Lin Liang-Chien’s Pastoral Dream: From Military Career to a Multifunctional Agricultural Estate
The Hidden Gem of Wanrong’s Mingli Mountain Tribe
Nestled in the Mingli Village of Wanrong Township, the Mataian Tribe is one of the few located in the mountainous region. Perched on a hillside, it offers breathtaking views of the Mataian River Valley and the East Rift Valley, with stunning starlit skies and a view of the Milky Way at night. Among this serene landscape lies the meticulously curated estate known as the “Shizhai-Mei Nature Ecology Workshop,” managed by Lin Liang-Chien, a man of many talents:
- Operating excavators
- Landscape planning
- Crafting off-menu culinary creations
Let’s get to know this must-visit hidden gem in the mountains!
From Military Life to Farming Transformation
After graduating from Wanrong Junior High School, Lin Liang-Chien chose a military career, dedicating 26 years to service. During his time in the military, he used his free time to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Despite completing his degree, he felt a gap in practical knowledge and enthusiastically pursued off-duty training programs, earning six certifications, including excavator operation and Chinese cuisine.
In 2021, after retiring from the Air Force, he turned his focus to revitalizing his father’s land on the Mingli Mountain, embarking on a journey of agricultural transformation.
The Determination to Transform the Land
The land originally inherited from his father was planted with betel nut trees. However, due to the small planting area, there was little profit to be made. Additionally, maintaining the land required cutting grass dozens of times a year. The uneven terrain, with exposed rocks of various sizes scattered across the surface, made this task even more challenging. There were also concerns about betel nut farming’s impact on the soil’s natural contidition. Lin Liang-Chien began to wonder if he could make a change. In 2016, he made a firm resolution to transform this roughly 0.7-hectare piece of land, including a small construction plot within it.
Discipline and Persistence
Just one week after retiring from the military, Lin seamlessly transitioned into his new endeavor, working tirelessly to bring his vision to life. Intrigued, we asked how he managed to find time for such an ambitious project. He explained that during the summer months, he would rise at 4:30 a.m., working on the land until 8 a.m., before heading to his day job. After finishing work at 5 p.m., he would return to the land and continue until 7 p.m., repeating this cycle day after day.
His dedication and effort were astonishing. When asked how he maintained such persistence, Lin shared these profound words:
“The harmony between heaven, earth, and man creates opportunity—it’s not merely luck. Failure is not always the path to success, but on the road to success, repeated adjustments through failures are essential. Discipline requires unwavering persistence in your chosen direction. If you commit wholeheartedly to the future you envision, the likelihood of success will no longer be a concern.”
Creating a Unique Terrace Amusement Park
Following the natural terrain, Lin Liang-Chien has designed the land into a terrace-like amusement park, resembling a pyramid that unveils surprises layer by layer. Using the various sizes of rocks found within the area, he has crafted three distinct thematic areas.
The upper level features a foot-soaking pool and a large plaza, perfect for hosting concerts and sharing events. The second level includes wooden cabins and container houses with dormitory-style rooms, as well as an open kitchen nearby. On the lowest level, there is a large pond stocked with tilapia, carp, and softshell turtles, which not only helps regulate the temperature of the park but also enhances its aesthetics. Adjacent to the pond is a camping area, offering a variety of recreational experiences for visitors.
Preserving the Natural Landscape
While developing the park, Lin Liang-Chien discovered several massive rocks that seemed perfectly positioned by nature itself. For instance, one large rock resembles a woman’s profile from the side, which symbolizes a blessing for the land. Another rock features a tree growing on top of it, which he interprets as a representation of the origin of life. He chose to preserve all these rocks, hoping to retain the original essence of the land.
Beauty in Every Season
The park is filled with a wide variety of flowers, plants, and trees. During our interview, the crepe myrtle was in full bloom, with pink, purple, and white blossoms adding vibrant color to the landscape and filling the air with a delightful fragrance. Lin Liang-Chien has spent considerable time studying how to ensure that different flowers bloom throughout the seasons, showcasing the park’s changing natural beauty year-round.
Seven Years of Effort and Perseverance
This massive project took Lin Liang-Chien seven years to complete. He purchased a small excavator and a truck, handling the work himself to independently and efficiently improve the park. Adopting a low-development approach, he maximized the land’s potential, allowing him to feel a deeper connection to the earth. At the same time, the process strengthened his bond with his family. Reflecting on this journey, Lin candidly shared how his impatience and stubbornness often led him to overlook the feelings of his wife and son. The home felt like a battleground during those times, leaving him feeling ashamed and regretful. He expressed his deep gratitude for his family’s understanding and support.
A Collaborative Effort with Family
Lin recounted working alongside his son to prepare the land. At first, his son complained about the difficulty of the tasks, but eventually, he began to take the initiative—grabbing the hose and tools to help out on his own. Watching his son mature and sharing the story of the park’s evolution with friends, Lin felt an overwhelming sense of fulfillment. He hopes that his children will develop a deep attachment to the land from a young age, ensuring that no matter where their education or careers take them, they will never forget their roots.
Future Philosophy of Operation
Lin Liang-Chien candidly shared his belief that turning something he loves into a tool for profit might make it difficult to persist under the pressures of reality. Instead, he hopes this place becomes a destination for those seeking to experience life, where visitors can enjoy the simplicity of local culture and lifestyle.
The park is always brimming with activities, from sawing wood, catching fish, baking food in the kiln, playing in the water, to setting up traps—there’s never a dull moment, and the day seems to fly by.
For this reason, Lin has not actively promoted the park to the public. However, if you’d like to visit this hidden mountain gem, feel free to connect through the business information on Google Maps → [Click here].
