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๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ผ Taiwan /Culture & Society

Nearly meter-long giant gourds hang in an 'Eighteen Arhats formation,' a sight to behold

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A non-profit farm in Chiayi County, Taiwan, is growing giant gourds that can reach nearly a meter in length.
  • Due to an abundant harvest, the farmer decided to let the excess gourds dry naturally to be used as loofahs.
  • The sight of dozens of these massive gourds hanging from a trellis has created a unique and visually striking attraction, drawing comparisons to a martial arts formation.

A remarkable agricultural spectacle has emerged at a non-profit farm in Fanlu Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan, where a farmer is cultivating a variety of giant gourds capable of growing up to 80-90 centimeters long. The farm is currently experiencing a peak harvest season, yielding an overwhelming number of these colossal vegetables.

With an abundance of gourds, the farmer found it challenging to distribute them all to friends, family, and neighbors. In a creative solution, the farmer decided to let the surplus gourds mature and dry naturally, intending to transform them into natural loofahs. This spontaneous decision has resulted in a breathtaking scene: dozens of enormous gourds hang from the gourd trellis, swaying gently in the breeze. The dense arrangement creates a surreal and almost unbelievable visual, forming a unique and captivating attraction.

The sight has been likened to the "Eighteen Arhat Formation" from Wuxia novels, where one must navigate carefully through the hanging gourds. The sheer size and weight of these "giant gourds" mean that a careless bump could lead to a painful encounter. The farmer expressed surprise at the sheer volume of gourds reaching nearly a meter in length. However, the prospect of turning them into natural loofahs, considered a highly practical cleaning tool, has already garnered interest, with many friends and relatives placing orders.

The "giant gourd formation" now adorns the entire trellis system, creating a landscape where one must be mindful of potential "attacks" from these massive vegetables while walking through. The unique display has become a visually stunning and fun spot for visitors to take photos.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.