Situated on the eastern slopes of the Central Mountain Range, Jinfeng Township is known for its vibrant Indigenous heritage and rich tribal cultures. The Paiwan and Rukai peoples revere the hundred-pace viper as a guardian spirit, giving Jinfeng the nickname “Land of the Hundred-Pacer.” Every November, the blooming roselle becomes the township’s most iconic crop, celebrated through seasonal markets and traditional cultural events. Visitors can enjoy roselle preserves and tea while experiencing the local way of life. The township also features fine Indigenous crafts and pottery, representing generations of artistry and cultural pride, making Jinfeng a mountain community where nature and tradition flourish together.
(Photo Credit: @bkklkkya)
Flowing Memories Within the Valley
The cultural tapestry of Jinfeng is woven from the migration histories of tribal villages such as Jialan, Rulakes Tribe, Binmao, Xinxing, and Zhengxing. In earlier times, some residents lived in more remote mountain areas such as Bilu, Jinhuang, and Jieda. Over time, as living conditions and social environments changed, they gradually relocated to the settlements seen today. This movement from the high mountains to present day locations reflects not only a shift in living geography, but also how a predominantly Paiwan community, together with Rukai and other Indigenous groups, rebuilt social structures and daily rhythms across different periods.
(Photo credit: Taitung County Government)
(Photo credit: Taitung County Government)
Stretching along the eastern foothills of Mount Dawu, Jinfeng preserves a deep connection to its pristine forests. The wild hot springs found around Jinhuang, Bilu, and the wider Jinfeng area were once familiar natural landscapes, reflecting a way of life intertwined with mountain valleys and alpine springs. Near Rulakes Tribe, ancient Bishop Wood trees and banyan groves still stand like silent guardians, witnessing the enduring bond between the community and nature. In Jinfeng, culture is not limited to rituals or craftsmanship. It is also embedded in the history of relocation, ancestral place names, and the ways in which generations have lived in harmony with the land.
