How to get to the Pas-ta’ai Festival? Miaoli Bus operates 24/7 non-stop services

▲ The biennial Pas-ta’ai Festival will take place this weekend. (Photo / from Wikipedia)

Tourism Center / Taipei Report

The biennial Pas-ta’ai Festival is set to grandly kick off at Xiangtian Lake in Miaoli at the end of November this year. Local bus operators have specially arranged continuous 24-hour services (one-way fare NT$100) from noon on November 30 until the early hours of December 3 for this edition of the festival, enabling the public to participate in the lively biennial Pas-ta’ai Festival and witness the mysterious and solemn rituals of the Saisiyat people.

The Pas-ta’ai Festival is the most important ceremony of the Saisiyat people, also known as the Bassa ceremony. The ritual begins in the evening at the festival site in Xiangtian Lake, Miaoli. In the past, due to transportation limitations, it was difficult to participate in this grand traditional event. To coincide with the biennial Pas-ta’ai Festival, Taiwan Tourist Shuttle has launched a special ticket package. The Nanzhuang Line, Xianshan Line, and Xiangtian Lake Line 199 package (original price NT$199) is now available at a discounted price of NT$99, allowing you to visit attractions such as Nanzhuang, Xianshan, and Xiangtian Lake.

Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Nanzhuang Line, Xianshan Line, and Xiangtian Lake Line — for the first time in collaboration with the Pas-ta’ai Festival, Miaoli County Government will hold a “Guided Tour: Discover Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Nanzhuang” bloggers’ meet-up at the plaza in front of the Nanzhuang Visitor Center (also known as Nanzhuang Old Street) from 15:30 to 17:00 on December 1. In addition to giving each attendee a limited-edition 2013 “Beautiful Mountains and Clear Waters” diary, attendees can also enjoy an exclusive preview of the traditional dance performance by the Saisiyat people from the “GaGaOaan Cultural Tribe.”

Additionally, there will be a lucky draw activity, and six well-known travel influencers including A-Guii Yung-Yung and Hai Shui Ge Ge will be invited to share their experiences of traveling via Taiwan Tourist Shuttle. Topics will include the delicacies of Nanzhuang Old Street, the mysterious charm of the Saisiyat people at Xiangtian Lake, and other appealing destinations. Those who wish to experience a fulfilling day trip can win the first prize of a travel souvenir. The first 100 fans to register can also receive an additional “Discovering Nanzhuang, Taiwan” hand-drawn bandana. Visitors can take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle to Nanzhuang to attend the bloggers’ meet-up, then head to Xiangtian Lake to join the Pas-ta’ai Festival. For on-site ticket information, please contact Lion Travel service centers.