Daren Township is at the southernmost tip of Taitung County and is the last indigenous township before entering the South-Link section. The Ansuo community within the township preserves the traditional Paiwan chief system and slate house architecture, and wild hot springs are found in the upper reaches of the Tuban Creek. It is an important indigenous cultural settlement along the South-Link Line, and one of the few mountain townships that have remained largely untouched by tourism.
Highlights of Daren Township
Daren Township is home predominantly to the Paiwan people, with a small number of Rukai communities in some settlements. Ansuo Village is one of the main settlements in the township and has a relatively well-preserved collection of traditional slate houses. The chief's house retains its central role in community ceremonies to this day. Shale is stacked to form the walls, and roof slabs cover the structure; the architectural form reflects the Paiwan people's deep familiarity with mountain geology.
The wild hot spring in the upper Tuban Creek is a natural spring with clear water and a temperature that varies slightly with the season. The gorge must be entered on foot along an undeveloped path; during the rainy season, rising water levels make entering the creek dangerous. In addition, Daren Township's position at the southernmost end of Taitung County means it is often overlooked on long South-Link itineraries, but its raw mountain character and largely uncommercial community atmosphere are precisely what make it distinctive. Please inform the community before visiting and observe tribal etiquette.
How to make the most of your visit
Practical information
Getting there & time
- From Taitung City, head south along Provincial Highway 9 past Dawu and continue south to enter Daren Township — about 1.5 hours in total. Driving is recommended.
- Daren Township has few supply points; it is advisable to prepare food, drink, and fuel in Dawu or Taitung City before setting out. Bring a change of clothes and towel for the wild hot spring.
Nearby connections
- Heading south over the South-Link pass leads to Fenggang in Pingtung; heading north returns to Dawu or to Jialan Village in Jinfeng Township, forming a South-Link cultural route.
- For in-depth cultural contact, inquire with the Daren Township Office about whether community interpretation services are available near Ansuo Village.
Sources: Daren Township Office; Council of Indigenous Peoples, Paiwan cultural materials. Photos pending Dio's on-site photography.