Formerly known as “Palangwei,” Dawu Township is a traditional territory of the Paiwan people. Historically, it served as a key passage between the east and west, and is now a mid-point on the South Link Railway. Due to its strategic location, it is often referred to as the “gateway to Taitung.” Dawu is home to a diverse population, blending Indigenous, Minnan, Hakka, and new immigrant cultures. Nestled between mountains and sea, it sits where the Kuroshio current meets Taiwan’s east coast upwelling, giving it abundant marine resources, notably largehead hairtail and mahi-mahi. The township’s main industries are agriculture and fisheries. Scenic spots such as Jinlong Lake, the Dawu Forest Trail, and the local fishing port showcase the harmonious coexistence of nature and culture.
(Photo Credit: @david_huang_taitung)
