Zhangyuan Village Introduction
Zhangyuan Village is located in Changbin Township, Taitung County, and together with Dafengfeng Village, it is the northernmost village in Taitung County. The main residents are the Amis people and the Kavalan people who migrated here from the Xinsha Village in Fengbin Township during the Jialiwan incident. This place was originally named "Guzilu," but in 1937, it was renamed "Zhangyuan" due to the abundance of wild camphor trees in the nearby mountains, indicating that it was once a hub for camphor extraction. Since both ethnic groups coexist here, in addition to the Amis Harvest Festival, the Kavalan people of Zhangyuan and Dafengfeng Village also hold a sea festival (sepaw tu lazing) every July for 2 to 3 days. Elders perform rituals by the sea to honor ancestral spirits and offer sacrifices to the spirits of their ancestors and the sea, praying for a bountiful harvest. The most eye-catching and popular attraction in Zhangyuan Village is the Zhangyuan Elder Church, known for its unique ship-shaped design. The blue anchor pattern contrasts with the pure white body of the ship, giving the church an appearance reminiscent of "Noah's Ark" on land, symbolizing the spirit of the church and reflecting the village people's traditional connection to the sea. Zhangyuan Village is less than a 10-minute drive from the famous attractions of Baxian Cave and the Old Zhangyuan Bridge Recreational Area in Changbin Township, allowing visitors to enjoy the serene beauty of Changbin.
