The Taiwan Indigenous Peoples Cultural Park in Machia Township of Pingtung is a large area in southern Taiwan that has traditional aboriginal villages, museums, exhibitions, live performances, artwork, and indigenous cuisine, as well as amazing mountain scenery. If Taiwan's biggest tourism draw is indigenous culture, then this place is a must stop on your trip to Taiwan.
Background: Taiwan Indigenous peoples have inhabited Taiwan for over 10,000 years. After Chinese and Japanese colonialism, they were pushed back mainly to the mountains. There are currently 16 officially recognized tribes, and a population of over 500,000 people, making about 2.5% of Taiwan's population. The Taiwan Indigenous Peoples Cultural Park was established in 1987, and is 82.65 hectares. It includes museums, live shows, and shops showcasing Taiwan Indigenous culture. The park is located in Machia Township of Pingtung, and is nearby Sandimen, a township also know for its indigenous culture. How to Get There: Bus: From Pingtung you can take bus 8232, 8337, or 8233 toward Sandimen but it is about a 20 minute walk from the bus stop. By Car/scooter: From Pingtung City, take provincial highway 24 toward Sandimen and then turn on to Fengjing Lane. There is parking in front of the entrance. Price: 150 NT per person Hours: 8:30 AM to 5 PM, closed Mondays. Map: Please see below:
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Checheng Zhenan Temple is an important place for Taiwanese fold religion and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Checheng Township of Pingtung. It is dedicated to Guanyu, a deified military general from the Eastern Han Dynasty of China. It is the most prominent landmark on highway 199 from Taitung to Pingtung.
Historical Background: Settlements in Checheng date back to the Kingdom of Tungming, when it was originally called Chaicheng or "firewood city." During the Qing Dynasty the name was changed to Checheng or "cart city." The earliest recorded temple on this site dates back to 1897, with renovations later in 1915 and 1984. The temple is dedicated to Guanyu, a deified military general from the Eastern Han Dynasty of China. He is known as the Guan Holy Emperor. The temple also has deities of Mazu, Jigong, and the Lords of the Three Mountains. Overall this temple can be considered a Taiwan folk religion or Taoist temple. The temple features two parts, one normal looking two storey temple, and another four storey temple with a giant statue of Guanyu on top. Hours: 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM (open late so you can see it with lights) Price: 50 NT per person. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: You can either take the 199 from Taitung or provincial highway 26 south and then turn left on highway 199. IT is hard to miss because it is the highest building around surrounded by farmland. By Bus: From Hengchun, take bus 201 to Nandahai Road, after which the temple is only a six minute walk. Map: Please see below: |
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November 2023
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