Haiduan Township is located in the northwestern part of Taitung County, nestled between the Central Mountain Range and the Huadong Valley. It features magnificent mountain scenery and rich Bunun culture. About 95% of the population is Indigenous, mainly Bunun people, who have preserved traditional lifestyles and rituals. The Bunun Cultural Museum in Haiduan showcases various crafts and artifacts, offering an in-depth look into Bunun heritage. Attractions such as Wulu Hot Spring, Liukou Hot Spring, Jiana Waterfall, and Hongshi Lookout Point highlight the area’s stunning natural charm.
(Photo credit: @ben_chiu_2001)
Between Mountain Paths: Bunun Migration and Memory
At the meeting point of high mountains and the rift valley, Haiduan is more than a geographical boundary; it represents a pathway of migration and cultural continuity. The Bunun people expanded outward from the heart of the Central Mountain Range, following mountain trails and water sources to establish their settlements. Hunting, farming, and ancestral beliefs became intertwined in their daily existence, shaping a distinct rhythm of life.
(Photo credit: @pianodanzon)
During the Japanese colonial period, the implementation of Aboriginal Control Policies led to the forced relocation and reorganization of many communities. Following World War II, the development of transportation routes brought shifts in education and industry. Amid these transitions, the Bunun people continued to adapt, ensuring their culture endured through the changing eras.
(Photo credit: @pianodanzon)
For the people of Haiduan, the mountains are not merely a living environment but a vessel of collective memory. Ancestral stories, hunting wisdom, and the chants of rituals continue to resonate within the community. In recent years, younger generations have reconnected with their roots through cultural initiatives and local engagement, giving their heritage a living voice in the present.
A journey into Haiduan reveals more than the contours of the landscape; it offers a glimpse into a culture that remains resolutely on the move.
