Exploring Lishan and its indigenous culture

By Shi Yong Feng
Translated by S. Ying

Lishan's indigenous tribes

Lishan village sits at a high elevation of 1,800 meters among even higher mountains and falls under the jurisdiction of Taichung city's Heping district. This remote community, far from downtown Taichung, is famed for its cultivation of tasty fruit such as pears and apples in its clean air and colder temperatures.

This area is home to three tribal communities named Lishan, Gayang and Matsushige with a combined population of 3,000-4,000 people. The ancient Lishan community, whose residents are of the Atayal tribe, lived here long before the Japanese colonial era. "Raka" was an early name for Lishan and was changed with the departure of the Japanese at the end of World War Two. It was also known by the aboriginal name of "Slamaw" (pear mountain) at one point. The 1959 opening of the east-west Central Cross-Island Highway allowed the easy transportation of fruit, as pear and apple cultivation was introduced to the area, which was renamed Lishan--also meaning "pear mountain"--due to the popularity and reputation of the pears grown here.

Famous Lishan attractions

Lishan Guest House

Elevation: 1,956 meters
Located in the center of LIshan, this is among the earliest hotels built in the area. Its vintage appearance has made it a landmark and the ecological trails behind the Guest House allow you to connect to Fushoushan Farm, providing enjoyment of lush forests and an ideal spot for bird watching, hiking, and taking in panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks in the distance.

Lishan Tourist Center

Located in front of Lishan Guest House, this center is used to provide a variety of tourist information about local attractions, simple healthcare options and transportation, as well as to collect visitors' feedback.

Maple Valley--Secret Garden at 1956
Elevation: 1,956 meters
Situated 50 meters away from Lishan Guest House and at the bottom of ZhongZheng Road along Highway 8, this spot offers maple viewing all year round, including red maples in the spring and fall, plus purple maple leaves all year and new green maple leaves in the springtime.

Fushoushan Farm

Elevation: 2,240 meters
Beautiful vistas are on offer during all four seasons here, particularly at dawn, sunset and during starry nights among the mountains. The scenes of nature and blooming flowers on the farm are among numerous visitor attractions. Popular Lishan teas and fresh fruit are also very popular here to the point that demand often outstrips supply.

Tianchi
Elevation: 2,595 meters
Situated at Fushoushan's highest point, the views here are literally and figuratively heavenly, as one takes in the snow-capped mountains to the west and other scenic views.

Food and accommodations
In order to meet the needs of travelers from afar and ensure they can sample freshly-picked fruit in Lishan, the Lishan Guest House offers clean, well-organized fruit and vegetable stands by its entrance so that guests can make some purchases. The Guest House also provides a variety of food and dining options, from set meals to vendor stands. It's best to call or make online reservations before heading up to Lishan to ensure rooms are available. Contact Lishan Tribal Development Association Director Lin-Ming at 0937-595-002.

Matsushige tribal community
The Matsushige tribal community is situated within Lishan village, in Taichung's Heping district, about five kilometers north of the Highway Rt. 7 Yilan spur entrance and at the top of the Techi Dam Reservoir. This community, together with Lishan and Gayang, form Slamaw and there are 10 upper, 30 middle and four lower tribal communities altogether. Slamaw's communities have relocated within this area--home to many conifer trees--three times. Mandarin pop singer Chang Yu-sheng (Tom Chang), now deceased, was also from there. If you need accommodations, you can contact local Community Development Association Chairman Chang at (04) 2598-1261.　　

Huanshan Tribal Village

Elevation: 1.660 meters
Huanshan tribal community, originally known as the "Zhi Jia Yang Agency" and named Xin She during the Japanese colonial era, has approximately 300 households, of which only two or three are local business vendors. Walking along the trails here, you can sense the joyful simplicity of tribal living in contrast to urban lifestyles. Sitting near the entrance of Huanshan is Guishan Mountain. There are clear views of sculptures along the road that are great photo opportunities. There are also some bed-and-breakfast places here with distinct specialties, although it is recommended that for legal reasons those interested in spending the night contact Huanshan Development Chairman Lin at 0921-320-246 about accommodations.

Gayang tribal community

Halfway between Lishan and Techi, you can see Gayang tribal community in its entirety, situated on a plateau left behind by the Ice Age and created by rushing waters. This plateau valley is formed by rock fragments originating from the eroding mountaintops and is also home to abundant flora and fauna which, combined with naturally landscaped tea and vegetable gardens, decorates the entire area like a postcard scene from Switzerland.

Black Forest Trail
Black Forest Trail takes about 1.5 hours round-trip. Along the way, you encounter precious trees and a natural, undamaged ecosystem. In the past, members of the Atayal tribe would hunt here and take this path all the way to Tianchi. Since hunting activities have decreased, this hunting ground is now a great place to explore and visit with the trail extending as far as a mountain summit. However, as many snakes are found in this original-forest area, it's not ideal for hiking. If groups of 10 or more people are interested in taking a hike, the community development association can arrange a professional guide for this trail.

Kumy Tea Garden
Located at the end of the Black Forest Trail in Gayang area of Lishan; this garden is located at the highest point of the new Gayang tea fields area. Day and night temperatures here contrast greatly and there can be plenty of fog. These pollution-free tea fields are irrigated with mountain spring water; generating high-quality tea leaves. In recent years, new cultivation methods have been explored, including organic and natural planting methods, to make this the first successful aboriginal-run tea farm in Lishan. There are no registered B&Bs in this area and accommodation requests can be submitted to arrange aboriginal family home-stays, by contacting local Community Development Association Chairman Lai at 0937-230-669.