Taiwan Tourist Shuttle: A Taste of "Authentic" Nanzhuang

Text & Photography / Chiang Ming-li

The movie *Seediq Bale* gave the public a vivid glimpse into the history of indigenous resistance against Japanese rule many years ago, sparking a trend in indigenous-themed travel. Among the routes of the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle, the Shishan-Nanzhuang line includes several stops related to indigenous villages, such as the Baguali Tribe in Nanzhuang, Shenxian Valley Waterfall, and Luchang. Visitors can not only enjoy traditional Saisiyat Pas-ta’ai dance performances but also visit sacred ancestral sites of the Atayal people, and savor delicious indigenous cuisine, fully immersing themselves in a vibrant indigenous cultural experience.

The Saisiyat Pas-ta’ai Festival Unveiled at Baguali Tribe

The Saisiyat Pas-ta’ai Festival isn’t something you can see every day, but traditional performances and dances can be experienced on weekends or by making group reservations. The Baguali Tribe in Penglai Village, Nanzhuang, is home to the Saisiyat Cultural and Arts Promotion Association, where members introduce the rich history of the Saisiyat people through traditional culture and song-and-dance performances.

The Saisiyat people have a patrilineal society where men are expected to hunt and women to weave. To preserve their tribal heritage, Saisiyat children start learning their native language from a young age and become familiar with the essence of their culture through songs and dances. When visitors come to Baguali Tribe, the arts promotion association arranges three dance performances, including the hunting dance and weaving dance, and of course, the distinctive hip bells of the Pas-ta’ai Festival make an appearance, giving everyone a basic understanding of the festival’s rituals and process. The highlight of watching the performance is getting to join in the fun with the performers—visitors are led in dancing alongside the indigenous friends, enjoying the joy brought by the rhythm of the music.

DATA

Chien Pan-san-mei, Saisiyat Cultural and Arts Promotion Association, Miaoli County

Transportation: Take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Xianshan Line and get off at the Baguali Tribe stop

Address: No. 91, Lane 7, Penglai Village, Nanzhuang Township, Miaoli County

Phone: 037-821-226, 0956-100-560