Tai'an Fire Dance Village Square Introduction
Zhongxing Village in Tai'an Township is home to the tribes of Xidaobang, Chuhuo, and Simaxian, among which both Chuhuo and Simaxian tribes possess natural underground gas. Villagers utilize this continuous free energy year-round to pipe the gas into their homes and workshops for cooking bamboo shoots, drying clothes, boiling water, bathing, and more. Due to the lengthy piping in Simaxian, fewer households utilize it, while Chuhuo has over five household users due to easier access. Chuhuo is named after the longstanding fire that emerges from the ground, promoting local tourism. The county government, along with indigenous council members, sought funding from the central government to renovate the previously basic stone-piled Chuhuo Square and improve the surrounding environment. The Chuhuo Square in Tai'an Township features six fire pits arranged at different intervals, designed to incorporate Atayal tribal totems, showcasing indigenous cultural charm. The six fire pits provide a continuous "outfire" throughout the year, making it the first square in Miaoli County that erupts with fire. Every year in May and June, many visitors come to Chuhuo to see the fireflies. In addition, it will also host religious ceremonies in collaboration with local churches and serve as the venue for the tribe's harvest festival in the future.
