Xiaomi Academy Introduction
Xiaomi Academy is located in Likou Village, Jinfeng Township, Taitung County. Originally the Likou Elementary School, it was renovated by the local government after years of disrepair and population migration to revitalize the school, transforming the abandoned Likou Elementary School into the current "Xiaomi Academy". It is the first educational facility in Taiwan themed around indigenous traditional agricultural products, particularly "millet". The academy combines the cultural background of millet with traditional Paiwan life skills and leisure tourism, allowing visitors to learn about millet culture and Paiwan tribal life through guided tours, experiential activities, handicrafts, and dining. Millet is an important crop for the indigenous people, with a long history of cultivation in Taiwan, used for cooking rice, making porridge, and brewing alcohol, with Taitung and Pingtung counties leading in production. The Paiwan people of this area regard millet as a sacred and spiritual crop, often sharing various stories and taboos related to millet from their elders, such as: before planting millet, small pieces of pig bone are cut with a knife for offerings, performing Palisi (worship) to ancestral spirits with wine, and the belief that millet symbolizes wealth— the more harvested, the wealthier the family is perceived to be. In the community, millet is not to be enjoyed individually but shared among all, reflecting the selfless sharing trait of indigenous people. Besides food, millet is also used in decorations for headgear and tribal costumes during festivals. It is believed that one cannot drink water or bathe during the millet harvesting season, or they may become ill for five years, and even today, tribe members still adhere to these taboos and cultural practices. Xiaomi Academy aims to preserve these precious cultural stories by establishing a "Millet Story and Variety Display Area" in the academy. With over 26 varieties of millet collected through past field surveys, the academy hopes to inform visitors about different kinds of millet and maintain crop diversity, safeguarding the ecological and cultural heritage of the land, ensuring these valuable cultures are not lost, and passing on the stories of millet sustainably. Jinfeng Township boasts unique natural scenery, rich ecological and cultural resources. It is made up of five villages, each with unique features and symbols that showcase a diverse and deep local culture. Jialan Village, located in the northern part of Jinfeng Township, is the hometown of red amaranth, while the neighboring Xinxing Village is famous for the abundant production of hibiscus flowers, creating stunning fields of red during the blooming season. Zhengxing Village is known as the hometown of pottery jars, preserving ancient pottery techniques that attract many visitors and art enthusiasts. Binmou Village, located in the southern part, is a vibrant and creative artistic village filled with colorful murals and sculptures. Likou Village is the main production area for millet and is why the academy shapes the brand image of the Nanhui area as Taiwan's "back mountain millet granary". These five villages together build the cultural and ecological foundation of Jinfeng Township, making it a place worth savoring.
Archery Experience
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Xiaomi Academy Appearance (2)
