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The Houchi (Miaokeng) area in Houli District, Taichung City, which is known as the hometown of Formosan clouded leopards, was officially designated as the "Houchi Leisure Agricultural Area" by the Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan on June 14, 2018. The leisure agricultural area covers approximately 360 hectares, is close to Houli Train Station, and features beautiful scenery and a well-developed mountain trail for hiking. The main crops grown by local farmers are grafted pears, as well as other fruits and vegetables such as guavas, pomelos, and strawberries that are cultivated using four-season, non-toxic methods. Introduction to the Houchi Leisure Agricultural Area The Houchi Leisure Agricultural Area is a typical agricultural community, where the scenery and cultural activities change with the seasons. For example, every year on the 15th day of the 10th lunar month (the "Xiaoyuan Festival"), the local community gathers to hold a traditional folk festival to thank the Three Officials of Heaven, Earth, and Water for their blessings and to celebrate the harvest season. This festival has been passed down for over a hundred years and has become the most important annual event in the Houchi Leisure Agricultural Area. There are several farms within the area, including the Lin Garden Farm, Phoenix Mountain Farm, Orange Garden Farm, Juxiang Harmony Court, and Renren Farm. Visitors can enjoy a 260-degree panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, including the Houli Harbor and the Fire Mountain, while taking a forest bath and appreciating the native plant species of Taiwan. The area offers a range of activities, including hiking, fruit picking, and DIY crafts. The Hometown of Formosan Clouded Leopards The Houchi area was formerly known as "Miaokeng," which is still used today. The origin of this name dates back to the time when the area was a shallow mountain valley with lush forests and numerous springs, providing a habitat for many wild animals. In the past, before the land was developed, Formosan clouded leopards roamed the area, earning it the name "Miaokeng," which means "cat pit." These small wild cats, also known as "mountain cats," are not easily domesticated and are carnivorous, often attacking domestic animals, which is why they were not welcomed by local residents. However, they also helped to control the population of rodents and snakes, making them a useful part of the ecosystem. Tourist Routes 1. The Phoenix Mountain Trail starts from the Phoenix Mountain Farm and takes about three hours to complete. The trail features scenic rest stops, including the Yating, Huiting, Phoenix Pavilion, and Table Pavilion, and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. 2. The Phoenix Mountain Trail can also be accessed from the side of the Chaokun Palace, taking about half an hour to complete. 3. The trail can be entered from the 33rd lane of the Zhenliao Road, near the Wwang Palace, and takes about 45 minutes to complete. 4. The Phoenix Mountain Trail can be combined with a visit to the Orange Garden Farm or the Juxiang Harmony Court for a meal and some DIY activities. 2020 "Tiger Coming" Industrial Promotion Activities On October 24 and 25, 2020, the Juxiang Harmony Court hosted the "Tiger Coming" industrial promotion activities, featuring performances by local elementary school students and a sketching competition. The event also included an exhibition and sale of local agricultural products and handicrafts. One-Day Tour On March 30, 2019, a one-day tour was organized, featuring a hike to the Phoenix Mountain, a meal at the Juxiang Harmony Court, and a DIY activity at the Renren Community Activity Center. Route Introduction The area offers several hiking trails, including the Phoenix Mountain Trail, the Guanyin Mountain Trail, and the North Guanyin Mountain Loop Trail. There are also bike routes, such as the Zhenliao Road route and the Mystery Cave route. Transportation The area is conveniently located near the Houli Train Station and is accessible via the Zhongshan Road (Taiwan Highway 13), the Jiapu Road, the Zhenliao Road, and the Houke Road. The area is also connected to the North-South Highway and the Taiwan Highway 13, making it easy to travel to nearby tourist attractions. The Zhenliao Road is the main road in the area, connecting Houli to the Taiwan Highway 3 and the Zhulan Town. The road is planned to be widened to 8 meters to improve traffic flow and facilitate the development of local industries and tourism. The area also features several smaller roads, including the 79th lane, which connects to the Wanshantang; the 78th lane, which leads to the Dagong Mountain; and the 77th lane, also known as the Bird Pit Road, which connects to the Memorial Arch.