Jialan Village is a Paiwan and Rukai indigenous settlement in Jinfeng Township, Taitung County that was rebuilt on its original site after Typhoon Morakot (the 88 Flood Disaster) struck in 2009. Civic aid groups built three permanent-housing complexes for survivors, and the reconstruction plan incorporated traditional Paiwan spatial concepts, making it a notable case study in Taiwan's post-disaster indigenous community rebuilding.
Jialan Village comprises eight Paiwan chief-family clans and one Rukai community; after the 2009 Typhoon Morakot disaster, NGOs built three permanent-housing complexes for residents — 48 semi-detached units on the east side, 42 detached units on the west side, and 15 units in the Haitang permanent-housing project (according to Public Television Service's Our Island and the 88news.org independent Morakot reconstruction news site).
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Jialan Village located?
Jialan Village is located in Jinfeng Township, Taitung County, downstream on the Taimali River, and is home to a mixed Paiwan and Rukai community.
Why is Jialan Village significant?
It is a settlement rebuilt on its original site after the 2009 Typhoon Morakot disaster, with reconstruction incorporating traditional Paiwan spatial concepts — a notable case in Taiwan's post-disaster indigenous rebuilding.
What should visitors keep in mind?
Jialan Village is a living residential community, so visit during the day and respect residents' privacy — avoid photographing private homes without permission.
Sources
- 太麻里溪畔 嘉蘭村｜莫拉克風災15年後 他們過得還好嗎？ — 公共電視我們的島，報導嘉蘭村族群組成與永久屋重建規模