The Taiwu Paiwan Tribe is a Paiwan settlement in the mountains of Taiwu Township, Pingtung, relocated in 1961 from an old mountain village to its present site at Taiwu Village due to poor transportation access — creating a landscape where old stone-slab house ruins and the current settlement coexist. The community continues millet cultivation and traditional ceremonies, and the "Taiwu Ancient Chant Chorus" of Taiwu Elementary School holds an important place in the preservation of Taiwan's indigenous music.
The old Taiwu settlement was originally located on the right bank of Laiyi Creek, south of Dawu Mountain. In 1961, due to poor transportation, the government coordinated a relocation to the present site at Taiwu Village. In 2009, Typhoon Morakot severely damaged the mountainous areas of Pingtung, and part of the community relocated again to a permanent housing site in Wanluan Township; upon completion in 2011, it was officially named "Taiwu (Ulaljuc) Tribe." The Taiwu Ancient Chant Chorus at Taiwu Elementary School was founded in 2006, led by instructor Camake Valaule (1979–2021), and has released multiple albums with Golden Melody Award recognition.
Highlights of the Taiwu Paiwan Tribe
During the Japanese colonial period, the Governor-General's Office implemented a mountain relocation policy, requiring the Paiwan people of the Taiwu area to move downhill, which led to the abandonment of the old settlement. However, some community members chose to return to the original site, creating the unusual phenomenon of a dual settlement. The stone-slab walls of the old village still stand among the trees; the weathered slate grain records the living spaces that existed before the relocation.
The new village maintains the core elements of Paiwan traditional culture. The annual millet harvest festival follows ancient customs, and song transmission continues. The 'Taiwu Ancient Chant Chorus' at Taiwu Elementary School holds an important place in the preservation of Taiwan's indigenous music. When visiting the tribe, you must contact the tribal office in advance to confirm whether outside visitors are welcome and to follow tribal etiquette.
How to Make the Most of It
Practical Information
Getting There & Timing
- Mountain roads require a private vehicle. Enter via Provincial Highway 24 and then the township mountain road — the road is narrow with many bends; do not go at night or in rainy weather.
- No direct public transport. Some tour operators offer half-day indigenous culture tours departing from Pingtung — this is worth considering.
- Tribes typically turn away outside visitors during ceremonies. Confirm before you go to show respect.
Nearby Connections
- Majia Farm and the Taiwan Indigenous Peoples Cultural Park are in neighboring townships; they can be combined into a one-day Pingtung mountain indigenous culture itinerary.
- Sandimen Township's Paiwan pottery studios are about 30 minutes from Taiwu Township, offering a different form of indigenous craft.
Sources: Taiwu Township Office; Council of Indigenous Peoples Cultural Foundation information; facts provided by context. Photos pending Dio's on-site photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Taiwu Paiwan Tribe relocate?
The community moved from its old mountain village to the present site at Taiwu Village in 1961 due to poor transportation; after Typhoon Morakot in 2009, part of the community relocated again to a permanent housing site in Wanluan Township.
What does "Ulaljuc" refer to?
Ulaljuc is the official tribal name adopted in 2011 upon completion of the permanent housing site in Wanluan Township, marking the community's reconstruction after Typhoon Morakot.
What is the Taiwu Ancient Chant Chorus?
It is a Paiwan ancient-chant choir formed by students of Taiwu Elementary School, founded in 2006 and led by the late instructor Camake Valaule (1979–2021), with multiple albums released and Golden Melody Award recognition.
Sources
- 臺灣原住民族事典 - Ulaljuc泰武（吾拉魯滋）部落 — 原住民族委員會官方事典，1961年與2009年兩次遷村沿革
- 泰武古謠傳唱 - 維基百科 — 合唱團成立年份、指導老師與獲獎紀錄
- 查馬克·法拉屋樂 - 維基百科 — 指導老師生卒年與羅馬拼音