Nanwang Village (Puyuma Tribe) | Taitung Attraction

Nanwang Village is a Puyuma community within Taitung City. Known by its indigenous name "Puyuma," it was historically the paramount village among the eight Puyuma settlements. The Great Hunting Ritual and Mourning Removal Ceremony held each year from December through January are among the most important indigenous annual ceremonies in Taitung. They draw Puyuma people back to their home village and serve as an important window for outsiders to understand Puyuma culture.

Highlights of Nanwang Village

Nanwang Village is located in Nanwang Village, Taitung City, adjacent to Beinan Cultural Park, and is geographically connected to the prehistoric Beinan site — embodying the cultural continuity of the Puyuma people from prehistory to the present day. The village has indigenous language and cultural classrooms that promote the transmission of the Puyuma language and culture. Organizations such as the Puyuma Traditional Culture Association have long been active in the village, engaged in cultural documentation and education.

The Great Hunting Ritual (Monkey Ritual) is the Puyuma male coming-of-age ceremony and year-end hunting festival. The Mourning Removal Ceremony carries the ritual significance of sending off the deceased and lifting mourning attire from tribe members. During the ceremony period (late December to early January), the village is filled with songs and dances, and Puyuma traditional songs are renowned throughout Taiwan. When visiting the village, please observe basic etiquette: do not enter private buildings without permission; during ceremonies, follow the instructions of on-site personnel; and refrain from photographing or recording in ceremonial spaces — as a sign of cultural respect.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit

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Visit during the ceremony periodThe Great Hunting Ritual and Mourning Removal Ceremony are held around late December through early January each year. Exact dates are announced by Nanwang Village or the Puyuma Traditional Culture Association — check in advance.

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Listen to Puyuma traditional songsPuyuma traditional songs are musically rich. During ceremonies, the scene of tribe members singing together in unison is deeply moving; on regular days, inquire with the village about whether cultural tours or performance activities are available.

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Observe village etiquetteMake your purpose known before entering the village. Do not enter ceremonial spaces without permission and do not take photos. Do not touch ceremonial objects. Respecting the guidance of tribe members is the basic attitude when visiting a village.

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Combine with Beinan Cultural ParkNanwang Village and Beinan Cultural Park are geographically close. Combining both — from the archaeological dimension of the prehistoric site to the living culture of contemporary tribe members — creates a complete and coherent picture.

Practical Information

Getting There & Time

By car: From Taitung City center, head toward Nanwang. The village is in Nanwang Village, Taitung City; follow road signs, near the new Taitung Train Station area.
Public transport: From Taitung Train Station, take a taxi approximately 10 minutes to the Nanwang Village area.
During ceremony periods, visitor numbers are higher and parking within the village is limited. It is recommended to park at nearby public lots and walk in.

Nearby Connections

Beinan Cultural Park is within walking distance. Visiting the Prehistory Museum first before heading to the village helps provide cultural context.
Taitung City center is about 10 to 15 minutes away, connecting to the Railway Arts Village or Indigenous Peoples Culture Center to form a Taitung cultural one-day itinerary.

Source: Public documents on Nanwang Village and related materials from the Puyuma Traditional Culture Association. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.

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