What is the best place to experience aboriginal culture in southern Taiwan? I’ve actually been there!

Hello everyone. I’m @olivertomolife and I’ve studied abroad in Kaohsiung!




Did you know that there are about 16 aboriginal groups living in different parts of Taiwan?




I’ve been interested in Taiwan’s aboriginal people for a long time.




I’ve always been interested in Taiwan’s aboriginal people, so my friends and I went there for a sightseeing trip!




Here is a description of what the place is like.

I have been on a working holiday in Kaohsiung for one year since February 2020. I am currently writing a blog based on that experience.




By reading this article, you’ll learn about Taiwan’s aboriginals!

History of Taiwan’s Aboriginal People

Taiwan’s aborigines are an ethnic group that has lived in Taiwan since before the 17th century, when immigrants from mainland China arrived.




Originally, they lived on the plains, but as the number of immigrants increased, it is said that they moved to the mountains to live.




As a result, many aboriginal people live near mountains.




In the 2000s, a state-run television station for aboriginal people was opened.




Personally, I think it is wonderful that the Taiwanese government is trying to preserve aboriginal culture.




In fact, there are aboriginal people in Japan, but their numbers are steadily decreasing.




I think the Japanese government should take positive action to protect them.

What are the Paiwan people?

The Paiwan are the third largest aboriginal people in Taiwan, with 70,000 people living there.




They also cultivate crops, and taro is a popular crop.




The current president of Taiwan, Tsai Ying-wen, is also a descendant of the Paiwan.

Experience the Paiwan culture at Sandimen

We came to a place called Sandimen, about a 30-minute drive from Kaohsiung City!




This area is mountainous and forested with a lot of nature left behind, so it is a great place to experience Taiwanese culture.




It is also a popular tourist destination for Taiwanese people, and many of the aborigines work in restaurants and sell folk crafts.




It’s also a place with clean air, so if you’re ever in southern Taiwan, you’ve got to go!

Traditional cuisine of the Haiwan people

It was lunchtime and we were getting hungry, so we decided to try some traditional aboriginal food!




We went to a Paiwan restaurant called 答給発力美食坊.




The restaurant had a traditional design inside, which was refreshing.

It’s also a beautiful place with a beautiful view outside!

They recommended the lunch set, so we ordered it.




And here’s the dish we ordered!

The lunch with beef and vegetable dishes was $520 Taiwan dollars.




The beef dish, the most famous one, was delicious even for a first timer.




The other dishes also offer new textures and flavors for you to enjoy!




The soup, on the other hand, seemed almost tasteless…




Why don’t you give it a try?

Refreshment at Liangshan Waterfall

We had some time to kill after lunch, so we decided to go see the waterfall!




It’s summer, so we can expect to see water from the falls this time!




We decided to go to the same place as last time, Liangshan Waterfall.




It takes 30 minutes on foot from the entrance to the main waterfall.




It’s a bit tiring at first because of the slope, but you’ll get used to it!




Then we arrived at the biggest waterfall!

We were satisfied with the spectacular view of the waterfall.




I recommend you to wear something comfortable for exercise!




The article about the last time I went is below.

Summary

This is a summary of the aboriginal culture of southern Taiwan!




Please stay tuned for more information on Taiwan in the future.




Thank you for reading to the end!