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Luanshan Forest Culture Museum - A Tribal Village Cultural Experience

Learn about and regain the relationship between man and nature at the Forest Culture Museum. If you decide to stay overnight, you'll experience a traditional way of life without electricity. The local community calls it the 'Learning from the Wordless Civilization and Electricity-free Knowledge' tribal program. There are no fences, walls, structures, or electricity-powered facilities in the tribe, making it a proper natural forest museum. “The wider your heart, the bigger the Forest Cultural Museum”, as museum curator Aliman always says. “There are no doors to the forest museum, the door is hidden in the people’s hearts!” Anyone with a heart to protect the land can enter the museum’s doors.

The Luanshan Forest Cultural Museum is located in the forest north of the Sazasa Tribe in Taitung County’s Yanping Township.
The Luan Mountain Forest Cultural Museum is situated in the pristine forest above the Sazasa Tribe in Yanping Township, Taitung County. It boasts the most well-preserved mixed banyan and Chinese parasol tree forest, serving as the very heart of the Bunun indigenous community. In times past, corporations have sought to invest in this mountainous terrain, aiming to construct a columbarium and develop the land. Aliman, in order to prevent the ancestral land from vanishing, secured loans from banks and borrowed funds from relatives and friends to preserve the land. He firmly believes that by persisting in doing what is right, the land must be safeguarded. He hopes to bring back the original culture and knowledge of the indigenous people through the tribe's way of thinking. Besides saving the last piece of untouched forest with banyan trees in Taiwan, it's also a place to preserve ancient wisdom about the forest for people. At the same time, he wants to use this land for spiritual healing, learning, and education. That's why it's called the "Forest Cultural Museum."

The Forest Cultural Museum isn't a fixed tourist spot; it offers a multi-faceted experience that delves directly into the heart of the forest. Led by indigenous guides, it is Taiwan's only museum where one can immerse themselves in indigenous life. Admission is by reservation only, and one must make a reservation on the official website at least three days in advance. Two experiential journeys are offered: "Half-day Morning without Meals" and "Full-day with Meals." Both options include visits to the "Walking Tree" family, where you'll hear intriguing tales from the Luanshan Tribe. You'll gain insight into how the Bunun people, originally dwelling in the high-altitude Central Mountain Range, migrated to the lower-altitude Coastal Mountain Range. You'll learn how they successfully adapted, interpreted new ecological focal points, and rediscovered a friendly, balanced relationship between people and the forest.

From the observation deck of the Forest Museum, one can take in the picturesque landscapes of the East Rift Valley, Highland, Chulu Ranch, and Xiaohuang Mountain. It offers a panoramic view of the breathtaking seven-tiered Beinan River steps. Additionally, the site provides insights into the environmental layout of the Forest Museum, the interior setup of Bunun houses, a concise overview of the historical evolution and current status of the Sazasa Luanshan Tribe, and explanations of environmental and ethical norms, as well as lifestyle ethics. Furthermore, there are exciting Bunun tribal welcome ceremonies, featuring freshly grilled Bunun-style charcoal-barbecued meat, the Hunter's sports drink, and a chance to savor the unique millet wine.

Visit the special Forest Museum, the journey starts with a simple ceremony to honor the spirits of the land. Then, guests are guided through an exploration of the precious cultural heritage of the Bunun tribe within the forest. This includes how the traditional Bunun people cleverly used forest resources for everyday needs like storing food and keeping things safe. This effort supports the idea of not leaving any marks in the forest, encouraging eco-friendly tourism, and offering a natural forest spa experience. Additionally, it's a place where you can bring back childhood memories of climbing trees, swinging from branches, and enjoying nature.

By joining the day trip, you'll have the chance to savor the forest flavors of the Bunun tribe, especially the mouth-watering mountain boar dishes cooked over an open fire. Additionally, you'll get to experience traditional wood-fired cooking and enjoy dishes made from locally sourced wild vegetables, as well as the comforting taste of mom's old-fashioned recipes. After a satisfying meal, you can also join in the traditional fun of making mochi together.

At the end of the activity, you'll have the opportunity to participate in a tree-planting experience. This embodies the forest conservation concept of the day trip - protecting the forest and sustaining our planet. Every visitor gets to leave a mark of hope by planting a small sapling before departing. It's a collective action to safeguard and preserve the forest. You can also take a photo with your tree, creating a shared memory and moment to cherish.

The Forest Cultural Museum isn't just a tourist spot, nor does it follow the typical model of B&Bs or farms. It was established under the Original Village Rebuilding Cultural and Educational Foundation. Through a mechanism of mutual benefit and prosperity for the tribe, it systematically safeguards the precious banyan trees. Additionally, it establishes the Forest Cultural Museum as an interactive platform for environmental education, cultural reconstruction, inter-ethnic exchange, tribal study tours, wilderness contemplation, and ecological experiences. We welcome everyone to come and immerse themselves in the experience that activates all five senses, to wholeheartedly feel the natural tribute. Let's work together to contribute our efforts for this land.

  • Address: No. 21 Luanshan Rd., Luanshan Village, Yanping Township, Taitung County
    Phone number: 0911-154806

  • Phone number: 0911-154806

  • Hours of Operation: 09:00-14:00

    • Traffic Directions: Take public transportation from the New Taitung Station to the Luye Train Station, and finish the trip via a taxi ride.
    • Bus info: Bus 8117  to Zhongye bus stop