Jialan Village is a Paiwan community that was rebuilt on its original site after being devastated by Typhoon Morakot (the 88 Flood Disaster) in 2009. The reconstruction process incorporated the opinions of tribal members and planned the village layout using traditional Paiwan spatial concepts. It has become an important model case in Taiwan for post-disaster reconstruction of indigenous communities.
Highlights of Jialan Village
Jialan Village is located in the lower reaches of the Taimali River in Jinfeng Township. During the 88 Flood Disaster, landslides caused significant casualties and damage to homes. After the disaster, government agencies and civilian aid organizations assisted the community in rebuilding on its original site. The reconstruction plan specifically incorporated the spatial logic of traditional Paiwan settlements — including the central position of the chief's house, the public nature of the village square, and the hierarchical relationships between individual households — rather than following standard government construction specifications.
After reconstruction, Jialan Village has a cultural exhibition space explaining the village's history before and after the 88 Flood Disaster and the rebuilding process. Some building exteriors in the village retain traditional Paiwan geometric patterns; motifs such as the hundred-pacer snake and human-head designs can be seen throughout the community. This is both a living settlement for residents and a living example of how indigenous peoples responded to climate disaster through cultural strength. When visiting, please respect residents' daily lives and refrain from photographing private homes without permission.
How to make the most of your visit
Practical information
Getting there & time
- From Taitung City, head south along Provincial Highway 9 to Jinfeng Township, then turn onto the Jialan Village road — about 50 minutes in total. Driving is recommended.
- Jialan Village is a regular residential settlement; daytime visits are recommended to avoid disrupting residents' daily routines.
Nearby connections
- Jinfeng Township Hot Spring (Jinfeng Hot Spring) is located in a nearby mountain area; a half-day itinerary combining hot springs and tribal culture can be planned.
- The Taimali Township coastline and Tuban Paiwan Tribe are both within the Taimali River basin and can be linked into a southern Taitung cultural route.
Sources: Jinfeng Township Office; Council of Indigenous Peoples, Typhoon Morakot post-disaster reconstruction materials. Photos pending Dio's on-site photography.