Combining Off-the-Beaten-Path Working Holidays – The Bunun “Infant Ceremony” to Take Place on the 21st

Reported by Reporter You T-Ru / Comprehensive Report

Following the Bunun Ear-Shooting Festival comes the Bunun Infant Ceremony. Baoshanli will hold the Infant Ceremony on June 21 in the Erjitu Tribe (the site of the Baoshan Holiday Market). The event includes elders sharing the origins of the festival, the Infant Ceremony rituals, a chorus of ancient songs by hundreds, a special local cuisine feast, and traditional skills competitions (including weight-carrying, archery, sawing wood, and spinning tops). There will also be a volunteer and cultural experience activity titled “A Journey to the Hidden Bunun Land – alung Off-the-Beaten-Path Working Holiday.” The public is encouraged to take this opportunity to explore the mountains.


▲ Illustration of the Bunun Ear-Shooting Festival. (Photo / Provided)

The Taoyuan District Office stated that Baoshanli, located along the Tengzhi Forest Road, is set to launch a hands-on trail working holiday focusing on tribal culture and ecological experiences. The activities include a tour of the calla lily trail, indigenous traditional culture experiences, DIY workshops on indigenous crafts such as the qinghuangdi (a type of bamboo flute), a bonfire night chat under the stars, construction of handcrafted trails, and interactive celebrations featuring Bunun songs and indigenous dances. The event dates are: the first session on June 21–22, 2014 (Saturday and Sunday), and the second session on June 28–29, 2014 (Saturday and Sunday). This two-day, one-night weekend itinerary offers companionship from mountain mists at elevations over 1,200 meters, sweat-inducing hikes to wash away a week’s fatigue, plus Bunun cultural experiences — a rare and refreshing holiday escape.

The Kaohsiung City Government aims to invigorate tribal eco-cultural industries, hoping to offer visitors a brand-new experience of life in indigenous villages. Through these travel programs, visitors can gain deeper understanding of the area's unique features and cultural lifestyle, leading to appreciation, admiration, and even a sense of belonging. District Chief Chen Haiyun said that the Tengzhi Forest Baoshan area has currently planned six ecological trails: the Wild Tea Trail, the Bunun Gathering Trail, the Toujian Mountain Hiking Trail, the Oolong Tea Trail, the Calla Lily Trail, and the Old Ruins Trail. Each trail has its own charm, not only offering fresh air from nature but also breathtaking layers of green mountains, beautiful sea of clouds, and birdsong and insect chirps — making them must-visit summer retreats.