Is traveling to tribal villages the only way to truly experience Taiwan? Come be a “tribal” traveler!

▲The event kicked off with the sounds of indigenous shouts and drums. (Photo by intern reporter Liu Ni, the same below)

Intern Reporter Liu Ni / Taipei Reporting

The “Welcome to Be a Tribal Blogger — Tribal Tourism Marketing Event,” jointly organized by the Council of Indigenous Peoples and the Tourism Bureau, opened on December 26th at Warehouse No. 5 of Taipei’s Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, amid the drumbeats and shouts of indigenous performers. The event featured indigenous song and dance performances, tribal cuisine, and handicraft displays. Many members of the public came to sample the food and enjoy the performances, creating a lively atmosphere.

▲Indigenous people interact with Taiwan’s mascot, the black bear.

Taiwan’s indigenous villages are spread across famous scenic areas such as Alishan, Sun Moon Lake, and Taroko, offering a uniquely Taiwanese experience.Lin Chiang-yi, Chairman of the Council of Indigenous Peoples, pointed out that the number of mainland tourists visiting Taiwan is astonishing. By promoting tribal tourism, he hopes to spark greater interest among mainland visitors in Taiwan’s indigenous villages, encouraging them not only to stay in five-star hotels but also to experience homestays and the simple, authentic charm of indigenous culture.

“I think coming to Taiwan without visiting tribal villages is like not coming to Taiwan at all!” said Tourism Bureau Director-General Xie Weijun with a smile. Unlike typical sightseeing, tribal tourism emphasizes in-depth experiences, allowing visitors to truly engage with indigenous communities and immerse themselves in their way of life—such as appreciating indigenous artwork and trying DIY handicrafts. During his own visit, he spent as long as an hour at just one site. Xie also noted that each tribal village in Taiwan has its own distinct character, so visitors won’t feel like “every spot is the same,” and they might even want to “come back again and again.”

Xie emphasized that tribal tourism should not disrupt the lives of indigenous people, with visitor group sizes limited to 10–20 people per tour, and more transportation routes to be added in the future.

▲Tourism Bureau Director-General Xie Weijun (center), and indigenous lawmaker Kao Chin-su-mei (right) taste indigenous cuisine.

Hualien“Treehouse at Carp Lake”Restaurant manager Pan Liangyu is handing out grilled indigenous-style salted pork. He said that indigenous tribal cuisine tastes even better when enjoyed on-site, and he hopes that as promotion continues, transportation to tribal villages will become more convenient, making it easier for food lovers to visit.