Travel with your instincts in tow—immerse yourself in Taitung through a multi-sensory journey!

Article & Photography by Li Xinyi

This travel destination of Taitung, though far from the city and requiring quite some time to reach from various places, is also distant from the hustle and bustle. In Taitung, you’ll find more of nature’s pristine landscapes and serene rural scenery. As summer draws to an end, why not take one of the last few weekends for a trip to Taitung? Instead of rushing through a packed itinerary, try engaging your innate senses—witness the wondrous forces behind the earth’s mountain-building, taste the go-to snacks of Paiwan hunters, breathe in the fragrance of rice fields across the countryside, listen to the angelic voices of Indigenous performers, and gently touch Taitung’s restored coastline, where the sea nurtures a vibrant array of life, and where the harmony between people and the land evokes deep emotion.

1. Auditory Experience: Listen to Nature’s Music with Indigenous Bands

Gageh Band

The Indigenous people have no written language, so a large part of their cultural heritage has been passed down through songs. Fortunately, Indigenous people love singing and many are blessed with natural vocal talent. The Gageh Band is based at the Amis Folk Center under the Eastern Taiwan Scenic Area Administration. “Gageh” refers to a type of bamboo bell, which was traditionally used by the Amis people to announce good news. The Amis society is matrilineal; when a man marries into a woman’s family, unmarried girls from the bride’s side would beat the ground with bamboo sticks to spread the joyful news. Neighbors hearing the sound would join in, letting the entire tribe know a celebration was underway. The Gageh Band was formed to continue traditional Amis culture and also to rediscover ancient instruments developed by the Amis people, as recounted by tribal elders.

In Taitung’s great outdoors, sit on a bamboo-built stage and listen to ethereal music that tells the stories of the Amis people. With less of the commercial vibe found in mainstream performances, you can enjoy a simple and authentic Indigenous show. Don’t assume the Gageh Band only performs in this small venue—they also play at the National Concert Hall. At the Eastern Taiwan Scenic Area Administration’s Amis Folk Center, most band members are children from local tribes. The band believes the best way to preserve tribal heritage is through youth participation. Performing also helps these children gain valuable skills and build self-confidence.

Address: No. 25, Xincun Road, Xinyi Village, Chenggong Township, Taitung County (Amis Folk Center, Eastern Taiwan Scenic Area Administration)

Performance Hours: Daily performances on the hour from 10:00 to 17:00

Fee: Free; visitors may make donations or purchase handicrafts to support the band.

Iron Flower Village

Lovers of modern music in the city will enjoy Iron Flower Village in downtown Taitung. Designed by local artists with the concepts of “iron” and “flower,” the space makes extensive use of scrap metal. Here you’ll find decorations made from discarded fans or scrap iron, such as the iconic Iron Flower Gate—which, don’t be fooled, actually has strings that can play beautiful melodies!

On Saturdays and Sundays afternoons, Iron Flower Village hosts outdoor grassy performances featuring Indigenous children. From Wednesday to Saturday evenings from 20:00 to 22:00, live singers take the stage. With a minimum spend of just NT$100, you can soak in Taitung’s laid-back nightlife.

Address: No. 26, Lane 135, Xinxing Road, Taitung City

Basic Consumption: NT$100

2. Visual Experience: Skydiving Thrills at Luye Gaotai

Luye Gaotai is located in Longtian Village, Luye Township, Taitung County. Thanks to its unique geographical environment, it has long been a renowned paragliding spot in Taitung. From April to October each year, you can watch skilled paragliders soaring above the Huatung Valley, with rows of farmland stretching out beneath their feet—a truly thrilling experience!

To try paragliding, you’ll need to register in advance with the Taitung County Soaring Sports Association. But even if you’re not up for flying, visitors love coming here for photos and sightseeing. From Luye Gaotai, you can see the boundary where the Philippine Sea Plate meets the Eurasian Plate, offering insight into how tectonic forces collide and uplift to create spectacular landforms.