[Tourist Attractions]No need to fly to Japan!A white torii gate at the southernmost border

Phew!So pure and spotless.

Continuing from the New Year’s holiday family trip last time, (which was basically just a traffic jam adventure — we didn’t do anything else, this was the one and only sightseeing spot), Sister Xi continues her exploration of the beautiful imagery in her heart at the southernmost tip of the country. And this scenic wonder is located in Gaoshu Tribe, Mudan Township, Pingtung. Why embark on such a journey? Actually, Sister Xi was drawn in by a news story she came across some time ago!

In fact, because of this incident, a shrine was built here at that time, and this shrine was actually the first post-war shrine in Taiwan dedicated to the worship of a deity.

Let’s get back to what exactly was in that news story that lured Sister Xi all the way here? It’s the “Gaoshu Shrine” mentioned earlier. It had been abandoned for quite some time, with only the stone foundation remaining, but because the shrine holds significant meaning for the people of Gaoshu Tribe, therefore...

Yes!It was that very piece of news that deeply moved Sister Xi, and she was determined to make the trip in person to see the “Gaoshu Shrine” with her own eyes!It’s just that this trip is really quite far!

Gaoshu Tribe is located in Mudan Township, Pingtung. It is home to the Gaoshifoshan indigenous people (Paiwan tribe) who have lived there for generations. To get there, you first enter Mudan Township from Checheng, Pingtung, pass by Mudan Reservoir, then turn right and drive along County Road 172 for about 10.8 kilometers — roughly a half-hour drive — until you reach the fork in the road up ahead. Then turn left onto Gaoshofu Road, and before long you’ll arrive at the Yemudan Shrine Park.

It’s this very Gaoshofu Road right in front of you;just keep driving upwards and you’ll reach the Yemudan Shrine Park.

There are rows of permanent modular homes painted with indigenous totems here. You can park your car along the roadside, and then you can head straight up the stairs to the Yemudan Shrine Park.

If anyone is interested in visiting, you can use the navigation destination “No. 29, Gaoshofu, Gaoshi Village, Mudan Township, Pingtung County,” and that should bring you here.

So exciting!The Yemudan Shrine Park is located just up those stairs. Thinking about soon seeing the “Gaoshu Shrine,” the Japanese-style torii gate, and that incredibly vast seascape, Sister Xi was absolutely thrilled at that moment!No exaggeration, she was practically taking the stairs two at a time, charging straight up!(But do be careful going up and down the stairs!)

After climbing the stairs, what comes into view is the location of the “Gaoshu Shrine” and the Japanese torii gate. Finally… it’s time to come face to face with that pure white torii gate.

Huh…?There’s an observation deck next to the park. Alright!Let’s climb up to the observation deck first and see what kind of beautiful scenery unfolds before our eyes!

Once you climb up to the observation deck, you can gaze out at Bayaowan at the foot of the mountain, as well as Dawu Rock Mountain in Kenting National Park, and the rebuilt Gaoshofu permanent residences standing tall between the hillsides. Mmm, the view is truly delightful!

So this is the amazing vantage point you get when you look down from the observation deck!

Actually, the “Gaoshu Shrine” was reconstructed with models funded by donations from Japan, and the local tribal people also hope to attract tourists through sightseeing, encouraging them to stay and enjoy the surrounding mountain mist views. Yes!Gazing out at the beautiful scenery of the Hengchun Peninsula in the distance truly moves any traveler!

Fortunately, the main structure of the “Gaoshu Shrine” only suffered minor damage, and the overall framework remains intact.

But honestly, the wind up on the hillside is really strong. Sister Xi can hardly imagine how the shrine managed to withstand the typhoon.

Back in 1874, the tragic “Mudan Incident” took place in Mudan Township. It happened when shipwrecked Ryukyuan (Japanese) sailors drifted ashore here and were tragically killed after mistakenly entering indigenous territory. As a result, Japan dispatched troops to attack the various indigenous tribes in southern Taiwan, leading to heavy casualties and prompting the Qing court to start paying serious attention to the Hengchun Peninsula and the mountainous inland regions of Taiwan. (Source: internet)

During the Japanese colonial period, Japan constructed many Japanese-style buildings in Mudan Township. Among them, the original “Gaoshu Shrine” built in 1939 was largely destroyed in the war, leaving only the cement foundation. The new “Gaoshu Shrine” and torii gate were reconstructed in recent years with donations raised by Japanese civilians, with the help of Keiichi Sato to restore them on the original site. On August 10, 2015, the “Gaoshu Shrine” was first rebuilt and completed, and then on May 5, 2016, the pure white torii gate was erected.

And in the distance is the Gaoshofu permanent residence. This area was rebuilt with funds raised by the Taiwan World Vision after the devastating impact of Typhoon Morakot on the original residential areas.

And this torii gate and shrine standing on the hillside — if Sister Xi didn’t specifically mention it, wouldn’t you really think you had traveled to Japan?

The “Gaoshu Mini Shrine” was brought to life by Keiichi Sato, a Shinto priest, who in 2014 (103 in the Japanese calendar) met with Gaoshu Village Chief Li Defu and others in Japan while dealing with the NHK “Human Zoo” incident that had damaged the reputation of Taiwan’s indigenous people. Upon learning about the local villagers’ efforts to preserve the old shrine ruins, Sato was deeply moved by the friendly relations between Taiwanese and Japanese civilians, as well as the gratitude shown by the Taiwanese people to the Japanese following the 311 earthquake. He then fully committed to donating 3 million yen for the transoceanic shrine reconstruction and overseeing the subsequent construction of the torii gate and other structures. (Source: internet)

But putting aside the brutal history of war, the rebuilding of friendly relations between China and Japan allows us to witness the beauty of peace here today, which makes us in the later generations feel truly fortunate!

Shh… let’s keep it between us:don’t assume that this white torii gate in front of you is huge. Just visit in person and you’ll see that it’s actually quite small!

Sister Xi absolutely loves the great weather of southern Taiwan — blue skies and white clouds make for perfect photos, and against the white torii gate, it gives off an immaculately pure and comforting vibe.

So exciting!Today I’ll simply share this wonderful attraction with everyone. If you ever get the chance to visit Mudan Township, why not take a little detour to Gaoshu Tribe?There are indelible historical relics and natural scenery waiting for you to experience in person!

And the “Gaoshu Shrine” is by no means a symbol glorifying the Japanese. Gaoshu Tribe has never forgotten its history. The current Gaoshu Mini Shrine represents the tribe and Japanese civilians coming to terms with their complicated past, and stands as a symbol of resolving conflict and building friendship.

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