Fenglin Hakka Culture in Hualien County

Fenglin is a small township in the county of Hualien, but its Hakka culture and historical buildings are not to be overlooked. From tobacco barns, Words Respect Pavilion to the Fenglin School Heads’ Dream Factory, the township is no doubt a mecca for culture vultures. To showcase the natural beauty of this characteristic township, and to help preserve its art forms and cultural values, the Foundation stitched together an archive of historical neighborhoods, stories of the Hakka community, and other local attractions for visitors to enjoy.

The tradition of folk songs at Pingtung County Taiwu Elementary School and tribal arts

During the planning process, the team from the Foundation was fascinated by the rich culture and abilities of the Taiwu tribes. The team learned a great deal about the endangered art of Paiwan hand tattoos, the Taiwu oral folklore tradition, the world acclaimed wood sculptors, and the tribal cultural around Dawu Mountain. The team carefully collected information and materials on these cultural assets, and archived them on various digital platforms and websites, so that the tribe’s culture and history may be preserved and eventually develop an image of “iSee Taiwan, iSee Taiwu”.

Amis Kakeng Indigenous Music at Tienkuang Primary School, Taitung County

The indigenous influenced Tienkuang Primary School has long preserved and promoted the Amis Kakeng musical instrument, as part of its heritage education. The school endeavours to let its pupils experience this form of music. They searched high and low for the Amis indigenous tribes, and invited them to make by hand some tribal music instruments. Kakeng, an instrument made up of large bunches of bamboo, is among the most famous. Pupils are often invited to perform Kakeng on stages, and never failed to capture their audience’s hearts. The school also organises indigenous style taster tours for the public as a means of promoting cultural awareness about the tribes. By embracing the great outdoors as well as providing a sense of togetherness, participants will get to know more about the beauty of Amis culture. 

Zhao An Hakka Culture in Yunlin County

While in Yunlin County, you can deeply explore the culture of a minority Hakka tribal group called Zhao An Hakka. The community’s simple lifestyle, the breath-taking plateau scenery, and the “open-mouth” lion symbol are among the township’s much loved attractions. Four specially designed projects – Zhao An Hakka Cultural Villages Tours, The Enchanting Hakka Stories, The Promotion and Marketing of Hakka Culture, as well as Touring Routes and Experiences, have also been created by our preservation team so that visitors may enjoy the true beauty of this little township.