Toushe Basin is located in Toushe Village, southeast of Sun Moon Lake, and is one of Taiwan’s most unique agricultural areas. Due to its distinct geological conditions, traditional construction is impossible here, preserving the area’s pristine rural landscape. The land's soft, bouncy movement when stepped on gives it the name “Living Basin”, and it is home to a rare peat soil basin formation found in only a few places worldwide.
Although early settlers in Toushe did not struggle with irrigation thanks to the naturally water-rich environment, farming here was extremely challenging. The peatland soil was too soft to support large animals, causing oxen to sink into the marshy fields, making plowing impossible without human labor. To overcome this, local farmers transported soil from the mountains using ox carts during the off-season, layering it over the marshland to create more stable farmland. Over time, this process resulted in a unique phenomenon where the upper layer consists of solid soil, while the lower layer remains waterlogged, allowing cultivation on what was once a bog.
Today, Toushe Village is known for its abundant production of rice and vegetables, with loofahs being the primary crop. Visitors can immerse themselves in the charm of traditional rural life and personally experience the fascinating sensation of "dancing soil" beneath their feet.
