A Grand Gathering of Unique Tribes: “Face Tattooing & Traditional Attire” to Be an Indigenous Person for a Day

▲ The Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and the Council of Indigenous Peoples host the “Welcome to Be a Tribe Blogger” event to promote Taiwan’s indigenous tribal tourism. A child at the event tries on traditional Tsou attire. (Photo / Reporter Chen Zi-Yin)

Reported by Chen Zi-Yin / Taipei

You can experience indigenous life even in downtown Taipei. Today (26th), a lively tribal event took place at the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park in Taipei. Jointly organized by the Council of Indigenous Peoples and the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the event “Welcome to Be a Tribe Blogger, Welcome to Visit the Tribes” gathered for the first time featured tribes from all six major scenic area management centers across Taiwan, showcasing the diverse cultures of Taiwan’s indigenous peoples. In addition to handicraft workshops and food displays, visitors could also try on traditional Tsou and Atayal costumes and apply face tattoo designs to experience a day as an indigenous person in Taiwan.


▲ Besides traditional costume experiences, the Shei-Pa National Scenic Area Administration also prepared tattoo stickers for visitors to try the Atayal tradition of “facial tattooing.” (Photo / Reporter Chen Zi-Yin)


▲ Indigenous people display handicrafts that highlight their tribal characteristics. The photo shows Tourism Bureau Director-General Xie Wei-Jun (center) and Council of Indigenous Peoples Legislator Kao Chin-su-mei (right). (Photo / Reporter Chen Zi-Yin)

This weekend’s three-day “Welcome to Be a Tribe Blogger” event brings together tribes from six major scenic area management centers in Taiwan with indigenous populations, including the East Coast National Scenic Area Administration, Huatung Valley National Scenic Area Administration, Alishan National Scenic Area Administration, Maolin National Scenic Area Administration, Shei-Pa National Scenic Area Administration, and Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration. The event features DIY workshops such as driftwood sheep crafts from the Beisi-Li’an Tribe in Taitung, coconut leaf weaving from the Shueilian Tribe, Amis tree bark crafts, and Bunun millet charm pendants. Alongside a friendly competition showcasing each tribe’s unique strengths, visitors had a fantastic time.

Tourism Bureau Director-General Xie Wei-Jun stated that in promoting in-depth tribal tourism, the Tourism Bureau adheres to four key principles: preserving the original tribal way of life, respecting traditional indigenous culture, regulating tourist behavior, and ensuring benefits return to the tribes. He emphasized that tribal tourism should be small-scale and high-quality, requiring advance reservations and tribal consent. Xie further explained that each indigenous tribe has its own cultural identity. The Tourism Bureau actively supports tribes interested in tourism development in areas such as guided tours, music and dance performances, handicrafts, catering, and accommodation. Indigenous tourism is not about mass tourism but rather small-group, immersive experiences, and independent travelers are encouraged to book in advance.

[Event Info]
Welcome to Be a Tribe Blogger
Event Dates:
December 26 (Fri) 14:00–20:00
December 27 (Sat) 14:00–21:00
December 28 (Sun) 14:00–18:00
Event Venue:
Warehouse No. 5, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park (No. 133, Guangfu S. Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei City)