Most of the residents of WangXiang are members of the indigenous Bunun tribe. One of its unique characteristics is that it is the only indigenous village in Taiwan to boast views of Yushan, also known as Mt. Jade. At 3,952 meters, this is the tallest peak in Northeast Asia. Yushan is located in a national park of the same name, and permits are required to hike this mountain. For more information go online to www.ysnp.gov.tw

WangXiang is home to more than 20 ecotour guides, certified to take groups through Yushan National Park’s ecologically protected areas, and thus is one of the starting points for climbs to Yushan’s summit.
However, this itinerary includes a less physically taxing challenge along the village’s Hunters’ Trail. This six-kilometer landscaped trail was once used by the village’s hunters on their way deep into the mountains in search of game and offers great views of the entire village, and in good weather Yushan’s main peak.

Also explore a suspension bridge that wobbles as you walk along it high above a rushing river. But, rest assured, it is quite safe. In addition, the village has created murals depicting tribal legends, such as the origin of fire, which can be explained by local village guides. WangXiang is also making an effort to build up its handicrafts workshops, some of which are producing very traditional items such as musical instruments and bows and arrows, as well as headdresses and other ornaments worn during special ceremonies

Nighttime entertainment consists of a performance of traditional and contemporary dance, and a dinner of indigenous-style cuisine. Accommodation is provided in a guesthouse run by local residents, centered within a landscaped garden and overlooking the river below.

There is the opportunity to enjoy the hot springs of the nearby village of DongPu. Although this is also a Bunun village, many of the hot springs resorts have been operated under Han Chinese ownership and management.

However, the source of the hot springs is at the top of a steep hill, and although not as luxurious as the resorts below offers outdoor pools in cold, warm and hot, that are managed by indigenous residents. Nearby, there is a trail that leads to Rainbow Waterfall. WangXiang is part of XinYi Township, which is a major plum producing area. However, with Taiwan’s entry into the WTO, plums have been unable to compete in some of their traditional markets such as Japan. Thus, plum farmers needed to find a way to use up the excess fruit. It was decided to process them into liqueurs, and the XinYi Plum Winery opened in 2002. The winery, operated by the XinYi Township Farmers Association, produces a 12-proof plum liqueur, as well as stronger 40-proof combinations of plum liqueur and brandy or rice wine or millet wine. Packaging design was done in house and features cartoon figures dressed in Bunun traditional costumes to represent the cultural make-up of this township, in which half of the population is Bunun. These products can be purchased in the winery’s showroom and with advance reservation groups can tour the winery’s facilities. For more information, go online to www.hsinifa.com.tw

December is a good time to visit XinYi as this is when the hillsides are decorated in delicate white plum blossoms. In springtime, beginning in March, the plums are harvested and visitors can pick the ripe fruit and learn how to preserve it in special classes offered by the XinYi Winery.