The beauty of Taiwan’s mountains and forests has always been world-renowned, and the Raknus Selu Trail spans over 200km, covering Taiwanese cities of Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Miaoli and Taichung. In this final episode, Chris Stowers shares his experience as a photographer to capture the beauty of the trail’s natural wonders and learn deeper insights on the wide variety of flora and fauna, including a man named Mr Lizard. While Danny Wen Shi Kai voices out his surprise at discovering new aspects of the Hakka trail, despite having grown up along it.
The Secrets of Raknus Selu Trail chronicles the Hakka trail of Taiwan’s most iconic exports that is also a cultural and industrial link to the world, such as the “Chorus Road”, which is Taiwan’s longest national-level natural trial and carries the glorious history of Taiwan’s “Tea Tycoon”. In this episode, Chris Stowers and Danny Wen Shi Kai share their Hakka food adventures as they explore the Raknus Selu Trail. From discovering a tea named after Queen Elizabeth II, to savoring authentic Hakka dish made with Abacus seeds, including a traditional dish with Tofu stuffed in everything and anything edible. Joining them is Radio DJ Andrew Zhan (Singapore’s UFM100.3).
The 300-year-old Raknus Selu Trail in Taiwan has been stitched together from old trails, farming roads, and narrow hiking paths where these ancient trails have witnessed the historical bond between the Hakka and aboriginal people. The Raknus Selu Trail's name originates from raknus, which means "camphor tree" in Atayal and Saisiyat, and Selu, which means "small path" in Hakka. In this episode, Chris Stowers and Danny Wen Shi Kai share the mysteries they unearth on this historic trail brimming with immense cultural and historical knowledge at every bend and turn.
Welcome to the Secrets of the Raknus Selu Trail Podcast. Hosted by Chris Stowers and Danny Wen Shi Kai. The Raknus Selu Trail is Taiwan’s very first long-distance trail network of more than 400 kilometres in length and our hosts will take us on their journey through its vibrant and dense foliage, revealing their behind-the-scenes experiences to uncover intricate customs and stories of the Hakka heritage while filming the documentary. Along for the ride is a curious guest, Radio DJ Joseph Lin (Taiwan’s ICRT FM100).
Introducing Secrets of the Raknus Selu Trail, a four-part podcast series, hosted by British photographer, Chris Stowers, and award-winning Taiwanese food and travel writer, Danny Wen Shi-Kai, including special guests, Radio DJ Andrew Zhan (Singapore’s UFM100.3) and Radio DJ Joseph Lin (Taiwan’s ICRT FM100).
Episode 1 will feature The Journey as the duo share their experiences behind the scenes of production and what they learnt in their journey. For episode 2, the podcast will cover the Hakka history and culture with Danny sharing stories about his childhood. Episode 3 will cover food, including some popular Hakka cuisines, while episode 4 will explore the interesting flora and fauna found on the trail.
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