandalwood. During a collaboration with the Ministry of Culture to film incense sticks, the unique “sun-drying incense feet” scene, reminiscent of Japan’s red Bassia scoparia, unexpectedly went viral online. Seizing this opportunity, the factory decided to open part of its space to showcase this unique sun-drying incense feet scene, allowing visitors to take photos.
However, arranging the incense feet is time-consuming. On the day of the photo shoot, the factory owner mentioned that it takes 1.5-2 hours just to set up the incense flowers. Each arrangement features different patterns, ensuring that visitors see something new each time, reflecting the factory’s dedication and thoughtfulness. Note that the incense feet display will not be set up on windy or rainy days, so check the weather before visiting.
The owner also mentioned that the displayed incense feet balls are different from the incense sticks used for worship. They are made from bamboo materials and come in various colors. Initially, only red incense balls were used to create the red Bassia scoparia. Later, green was added for contrast, and recently, purple incense balls were introduced. The combination of these three colors transforms the original red Bassia scoparia into “colored Bassia scoparia,” adding more depth and tension to the photos!
Shooting the incense balls from a low angle can also yield excellent compositions.
Using a medium to long focal length lens can enhance the layered effect of the incense balls through compression.
Although the space for displaying the colored Bassia scoparia incense flowers at the Xingang Daqing Incense Factory is not large, it is enough to spend about an hour taking photos. You can use different lens focal lengths to capture the incense flowers. For example, using a medium to long focal length lens can enhance the layered effect of the incense balls through compression, or shooting from a low angle can reveal different scenery. However, be mindful of your steps during the photo shoot to avoid disturbing the carefully arranged incense flowers!
Join Miffy the bunny in celebrating the Year of the Rabbit! We, along with several artists and creators, have organized the “Miffy Creative Exhibition”. The event has already kicked off at the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park in Taipei. On display are over 300 cross-genre creative works featuring Miffy, as well as Miffy-themed Taiwanese delicacies.
The Taipei Botanical Garden is the preferred location for viewing lotus flowers in Taipei. This year, the lotus flowers are particularly beautiful and spectacular, with many photographers capturing them early in the morning. It is recommended to arrive early to capture the fully bloomed flowers before they start closing in the afternoon. A focal length of 70mm or above is recommended for capturing the flowers in the middle of the pond. The Nikon D750 camera with a flip screen can be used for low-angle shots. The garden is open from 5:30 am to 10 pm and can be accessed by bus or subway.
The author shares their experience of staying in Jiufen, a small town in Taiwan. They stayed at a rustic guesthouse called “Mountain Residence – Jiajiao’s Home” and enjoyed the simple and retro atmosphere. The guesthouse had a kitchen, outdoor spaces, and a unique tree structure inside. The author also mentions the activities arranged by the guesthouse, such as night tours to less crowded areas and enjoying the night view of Jiufen. They recommend staying overnight in Jiufen to fully experience the town’s charm.
