Chulu Village Introduction
The origin of the name Chulu is often imagined by many to derive from Luye, as in the past, when the eastern region was not yet developed, Luye was named for the herds of sika deer. However, the name Chulu actually has nothing to do with "deer"; it is a simplification of the Puyuma language term "muriburibooku," which means "a place without wind in the mountains." The Chulu tribe, Ulivelivek, is located along Provincial Highway 9 on the way to Hualien and is the northernmost tribe among the eight Puyuma tribes. Due to its location being adjacent to the traditional territory of the Bunun people to the north, the tribal governance system has been well established for a long time to defend against potential threats. Here, visitors can explore the tribe’s youth center and learn from guided tours about how the Puyuma people use the governance system to protect their homeland. About three kilometers southwest of the Chulu tribe, on a hillside, there is the Balang site, which is believed by archaeologists to have been inhabited by indigenous peoples from around 600 to 1400 AD. For the Puyuma people of Chulu, this site is considered a sacred place and an important water source for the tribe. The site is located at an altitude of approximately 600 meters, and visitors can reach it by following the natural path through the forest after parking. The Chulu tribe holds a Harvest Festival every July and a Monkey Festival and Grand Hunting Festival in December. During the Harvest Festival, there are swinging activities, which can also be seen outside of the Rukai tribe, and one can participate in the festival every July to experience the different cultural practices of various tribes. 【Source: Tribal Backpacker, Feng Taitung, Tribal Travel Guide】
