Xinyi Township has the highest concentration of Bunun population of any administrative district in Nantou County. The Bunun Cultural Center, located near the township office, displays traditional Bunun clothing, hunting tools, and agricultural implements. The Bunun are world-renowned in ethnomusicology for their pasibutbut — an eight-part polyphonic ceremonial chant. The center holds regular demonstrations of traditional songs and rituals, making it the most comprehensive local entry point in Nantou for understanding Bunun culture.
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.