Lohkah Isle at Qi Shang Banyan House | Fun, Photogenic, and Full of New Year's Flavor.
Chirping and chattering, murmuring and muttering
In the courtyard of the Banyan House,
Under the banyan tree, by the pond, at the treetops...
It is said that birds are sentient, preferring quiet over noise, sensing safety and danger. There are fewer birds nesting in the city compared to the old districts, but on Gulangyu Island, it is a major destination for birds to build nests and settle down. There are many bird nests on Gulangyu Island, with swallow nests being the most numerous.
What visitors don't see is the birds' secret garden. The West-facing Swallowtail Ecological Park, with its lush greenery, often attracts migratory birds for a stopover. Guests who have visited the Banyan House joked that the natural morning alarm clock is the 'friends' chirping and chattering, murmuring and muttering in the courtyard.
'Gulangyu Encyclopedia' Swallow Nest Edition
Across from No. 169 Neicuo'ao, there is an 'old house' of a swallow, built by a pair of swallows about 10 years ago. This excited Mr. Huang and his family. At that time, the swallow nest was only supported by an electric wire, and Mr. Huang, worried about its stability, specially installed a support bracket underneath. He also laid newspapers under the nest daily to clean up bird droppings and often hid in the shadows to record the scenes of the swallow parents feeding their babies.
However, in 2005, the swallow family encountered a sad event. The swallow couple had three more chicks, and children living nearby came to raid the nest, catching the chicks, which led to their subsequent death. The swallow parents returned and mourned ceaselessly before finally leaving for good. Mr. Huang waited for many years, but his wish was never fulfilled.
Until two years ago, Mr. Huang took an interest in cleaning the nest again and found a half-smoked cigarette butt inside. He thought, perhaps the swallows didn't return because of the cigarette butt? To his excitement, in the spring of 2012, the swallow couple indeed came back!
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Lohkah Isle at Qi Shang Banyan House on Gulangyu Island, a key protected historical building, is a century-old mansion surrounded by four banyan trees, built in 1920. Drawing nourishment from time, it awaits old and new friends, gathering and returning home for the New Year.
From New Year's Eve to the fifth day, each day combines traditional culture,
Fun, photogenic, and full of New Year's flavor!
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29th | Enchanting Dust
New Year's Eve | Big Surrounding Stove
1st Day | Lion Dance Greetings
2nd Day | 'Sweet' Day
3rd Day | Courtyard 'Lifting the Bar'
4th Day | Welcoming 'Deities' for Blessings
5th Day | 'Breaking the Fifth' to Start Work
*2.9-2.17 During the Spring Festival
Qi Shang Banyan House New Year's Flavor Experience Activities:
Lion Dance to Welcome Spring, Islander New Year Visits, Courtyard Stove Tea Brewing, Mahjong 'Lifting the Bar', Festival Handicrafts