New Highlight in Muzha Travel: Take a Bus into the Mountains to Visit the "U-Theatre"

▲ Teacher Huang Chih-chun guides participants in a meditative drumming session.

Reporter: Li Tzu-yi / Interview & Photography

A collaborative effort between the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and the Taiwan Good Foundation, the Northern International Light Spots Project has organized shuttle buses to connect various light spot locations. In addition to the existing weekly Wednesday route from “Taiwan Good, Store” to “Shi Yang Shan Fang,”this year a new direct route from “Taiwan Good, Store” to the Muzha “U-Theatre” has been added, offering a half-day “Mountain Visit with the U-People” experience. Launching in March, the bus will depart on the third Friday of each month, inviting the public to experience a moment of peace within Taipei.

▲ The shuttle bus connects the “Taiwan Good, Store” locations in Zhongshan and Datong, Xizhi’s “Shi Yang Shan Fang,” and Muzha’s “U-Theatre,” blending art, cultural creativity, and tea culture to offer participants a rich taste of traditional Chinese culture.

The half-day “Mountain Visit with the U-People” experience begins with boarding the shuttle bus at “Taiwan Good, Store.” As the bus ascends from the foothills, passengers are treated to beautiful scenery along the way, including some cherry blossoms beginning to bloom. Passengers disembark before the “Path of the U-People” and follow their guide, who rings a bell as they walk slowly. This short 500-meter mountain path invites participants to calm their minds and breathe with the forest — placing their hearts into their steps, which is known as “cloud-walking.”

▲ The short 500-meter Path of the U-People has been trodden by the U-People for 27 years.

Arriving at the U-Theatre’s mountaintop performance space, which blends seamlessly with the forest — its architecture harmonizes perfectly with the trees, creating no sense of discord — this is where the U-People meditate, practice martial arts, and play drums.“Learn to meditate first, then we teach drumming” is the U-People’s philosophy. Only through true inner stillness can one experience the power of focus and simplicity. Through sitting meditation, the body and mind relax completely. Practicing martial arts, drumming, listening to the sounds of insects, birds, wind, and rain — interacting with the earth and conversing with your own body — you may feel as if you’re getting to know yourself anew.

▲ The U-Theatre’s mountaintop performance venue blends naturally into the forest.

▲ To try drumming, one must first achieve stillness through meditation.

Heading upstairs leads to another space, where colorful dyed fabrics hang from the ceiling — orange, red, blue — creating a vibrant atmosphere. Here, participants enjoy locally made Muzha tea snacks and sip tea while watching the sunset and mountain views slowly fade. Far from the noise and bustle, this quiet corner offers a moment of peace. Participants receive a wish card from the U-People, write down their hopes, and then walk a few meters outside to hang them on the wish pavilion — praying for peace and smoothness for the year ahead. The experience concludes with a powerful drum performance by Music Director Huang Chih-chun, bringing the half-day session to a memorable close.

▲ Orange and red fabrics hang from the ceiling, highlighting the humble charm of the U-Theatre’s mountain venue.

▲ Enjoy authentic Muzha tea treats on the second floor, paired with tea, while listening to the wind and rain.

Starting in March, the shuttle bus will depart from “Taiwan Good, Store” to the “U-Theatre” on the third Friday of each month. Tickets can be booked online, with the half-day experience costing NT$1,500 per person. At first glance, the price may seem steep, but when considering the value of an international-caliber artistic experience, it becomes more reasonable — especially given how rare it is to find a moment of peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle in Taipei. For more information about the Northern International Light Spots shuttle bus program, please contact:Taiwan Good FoundationPhone: 02-2523-4080.

Light Spot Services and Prices

U-Theatre

Shuttle Bus Half-Day Experience Camp: NT$1,500 per person

Zen Drum Camp:
Half-Day: NT$2,800 per person
Full-Day: NT$5,000 per person
Overnight & Day: NT$8,000 per person
Two Nights & Two Days: NT$12,000 per person(Minimum 15 participants required)

Environmental Theater Performance:
Performance Piece: “Sword of the Brave” (60 minutes), NT$2,000 per person (minimum 100 participants required for arrangement)

Other Information

Taiwan Good, Shop
Address: No. 18-2, Lane 25, Nanjing West Road, Datong District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2558-2616

U-Theatre Mountain Theater
Address: No. 156-1, Section 2, Muxin Road, Wenshan District, Taipei City (Performance Room 36), then transferred to the mountain theater by U-Theatre.
Phone: 02-2938-8188
All U-Theatre activities require advance reservation