The Wu Xiu Bamboo Charcoal Kiln Culture Park [武岫竹炭窯文化園區] is located in Lugu Township [鹿谷鄉] in Nantou County [南投縣], a short drive from the Xiaobantian Visitor’s Center [小半天旅遊中心].

To make bamboo charcoal, Wu Xiu uses high temperature carbonization techniques in a traditional kiln. Bamboo charcoal is highly porous and acts as a filter absorbing and decomposing noxious chemicals such as sulfide, nitride, methanol, and benzene. It can also be used to regulate humidity, purify air and water, remove odors, and promote blood circulation.

During the charcoal production, the bamboo is fired at a high temperature. Moisture in the material is extracted and the inner cell wall forms a porous structure. Because of this porous structure, when a small slice of bamboo charcoal comes into contact with air or water is behaves a mini-purifier.

It is environmentally friendly and can be reused by drying it in the sun.

The area’s gift shop sells everything involving bamboo, here Cathy poses with some bamboo ice cream:

After the kilns we were back on the road to find lunch, we found a small restaurant serving my favorites, Tea-Leaves Chicken [茶葉燒雞]:

And of course, Bamboo Rice [竹筒飯]: