Feature Articles
The indigenous Bunun Gufeng Community is located in Zhuoxi Township, the southernmost indigenous township in Hualien County. This community is well known for its efforts to preserve Pasibutbut, a traditional polyphonic chant that surprised many music theory scholars when it was heard outside of Taiwan for the first time more than half a century ago. Pasibutbut refers to prayer for a bountiful millet harvest, sung during the millet planting ceremony to entertain the tribal deities and make them happy so that they will bless the new crop. This was one of the first communities in this township to promote Pasibutbut and its associated traditions in an effort to build up indigenous creative and cultural industries and sustainable tourism.
In the summer, the rolling green hills of Liushidan Mountain in Fuli Township of Hualien County come alive in color with the blooming of bright orange daylilies. As you may imagine, during the harvest season, this mountain becomes crowded with tourists seeking photo opportunities of this annual exhibition of Mother Nature, the artist. But, the colorful daylilies are not the only reason to visit this mountain. There is an amazing community of indigenous people here who have insisted on preserving their traditions.
Arriving in Taoyuan Village, located in Yanping Township of Taitung County, pride in the rich history and culture of the indigenous Bunun tribe can quickly be seen and felt. All around this community are explanatory panels with descriptions of various aspects of Bunun culture. Outside a guesthouse is a wood carving of a traditional Bunun calendar, decorated with traditional symbols for various annual hunting and millet cultivation activities.
The "Best Pacific Coast Biking Tours" have been developed as part of the Taiwan Cycling Festival by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau's East Coast National Scenic Area Administration (ECNSAA). The purpose is to promote cycling and cultural tourism in a sustainable manner to the beautiful, natural coastal areas of Hualien and Taitung counties.
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.