Land Blessed by its Ancestors- Lijia Tribal Village Cultural Experience

On any stroll through the Lijia Community, you’ll find century-old Bishop Wood and Banyan trees all around. The trees are big and strong and provide a platform for many epiphytes to live on, forming a mini ecosystem. Legends tell that when the Japanese people came to Lijia Village, they built police stations, schools, and other community buildings. They planted the trees to create a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing space. The elders of the village say that in the early days when Lijia would battle other villages, the trees became a natural watch post where guards could alert the villagers the moment anything out of the ordinary happened. The trees also represent memories shared between the villagers and have been part of the people’s lives for over a century.

Lijia Elementary School has over 100 years of history. Lijia was used as a military, education, and administration center during the Japanese Occupation Period. The lovely environment and rich forestation made it a source of the people’s emotional support and comfort. The forest of plum blossoms behind the school welcomes a season of full bloom each year. The dancing petals in the air are beautiful beyond description. The Likavung-Feast of Plum Blossom Concert has been held once a year since 1999, inviting famous musicians from around Taiwan and the world. The concert also provides the opportunity for the residents of Lika Village to enjoy top-quality musical performances. Many classical music fans have also come to Lijia Elementary School for this unique and special concert, raising the fame and recognition of Lijia Elementary School. The concert has already become an important musical event that takes place each spring in Taitung, further elevating the cultural and humanistic atmosphere of Lijia Village.

The Ligavon trail is over 32km and runs through Beinan Township in Taitung. The trail is an old hunting trail and also the Tamalakao tribe’s hunting and farming land. The trail boasts rich natural and cultural aspects where visitors can find traces of the predecessors’ wisdom and history. After some renovation by the Taitung Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, the trail has become one of the main ecotourism destinations and a new popular hiking trail in Taitung.

The Ligavon Trail travels through complicated terrain, much of the environment is misty and foggy, nurturing a diverse and complete ecosystem. If you visit in the late spring during the firefly season, visitors will be surrounded by a glowing magical forest. Enjoy the refreshing phytoncides as you read the many display boards around the trail so that you can gain plenty of knowledge about the land while fully enjoying nature. There are also a variety of aboriginal culture and food activities that you can participate in, including archery, traditional arts, hunting, and unique tribal feasts.