Xinyi Bunun Cultural Center is a Bunun cultural exhibition hall in Xinyi Township, Nantou County — the township with the highest concentration of Bunun population in the county — displaying traditional clothing, hunting tools, and farming implements, and holding regular demonstrations of traditional songs and rituals. The Bunun "Prayer for Millet Harvest" chant, popularly known as the eight-part harmony (pasibutbut), was historically recorded on March 25, 1943 by Japanese musicologist Kurosawa Takatomo in Haiduan Township, Taitung County — not in Xinyi — and gained international fame after being submitted to a UNESCO-affiliated folk music body in 1952; the Xinyi center today serves as Nantou's local gateway to this culture.
The Bunun "Prayer for Millet Harvest" chant, popularly known as the eight-part harmony (pasibutbut), was recorded on March 25, 1943 by Japanese musicologist Kurosawa Takatomo in what is now Haiduan Township, Taitung County — not in Xinyi Township, Nantou. It was sent to a UNESCO-affiliated folk music organization in 1952, which brought it international fame. Xinyi Township, however, has the highest concentration of Bunun population in Nantou County, and its Cultural Center regularly holds demonstrations of traditional songs and ceremonies for visitors.
Highlights of Xinyi Bunun Cultural Center
Xinyi Township encompasses a wide expanse of mountain territory, and Bunun communities have farmed and hunted on both sides of the Central Mountain Range for generations, developing a cultural system deeply connected to the forest ecosystem. The traditional artifacts in the Cultural Center's collection span hunting tools, millet farming implements, and hand-woven textiles. The display's context extends from everyday objects to ritual ceremonies, presenting a complete picture of Bunun culture.
The Bunun eight-part polyphonic chant was recorded by a Japanese scholar in 1943 and subsequently introduced to the international ethnomusicological community, where it was regarded as a miraculous discovery in the history of world music. This ritual song, which uses complex harmonic structures to pray for a millet harvest, is still sung in communities today. If you have the chance to hear a live performance demonstration at the Cultural Center during your visit, it will be an experience unlike anything else on a Nantou itinerary. Check the event schedule in advance.
Making the most of your visit
Practical information
Getting there and time needed
- The township seat is along Highway 16. Drive from Shuili along Highway 16 to enter; mountain roads can be cut off during typhoon season or heavy rain — check road conditions before departure.
- Allow 1 to 1.5 hours; extend the stay if cultural activities are scheduled. The route toward Yuli via Highway 30 from Xinyi is long — plan to make Xinyi the endpoint for the day and return from there.
Nearby connections
- Heading east from Xinyi leads into the Malibang Mountain and Danda mountain areas, which are starting points for deep mountain hikes in Taiwan. A wilderness entry permit is required — check the process in advance.
- Returning west along Highway 16 toward Shuili connects to Jiji Township and Sun Moon Lake, forming a one- or two-day southern Nantou itinerary.
Source: compiled from context data; some information supplemented from public sources. Please respect tribal culture and etiquette when visiting Bunun communities and cultural events. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Bunun eight-part harmony first recorded?
On March 25, 1943, by Japanese musicologist Kurosawa Takatomo, and it gained international fame after being submitted to a UNESCO-affiliated body in 1952.
Was the historic recording made in Xinyi Township?
No — the historic recording was made in Haiduan Township, Taitung County; Xinyi's Cultural Center is Nantou's local site for experiencing Bunun culture and chant demonstrations.
Why is Xinyi Township significant for Bunun culture?
It has the highest concentration of Bunun population in Nantou County, and its Cultural Center holds a collection of traditional clothing, hunting tools, and farming implements.
Sources
- 八部合音 - 維基百科 — 1943年錄音地點（台東海端鄉）與國際傳播歷程