Taitung Harvest Festival “10 Tribal Micro-Tours” – An In-Depth Experience of Indigenous Culture

▲ Besides its beautiful mountains and waters, Taitung also offers a rich indigenous cultural experience. (Photo / Taitung County Tourism Website)

Tourism Center / Taipei Report

Every July and August is the time for indigenous harvest festivals.Taitung County Government launched the tribal harvest micro-tour “Enjoy Life – Tribal Style Travel in Taitung” starting July 1, and has planned 10 tribal micro-tour routes.These routes incorporate local tribes such as Luanshan, Dalumake, Sabuyu, Dulan, Dulii, Jin’, Jialan, Lalaulan, Xinhua, and Shishan.They offer in-depth cultural experiences designed to bring visitors closer to the indigenous tribes of Taitung.

The Aboriginal Affairs Division of the county government pointed out that Taitung is home to seven indigenous ethnic groups, each with diverse and rich cultural heritage. Among them, the annual summer period is when the Paiwan people hold their Harvest Festival and the Amis people celebrate the Harvest Festival. To attract visitors to Taitung and encourage participation in these tribal celebrations, the county government has introduced the Taitung Tribal Harvest Micro-Tours. With the upcoming festivals, the initiative aims to ride the wave of enthusiasm for indigenous celebrations, boost tribal tourism, and enhance the tourism industry potential of indigenous communities.

County Magistrate Huang Jian-Ting stated that he always admires the spirit of tribal members who return home to preserve their traditional culture, but also expressed some concern. Due to limited job opportunities in Taitung, many young people have to leave their hometowns. In recent years, while several businesses have invested and set up shops in Taitung, many employers report difficulties in finding local staff. During one job matchmaking event, the employment service center offered over 900 positions, but only around 500 people attended to apply. He hopes that all townships, villages, and tribes will assist the county government in promoting job opportunities and encouraging tribal members to return home for work.