Tai'an Chuhuo Tribal Square Introduction
In Zhongxing Village, Tai'an Township, there are several tribes, including Chuhuo and Simaxian. Both Chuhuo and Simaxian tribes possess natural underground gas, which villagers utilize as a free energy source available year-round. They channel this gas into their homes or workshops for cooking bamboo shoots, drying clothes, cooking meals, bathing, and boiling water. Due to the longer pipeline, Simaxian Tribe has fewer users, while Chuhuo Tribe has over five households connected to the gas supply, thanks to its convenient connection. Chuhuo Tribe, named for the flames that emerge from the ground, promotes tribal tourism. The county government, along with indigenous council members, has sought funding from the central government to transform the previously basic stone pile that formed Chuhuo Plaza and improve the surrounding environment. The Chuhuo Plaza features six fire pits designed to incorporate Atayal tribal totems, rich in indigenous culture. The six fire pits of "Chuhuo" continuously emit flames "year-round," making it the first fire-emitting plaza in Miaoli County. Every year in May and June, many tourists come to "Chuhuo" to see the fireflies. In the future, the plaza will also host religious ceremonies in collaboration with local churches and serve as a venue for the tribe's harvest festival.
