臺灣植物採集史上，蓪草是最早被採到的植物之一，新竹五峰及尖石一帶生長最多。臺灣的蓪草產業自18世紀開始，直到日治時期步入高度商品化的顛峰，蓪草製品是當時的重要出口品，但在塑膠製品興起後，需求量日益滑落，至今被大多數人遺忘。隨著各國對文化資產保存觀念及環保永續意識的興起，傳統工藝且天然無毒的蓪草產業更顯獨特珍貴，但老藝師已逐漸凋零，生長棲地亦幾乎破壞殆盡，傳承復育的工作刻不容緩。 研究發現在新竹五峰鄉花園村推動蓪草重生具有帶動社區生態旅遊之可行性。社區為了保存蓪草基因多樣性，已成立「臺灣蓪草標本園」，並規劃生態旅遊，顯示居民對蓪草產業重生積極的渴望。村內的花園國小已在校內開闢復育區，作為學生學習在地產業的資源。整體而言，本研究利用蓪草的文化價值，凝聚花園村居民向心力，共同推動蓪草產業的重生，以實際案例來探討發展地方特色產業之操作。 Tong Cao（Tetrapanax papyriferum）plant is one of the earliest plants collection in Taiwan, and most of it grew near Wufen and Jianshih in Hsinchu in the past. Tong Cao industry began in 18th century and during the period of Japanese Occupation（1895～1945）, Tong Cao’s production reached its peak and the products of Tong Cao became an important export item. However, due to the rise of plastic products being used, the Tong Cao business dropped off dramatically and it has now been forgotten by most of the people. In order to preserve this unique handicraft and carry on the natural product, we have to pass down our cultural heritage without delay. The purpose of this study intends to work with local people from cultural values as a starting point for promoting the Tong Cao revival at Hwa Yuan Village, Wufeng Township, Hsinchu. First of all, we make interviews with relevant people and discuss to get good ideas to promote the Tong Cao revival and also encourage the local people to plan and develop five sites for planting the Tong Cao plant in order to draw the people’s memory. Respondents from the interviews are positive and encouraging. Meanwhile it should also be seriously considered to incorporate with other supporting measures so as to avoid the embarrassing pit where cultivation of Tong Cao revives and yet no one will purchase it or its products. The overall planning of the five areas in the Hwa Yuan Village, is aimed to attract more artists and tourists. In order to preserve genetic diversity of Tong Cao, Hwa Yuan village and Elementary School have set up a "Taiwan Tong Cao specimen garden" as the student learning sites. The study found that the promotion of the Tong-Cao revival in Hwa Yuan Village, leading an eco-tourism is feasibility.
