Luye Township is situated in central Taitung County, in the southern section of the East Rift Valley. It borders Guanshan Township to the north, Haiduan Township to the northwest, Donghe Township to the east, and Yanping Township to the west and south.
Luye Township is primarily an agricultural region, with most residents engaged in farming. Its main crops include tea leaves and pineapples. Every year, from July to August, the Luye Highland hosts the Taiwan International Balloon Festival, attracting many visitors who come to experience the unique thrill of hot air balloon rides.
(Photo credit: @a_tainan2002)
Rediscovering the Rhythm of the Land by Taking Life Slow
Luye, meaning “a plain populated by deer,” has witnessed waves of migration by various groups since the late Qing Dynasty. Indigenous Amis communities, Plains Indigenous peoples, and, later, Japanese settlers all left their marks, forming agricultural industries such as sugarcane and coffee. Historical features including Japanese-style street layouts and irrigation canals have survived to the present. After World War II, retired military personnel from mainland China also settled here, further enriching Luye’s cultural diversity.
(Photo credit: @backpackerdog_hostel)
(Photo credit: @kltw2016)
Today, Luye is known for its Cittaslow lifestyle, emphasizing organic agriculture, community revitalization, and cultural preservation. From the restored Japanese-era shrines and the Luye Hakka Fabric Lantern Workshop to the Taiwan International Balloon Festival and paragliding activities, Luye weaves tradition and innovation into a tapestry of the vitality and aesthetics of rural life. Whether cycling through tea fields, savoring Indigenous cuisine, or spending a few quiet hours in the local library, Luye invites visitors to slow down and enjoy a sustainable and livable cultural community.
