Tai'an Chuhuo Tribal Square Introduction
In Zhongxing Village, Tai'an Township, there are the villages of Xidaobang, Chuhuo, and Simaxian. Both the Chuhuo and Simaxian villages have natural underground gas. The villagers utilize this year-round free energy to supply gas to their homes and workshops for cooking bamboo shoots, drying clothes, boiling rice, bathing, and heating water. Due to the lengthy pipeline connections, residents in Simaxian Village use it less frequently, while in Chuhuo Village, the ease of access has allowed it to serve more than five households. Chuhuo Village is named for its long-term underground fire, which promotes village tourism. The county government, in collaboration with indigenous council members, sought funding from the central government to transform the previously simple stone pile-filled Chuhuo Square and improve the surrounding environment. Chuhuo Square in Tai'an Township features six fire pits arranged in a scattered design, incorporating Atayal totem motifs, exuding indigenous cultural flair. The six fire pits at "Chuhuo" continuously emit flames "year-round," making it the first square in Miaoli County that can produce fire. Every year in May and June, many tourists come to "Chuhuo" to appreciate the fireflies. In addition, future plans include hosting religious ceremonies in collaboration with local churches and celebrating the village's harvest festival.
