Step into the homeland from Sun Moon Lake and become part of the tribal family

Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration launches tribal experience holidays — join hands with Sun Moon Lake and become a member of the tribe!(Photo by Liao Zhihuang)

Within the jurisdiction of the Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration, there are tribes of the Thao and Bunun peoples. To promote in-depth tourism experiences for both domestic and international visitors, they have introduced tribal experience holidays for the first time. With the theme “Become a Member of the Tribe,” this travel model takes you to Tankan, Shuanglong, Dili, and Ita Thao villages to befriend the locals.

Chen Zhixian, Deputy Director of the Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration, said that the tribal experience holidays aim to develop a unique, branded, and high-visibility tribal tourism industry. Visitors are encouraged to contribute to the tribes through immersive experiences, transforming their trips from one-way sightseeing into mutual giving and cultural exchange. The initiative also promotes the local culture, lifestyle, cuisine, and entertainment of the tribes to people both at home and abroad.

In addition to the ongoing tourism promotion efforts by the scenic area administration, the Thao Cultural Development Association of Yuchi Township is actively integrating tribal collaboration mechanisms to showcase traditional Thao weaving craftsmanship and preserve tribal heritage. Craft artist Quan Defu from the Dili Tribe drew inspiration from the Bunun legend of the moon’s promise, using driftwood and recycled plastic bottles to create “sadu buan seeing the moon.”

Emerging craft artist Fan Chengzong learned bamboo weaving techniques from Thao elders, incorporating concepts of land art into his creative process. He led visitors in co-creating a new work titled “Ita Thao Reed House.” Through indigenous international ambassador Luo Xuerou, the culture of Sun Moon Lake’s tribes is being introduced to the global stage.

Chen Zhixian stated that the scenic area administration will focus on three main goals for the experience holidays: “sustainable ecology, tribal culture, and active reciprocity.” These goals will steer tourism and leisure activities toward ecotourism and environmental volunteering. Meanwhile, they will continue to support and guide neighboring indigenous tribes to enhance their tourism quality.

By promoting tourism, income for tribal members can be increased, while visitors can experience traditional tribal life, learn about ecology, craftsmanship, and wisdom for harmonious coexistence with nature. Indigenous tribal tourism, where cultural charm meets natural landscapes, represents a new approach to sustainable development.