Xiangtian Lake is a mountain lake in Donghe Village, Nanzhuang Township, Miaoli County, sitting at an elevation of 738 meters and serving as the central ceremonial ground of the Saisiyat paSta'ay ceremony. Held biennially, this ritual is among the largest and most fully preserved indigenous ceremonies in Taiwan, and a Saisiyat Cultural Exhibition Hall on the lakeshore lets visitors learn about the culture outside the ceremony period.
Xiangtian Lake sits at 738 meters elevation in Donghe Village, Nanzhuang Township, home to one of the largest surviving Saisiyat communities — roughly 20-plus households and about 200 people. The paSta'ay ceremony (also called Pas-ta'ai) is held around the 15th day of the tenth lunar month, with a minor ceremony every two years and a major one every ten years, lasting four days and three nights.
Highlights of Xiangtian Lake
Xiangtian Lake is a natural lake with a still surface, ringed by mountains and predominantly broadleaf forest — ecologically rich. The lakeside trail takes about 40 minutes to complete a loop; the terrain is gentle and suitable for visitors of general fitness. The Saisiyat Cultural Exhibition Hall on the lakeshore displays artifacts, clothing, and historical photographs related to the paSta'ay ceremony, with written explanations of tribal migration history and oral traditions.
The paSta'ay ceremony is held in even-numbered years during the tenth lunar month (around November in the Western calendar), with a minor ceremony every two years and a major ceremony every ten years. The all-night singing and dancing rituals take place over the course of the ceremony. During the ceremony, this is Saisiyat sacred ground; visitors who observe must respect tribal rules — do not take ceremonial offerings or photograph restricted areas. Please familiarize yourself with the prohibited practices before attending.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Timing
- By car: Follow signs from Nanzhuang Old Street toward Xiangtian Lake — about 20 minutes on winding mountain roads with limited width. Watch for oncoming traffic.
- Parking is available at the lakeshore entrance; during the ceremony, follow tribal guidance on parking locations.
- For Cultural Exhibition Hall opening hours, confirm with Nanzhuang Township Office or the Saisiyat cultural authority; the hall may be closed outside the ceremony period.
Nearby Connections
- Nanzhuang Old Street: about 20 minutes by car from the lake — can be combined into a half-day or full-day itinerary.
- Penglai Stream Fish Sanctuary Trail: a pleasant, cool stop on the way down from the mountain.
- Donghe Tribal Village: a Saisiyat community within Nanzhuang Township — can extend understanding of tribal life.
Source: Miaoli County Nanzhuang Township Office; Council of Indigenous Peoples documentation on the paSta'ay ceremony. For paSta'ay taboos and rules, refer to Saisiyat tribal official announcements. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Xiangtian Lake's elevation?
Xiangtian Lake sits at 738 meters in Donghe Village, Nanzhuang Township.
How often is the paSta'ay ceremony held?
A minor ceremony is held every two years and a major one every ten years, around the 15th day of the tenth lunar month, lasting four days and three nights.
Can visitors learn about Saisiyat culture outside the ceremony period?
Yes, the lakeshore Saisiyat Cultural Exhibition Hall displays paSta'ay artifacts and historical photographs and is open to visitors year-round.
Sources
- 向天湖-苗栗文化觀光旅遊網 — 海拔738公尺、聚落規模等官方描述