Tucked away in the mountains of Guanxi, “Hao Shang Lin Organic Strawberry Orchard” is a vibrant greenhouse orchard and a “beautiful accident” in owner Zhan Xi-ming’s retirement life
Introduction
Originally starting with just 7 strawberry seedlings gifted by a friend, his careful tending saw them multiply to over 300, leading him to challenge himself with professional management to keep his retirement active.
Since officially starting in 2018, Zhan has demonstrated his deep background in science and engineering. Both he and his wife were high-tech professionals in the semiconductor industry. His long career trained him to solve agricultural problems using logical thinking and systematic processes. He designated 2.75 out of 5 “fen” of land (approx. 0.27 hectares) as an organic certified zone and invested heavily in building greenhouses. From the organic transition period to officially passing organic certification in 2024, he personally solved challenges like pest control and irrigation systems, applying the semiconductor spirit of “improving yield and controlling variables” to the fullest.
Zhan believes that mastering “seedling cultivation” at the source allows for more accurate production forecasting. Therefore, he adopted an integrated management model—from breeding and planting to sales—and even personally designed the greenhouse’s drip irrigation system. The orchard grows various breeds, including the popular Toyonoka, White Strawberry, Toukun (Peach-scented), and Beni-hoppe.
Features of Agricultural Tourism
Fruits
Because the orchard is not on a main road, most visitors are dedicated enthusiasts who come by word-of-mouth. At “Hao Shang Lin,” Zhan personally leads a deep “outdoor lesson,” sharing everything from land reclamation and breed characteristics to methods for overcoming organic farming obstacles. For many adults and industry peers, picking strawberries is merely an “add-on”; the core purpose of the trip is gaining the knowledge of how high-tech logic is imported into agriculture.
Beyond the intellectual tour, visitors can experience planting their own strawberry seedlings to bring the vitality of “Hao Shang Lin” back to their balconies. Zhan jokes that the sense of achievement gained through process optimization makes his life fulfilling and meaningful. This orchard is less a retirement hobby and more a successfully launched second career that continues to spread the fragrance of organic farming in the mountain valley.
Information
TEL
+886-916-049076
Address
No. 6-6, Shanghengkeng, Guanxi Township, Hsinchu County 306006, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
