[Reported by Tan Jie and Zhao Qitao from Yilan]
Uncover the millennia-old secrets of the earth beneath your feet! The 2026 Yilan Green Expo will be held from March 28th to May 10th at the Wulaokeng Scenic Area in Su'ao. This year's most anticipated highlight is the drama "The Fantastic Journey of the Soil Kingdom," created by the local Yilan youth team "Shi Dong Productions." With "soil cultivation" as its core theme, it blends K-pop rhythms with steampunk aesthetics, leading the audience on an underground adventure that transcends science and imagination.
The story begins with "Tomo," a boy who loves nature. During his journey, he discovers that the seemingly ordinary soil beneath his feet has actually taken hundreds, even thousands of years to form, through weathering, rain, and sun exposure. Soil is not just inorganic sand and gravel, but a living, breathing "skin" of the earth. To awaken the sleeping guardian of the earth, "Great Rock Beast," Tomo embarks on a fantastical journey to collect three gems of knowledge, leading the audience to rediscover the precious value of the land.
This play is produced by the "Shih-Tung Productions Theatre Troupe," which was founded in 2021 and has been selected as an outstanding arts and cultural troupe in Yilan County. Director Shen Che-Hung has long been deeply involved in local creations, interpreting the stories of the land through the body language and voice of the people of Yilan. He makes the stage not only a performance venue, but also a medium for intertwining emotions and memories, evoking a deep connection between people and the land.
"The Fantastic Journey of the Soil Kingdom" blends music, dance, and drama, featuring a brisk rhythm and distinctive style. It combines entertainment with environmental education, making it suitable for families to enjoy together. The performances will be held daily at 10:30 AM and 2:00 PM on the Dream Stage during the exhibition period, inviting people from all over Taiwan to visit the Green Expo, join children in exploring the underground world, unraveling the mysteries of "yellow carbon," and rethinking the relationship between humans and the land.
In addition, to give back to the local community, Yilan County Acting Magistrate Lin Mao-sheng announced that the Green Expo will begin trial operation on March 27 (Friday). Yilan County residents will be allowed free admission from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on that day, and the public is invited to be among the first to experience the exhibition areas and exciting activities, and to welcome the official opening of the Green Expo together.