As summer unfolds, the golden hues of sunset blanket the Qingcaolun dike in Chengxi Community, Tainan City. Within the protective Casuarina windbreak forest, the rhythmic chirping of Taiwan twilight cicadas echoes through the trees—gi-le, gi-le, gi-le. As dusk settles and the moon rises, the rustling in the roadside grass signals the determined journey of female brown land crabs carrying their eggs, overcoming obstacles on their way to the sea to release their young. This is the beginning of a magical Taijiang summer night carnival.

From June to August, the breeding season of the Taiwan twilight cicada and land crabs takes center stage. The western coastline of Chengxi Village in Tainan City’s Annan District, with its dense Casuarina windbreak forest and sparse human activity, provides an ideal habitat for these species, making it one of primary distribution areas of this species in Taiwan. The Taiwan twilight cicada, an endemic species, inhabits the windbreak forests along Taiwan’s western coast, with Taijiang hosting the densest populations. Unlike other cicadas that sing during the day, the Taiwan twilight cicada calls only at dawn and dusk to attract mates, creating a natural symphony that has become an integral part of the local summer atmosphere. In terms of land crabs, the Taijiang region boasts a higher distribution of larger species compared to other wetland ecosystems, with the brown land crab being the most prominent. During the breeding season, egg-carrying female crabs make their way to the sea to release their young, often seen crossing roads or scaling seawalls. To prevent roadkill during this critical period, Taijiang National Park has worked closely with local communities in recent years to conduct conservation surveys and promote ecological education. Beyond its rich ecology, Chengxi Community also shines with its unique industries and cultural heritage. The saline soil in the area supports watermelon farming, leading to the development of traditional delicacies such as watermelon rind preserves. Additionally, the “Gangzai West Coast Mamas” group, formed by local women, has created a variety of distinctive dishes using regional ingredients, blending tradition with innovation to offer a distinctive taste of local culture.

To highlight the unique ecological, industrial, and cultural features of Chengxi Community, Taijiang Satoumi Tours offers a summer-exclusive event, “Crabby Encounters and Cicada Serenades – Taijiang Summer Night Carnival,” held annually from June to August. Organized in collaboration with the Chengxi Community Development Association, local expert “Watermelon Zhong,” ecological surveyors, and local Taijiang guides, this half-day immersive experience invites participants to engage in community farming, nighttime ecological observations, and guided tours.

The event begins with Chengxi Community Development Association Chairman Chen Kuo-chung, affectionately known as “Watermelon Zhong,” introducing the history of the place name “Gangzai West” and sharing insights into watermelon cultivation. Participants then head into the watermelon fields to learn about and harvest mini watermelons. Under the summer sun, visitors cool off with freshly cut watermelon, handpicked and served by Watermelon Zhong himself. Following this refreshing treat, participants dive into a hands-on workshop to create watermelon rind preserves, discovering how traditional delicacies are made. Dinner features the culinary creations of the Gangzai West Coast Mamas, who serve up a delicious “Watermelon Rind Milkfish Pizza,” combining watermelon rind and milkfish fillets with other local ingredients. The meal also includes crispy fried fish fillets, sweet potato strips, and chilled mung bean soup, offering a summer feast of authentic local flavors. As participants enjoy their meal, Taijiang guides—local residents turned tour interpreters—share fascinating knowledge about nocturnal creatures. Equipped with colorful “glow-in-the-dark slap bracelets” representing their respective groups, participants transform into “night observation scouts” and head to the Qingcaolun dike. Here, under the moonlit sky, they immerse themselves in the Taijiang Summer Night Carnival, an unforgettable celebration of nature, culture, and community.

The exciting night observation begins with participants standing atop the dike, admiring the stunning sunset over the Zengwen River estuary. This scenic moment evokes the historical beauty of the “Luermen Sunset Glow” and “Luermen Spring Tide,” two of Taiwan’s famed Eight Views as named by scholars 300 years ago. Accompanied by the golden hues of the setting sun, the distinctive calls of the Taiwan twilight cicada fill the air. Flashlights in hand, participants follow the sound like detectives, searching for these elusive creatures hiding among the Casuarina trees. Identified by their red eyes and lightning-like black wing markings, these features make the Taiwan twilight cicada truly unique. The adventure continues as participants scan the grass for signs of land crabs. One by one, egg-carrying female brown land crabs emerge from the undergrowth, crossing roads and scaling dikes on their determined journey to the sea. Participants carefully assist the crabs across roads, using glow-in-the-dark slap bracelets to measure their carapaces and imagine the challenges these crabs have overcome to sustain the next generation. To conclude the evening, ecological surveyor Wu Jui-chang shares exclusive footage of precious wildlife observations on his tablet. This glimpse into the hidden wonders of Taijiang’s ecosystem provides a perfect ending to a memorable night of discovery.

Through the summer-exclusive Crabby Encounters and Cicada Serenades event, visitors gain hands-on experience in Chengxi Community’s journey of watermelon rind preserves from farm to table. The night observation portion, featuring cicada-spotting by sound and precise tracking of land crabs, offers more than just an ecological carnival—it becomes a multi-sensory feast that immerses participants in nature. This unforgettable experience promises to leave a lasting impression on all participants. Taijiang Satoumi offers exclusive seasonal tours throughout the year. Spring features “Satoumi Quest Ride - Taijiang West Etude,” summer brings “Crabby Encounters and Cicada Serenades – Taijiang Summer Night Carnival,” autumn celebrates “Bountiful Harvest – Taijiang Autumn Dawn Harvest Season,” and winter delights with “Fishes and Feathered Guests – Taijiang Winter Feast.” For more information on these events, please visit the “Taijiang Satoumi” Facebook page.