The lakeside trail brings you up close to Heaven-Gazing Lake — Xiangtian Lake

Text & Photography / Chiang Ming-li

Nanzhuang Township is the primary settlement of the indigenous Saisiyat people. Located in Donghe Village, Xiangtian Lake is their sacred site and the venue for their important tribal festival, the Pas-ta’ai (Ritual of the Short People). The festival is held every two years as a minor ceremony and every ten years as a major one. These events, known for their solemnity, grandeur, and a touch of mystery, have now become a significant tourist attraction. The most recent festival will take place in 2012, around the 15th day of the 10th lunar month, lasting approximately three nights and four days. It is one of the most direct ways to learn about Saisiyat culture.

At an altitude of over 700 meters, Xiangtian Lake is also a great spot for a leisurely stroll. Nanzhuang Township has developed a beautiful lakeside trail here. It takes about 50 minutes to walk the full loop, and you can start from either the left or right side of the cedar forest path next to the parking lot — both directions are convenient. The Saisiyat Folklore Museum next to the parking lot is closed on Mondays but open other days. Inside, you can find displays of traditional Saisiyat clothing, daily utensils, musical instruments, and more. On the first floor of the museum, there is a lakeside café where you can relax. Sitting at a lakeside café and admiring the view is an absolutely delightful experience.

Entering from the wooden boardwalk on the right side of the museum brings you even closer to the lake. After crossing the arched wooden bridge, you’ll see homestays that have opened near Xiangtian Lake, their white buildings and open-air coffee seating areas attracting many visitors. Walking slowly along the paths near the homestays, you’ll find the vast lake scenery beautiful in all kinds of weather. Along the trail, you can also admire rows of bitter tea trees. The small white flowers that bloom from September to November add splashes of color to the landscape, and you can also purchase locally made bitter tea oil from residents.