The True Spirit of the Seediq Village—Chunyang Tribe

Text by Wei Ruyu, compiled and reported | Source: Monocle Editorial Department

Along Provincial Highway 14, on the way from Wushe to Lushan, you’ll pass through a warm and welcoming indigenous village. This is the Seediq community known as the “Chunyang Tribe,” originally from the Pingjing Tribe, who relocated here during the Wushe Incident under Japanese rule.

The Seediq people have a strong sense of cultural identity. Men learn hunting from a young age, while women master intricate weaving techniques, which are distinctive traits of the tribe. In early spring, cherry blossom trees bloom vibrantly across the village, creating an absolutely breathtaking sight.

The Yunlong Bridge is a well-known historical landmark here. Its former name was the “Sike Iron Wire Bridge.” During the Wushe Incident, Mona Rudao led his people to retreat here and cut the suspension bridge. After the recovery of Taiwan, the bridge was rebuilt and named after Long Yun, a Yunnanese anti-Japanese general. However, as this general later sided with the Communists, the Nationalist government reversed the name to Yunlong Bridge.

There is also the “Auntie Zhang’s Workshop” here, one of the tribe’s leading figures in weaving, often invited to exhibitions. She creates a wide range of woven items such as women’s bags, clothing, and mobile phone cases. Her handiwork is exquisite, with bold use of color. The pieces not only follow traditional Seediq color schemes but also feature original designs and accessory pairings that she has developed herself.

Nearby, there is also the Lubie Homestay & Workshop. The female owner, Lubie Nabu, is a Seediq weaving instructor. Next to her residence is a workshop displaying her weaving tools, and on the walls hang her competition-winning works. She can tell the stories behind every pattern and color combination. She even preserves a 200-year-old woven piece passed down from her mother, a treasured keepsake that reflects both her deep care and her longing for her mother.

In spring, when everyone is busy enjoying the cherry blossoms, why not take the time to get to know and understand the culture of the Seediq people? These historically meaningful people, events, artifacts, and places—opened to the world through the window of the movie *Seediq Bale*—deserve lasting attention and appreciation. Step beyond the film and rediscover the timeless human warmth in everyday life.

Auntie Zhang’s Workshop

Address: No. 27, Yongle Lane, Chunyang Village, Ren’ai Township, Nantou County

Phone: 049-280-2323

Lubie Homestay & Workshop

Address: No. 72, Humen Lane, Chunyang Village, Ren’ai Township, Nantou County

Phone: 049-280-1392

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