ANNIE PRINCESS GARDENS
Tucked away in the serene valley of Xinshe lies ANNIE PRINCESS GARDENS, a lush herbal paradise spanning 1.5 hectares. Encircled by mountains, its main structure—a European-style wooden house—is built along the hillside by the Choutengken Creek, offering visitors a peaceful escape akin to a hidden utopia.
Introduction
The garden currently grows approximately 20 to 30 varieties of herbal plants. Its founder, Lin Chang-Min, a graduate of Pingtung University of Science and Technology’s Department of Horticulture, envisioned establishing a tasteful and beautiful herb garden after graduation and suggested it to his father. Initially, his father misunderstood the idea, thinking it was merely a plan for a “fancy countryside chicken coop.” Nevertheless, with the family’s joint efforts in landscaping, planting herbs, constructing wooden houses, and designing menus, the garden has become a multifaceted herb kingdom, integrating aspects of dining, leisure, and education. The garden boasts a rich ecosystem, with diverse plants and ferns that transform it into a fragrant paradise, where every step unveils a scenic treat.
In 2024, a team from Japan known for creating the Ghibli Park was invited to construct a small wooden hut meant for selling herbs. Visitors who come to the vibrant land of ANNIE PRINCESS GARDENS not only leave with wonderful memories, but also experience the profound richness of local culture.
This garden offers parents and children the chance to participate in herb treasure hunts, essential oil distillation, and hands-on activities like crafting herbal sachets. One of the most popular DIY activities is creating mosquito repellent. Using the garden’s homemade hydrosol, mixed with essential oils such as lemongrass, eucalyptus and tea tree, participants stir and bottle the mixture to produce a natural, pleasantly scented mosquito repellent within minutes.
Features of Agricultural Tourism
Herbs
The culinary offerings here are certainly impressive. The signature herb-roasted spring chicken has been a hot-seller for over 20 years. The chicken is marinated with fresh rosemary, thyme, and other herbs before being roasted to achieve a golden, crispy skin. The tender, juicy meat infused with a mild herbal fragrance offers a flavor that is both rich and captivating.
Another highlight is the roasted pork ribs, which are seasoned with oregano and paired with a specially crafted barbecue sauce. The tangy-sweet flavor perfectly complements the ribs, which are served alongside mushrooms and freshly grilled vegetables. Each bite provides a harmonious blend of flavors, delivering immense satisfaction to both the palate and the soul.
