By MOOK Travel & Living Chen Guanxin, compiled and reported
As summer approaches, people begin to long for the call of nature, the refreshing breeze, and the cool delight brought by crystal-clear streams. Starting today (the 11th), the New Taipei City Government has launched the “Wulai Fushan Leisure Tour” activity along with an online registration and payment mechanism. The itinerary emphasizes showcasing indigenous culture and local connections—such as through demonstrations by local guides where participants can DIY traditional tribal accessories, experience traditional ways of life, and taste local ingredients. The aim is for participants to gain firsthand insight into tribal culture and the beauty of the mountains. A total of 3,000 spots will be available for this program, at NT$699 per person.
Summer is the perfect season to escape into the mountains for a cool retreat. (Photo provided by New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau)
The New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau stated that this year’s “Wulai Fushan Leisure Tour” combines the ecological fish conservation trail along the Daluolan River in Wulai Fushan. Led by local tribal guides, participants can deeply experience the area’s rich ecological resources, making it a unique tour that blends tribal culture with natural ecology. The tour also features Huang Meiling, the former principal of Fushan Elementary School, who has dedicated half her life to the school. Inspired by Fushan’s beautiful mountains, waters, and climate—and feeling regret for the abandoned lands after tribal members moved away—she rented land from the tribe after retirement to grow vegetables and fruits. This initiative not only provides job opportunities for villagers but also uses profits from selling produce to support student scholarships.
The scenic beauty of small bridges and flowing streams offers complete relief from the summer heat. (Photo provided by New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau)
The itinerary will also pass by a church along the water channel. Reverend Lin Qingtai, who has stepped down from his role as “Monanu Ludao,” came to the Fushan Presbyterian Church. Prior to his arrival, the church had been without a pastor for many years, and its stone building had deteriorated over decades to the point of being unusable. Starting in 2014, the reverend initiated the renovation of the church building to provide the tribe with a more comfortable spiritual sanctuary. In addition, the water channel trail is a must-visit on this mini journey. Originally built to teach the Atayal people how to cultivate rice, the channel no longer sees paddy fields in the tribe, but the water still flows freely, nourishing the surrounding land. The rich nutrients have turned the area into a lively paradise for dragonflies, butterflies, frogs, and riparian plants.
During lunchtime, participants will enjoy a local flavor meal. Throughout the tour, travelers can try crafting their own unique bracelets using simple materials made from local plants (such as Job’s tears, acorns, and arrow bamboo) and decorative beads sourced from Fushan. Afterward, they will visit Fushan Elementary School, a small school closely tied to Atayal culture, and explore its Atayal Cultural Museum.
The murmuring stream and splashing mountain spring water sweep away the summer heat and restlessness. (Photo provided by New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau)
The Wulai Fushan Leisure Tour will offer 3,000 spots. Registration opens today (the 11th), with each spot costing NT$699. The fee includes guided tours, DIY experiences, meals, and insurance. The tour runs from May to October 2014 (Year 103 in Taiwan calendar), departing every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Only 18 spots are available per trip. For registration details, please visit the official “Wulai Fushan Leisure Tour” website.
● Summer Cooling Havens
Must-Visit This Summer: 5 Wild Stream Fish-Watching Trails in Taipei City
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