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Hengchun, due to its unique terrain, climate, and soil, has gained the special names of the "Hengchun Three Treasures" and the "Hengchun Three Strangenesses." The "Hengchun Three Treasures" refer to "Cape Jasmine, Onions, and Gangkou Tea." Subsequently, since the production of Gangkou Tea was not abundant, watermelons were sometimes substituted for Gangkou Tea. The "Hengchun Three Strangenesses" refer to "Laoshan Wind, Betel Nut Chewing, and 'Siyang Qi'—Hengchun Ballads." To deeply understand the origins of the Three Treasures and Three Strangenesses, one can begin with the Three Strangenesses: **First Strangeness: Laoshan Wind** From October to the following April, the western coast of Hengchun Peninsula often experiences fierce winds on the ground, sometimes lasting 2–3 hours, or even remaining continuous for 10 days or a half month. These strong winds are frequently accompanied by powerful gusts, with wind speeds reaching over 20 meters per second at peak intensity, creating a sky filled with swirling sand and chaotic gusts. This phenomenon resembles a typhoon in landscape and intensity, except for its clear skies. Since this wind zone lies in the leeward area of the northeast monsoon and Hengchun Peninsula, the wind flows directly down the mountain range after crossing the terrain, much like the monsoon descending swiftly from mountain peaks. For over a century, locals have named these winds "Laoshan Wind," which significantly influences the human culture, natural landscapes, and agricultural, forestry, fishery, and livestock resources of the Hengchun Peninsula. **Second Strangeness: Betel Nut Chewing** In the past, people in Hengchun chewed betel nut regardless of age, gender, or status, often doing so collectively. It is said this was to resist the cold winds of winter. The form of betel nut commonly consumed by the general public is not the same as what Hengchun people prefer—they exclusively favor "Fanzi Qing" betel nut, which has been blown by Laoshan Wind. During that time, betel nuts were a snack for Hengchun people and also served as a gift for meetings, marriages, and celebrations. Chewing betel nuts bewildered foreign visitors and was seen as a peculiar custom. However, with a growing emphasis on health and wellness today, the tradition of chewing betel nuts no longer exists. **Third Strangeness: 'Siyang Qi'—Hengchun Ballads** The origins of Hengchun ballads are multifaceted, influenced by Hakka, Bunun, and Pingpu ethnic minority musical elements in addition to traditional Minnan traditions. As a testament to the multicultural heritage of Taiwan's Hengchun Peninsula, Hengchun ballads have been designated as an Important Cultural Asset of Taiwan. Key cultural institutions have invested efforts in preserving and researching Hengchun ballads to pass down these ancient melodies. The melodies of Hengchun ballads include the following: - **Niuweibai**: Also known as "Niumu Ban," it was called "Singing Songs" by the older generation. This is the earliest form of Hengchun ballads, noted for its lack of fixed structure and the distinctive eight-tone leap in the final note. The melody shifts unpredictably between true and false registers, with wide vocal ranges that reach three octaves at emotional peaks. It is primarily used to console daughters before marriage and to express gratitude from daughters to elders. - **Pingpu Tone**: Possibly derived from the musical style of the Pingpu people, this melody was used for narratives or moral teachings. In 1952, Principal Zeng Xinde of Mazhou School revised it as "Farmer's Song"; in 1959, he composed "Three Laments of Frustration," and in 1980, the song "Green Oyster Sister" was adapted from this tone. Some also referred to this tone as "Taitung Tone." - **Siyang Zhi**: Also known as "Siyang Qi," it is the most well-known Hengchun ballad. According to legend, this melody was created by a lone immigrant from Guangdong province, Wu Yuanshu, who joined a settlement in Hengchun's Longlun community. Its usage is the broadest, mainly for describing scenery, celebrating songs, and congratulations. - **Spring of Four Seasons**: Also called the "Hengchun Tone" or "Big Tune," it became popular around the same time as "Siyang Zhi." Intended primarily for romantic duets between couples, it derives its name from its frequent beginning with themes like the four seasons or flowers. Its melody is similar to that of "Fenggang Little Tune." - **Five-Hole Minor Tune**: Also known as "Coolie Tune," this melody features dramatic pitch fluctuations, rich nuances, and emotional expressiveness, often used for nostalgic reflections, mournful stories, and narratives. Source of written information: Chapter on Music in the *Hengchun Town Gazetteer* compiled by Professor Zhong Mingkun.