A Visit to the Hilltowns to enjoy the Tung Blossoms

Tung trees come in full blossom in areas where most Hakkas populate. This beautiful coincidence tells the wondrous connection between Hakka towns and Tung trees. Tung became an economic crop when Japan occupied Taiwan. Its seed oil was used for waterproof coating and its timber for matches, toothpicks and clogs. Hakka children used to collect and sell Tung seeds for money. Now when Tung flowers start to shower, we'd visit Hakka towns, strolling along the old streets to watch grannies braiding straw teapot containers and listen to their stories of the yore.