Jianshih Township

Situated in southeastern Hsinchu County, Jianshih is one of the two mountain townships and the ancestral home of the Atayal people. Its natural attractions—Xiuluan Hot Springs, Smangus, the sacred Zhenxibao Cypress, Dabajianshan, Peach Mountain, and the Tieling Ridge of Shei-Pa National Park—draw eco-tourists year-round. In recent years, local communities have developed high-altitude vegetable and temperate fruit cultivation (including honey peaches and pears), integrating agri-tourism with cultural experiences. The rich Atayal hunting culture, combined with hiking, wilderness survival workshops, and ecological education, is positioning Jianshih as Taiwan’s premier ecological training center and a model of sustainable cultural tourism.

Jianshih Township Office

Snow Lotus Root

Known in traditional Chinese medicine as “Snow Lotus Flower,” the Jerusalem artichoke tuber (called “Tianshan Snow Lotus Tuber”) resembles sweet potato but tastes like pear. Introduced by an Atayal pastor after attending an Indigenous conference in Canada, it is used in local soups and stews. Note: It has strong diaphoretic properties and can induce heavy sweating. Pregnant women should avoid it due to the risk of miscarriage.

Shiitake Mushroom

Shiitake mushrooms are rich in B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12), potassium, iron, protein, and dietary fiber, and are considered an alkaline health food. Also known as fragrant mushrooms, they consist of a cap and stem and are prized both for their culinary flavor and nutritional benefits.

Chinese Yam

The tuber of the Dioscorea yam plant, Chinese yam contains mucilage, starches, and sugars. Widely used in Chinese and Japanese medicinal cuisine—most famously in “Four-Immortals Soup,” where dried slices called “Huai Shan” are made from fresh yams to create a nourishing, restorative broth.