Zhangyuan Tribe 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 tribe, as well as the Kavalan people who migrated here from the Xinsha Village in Fengbin Township during the Jialiwan Incident. The area was originally named "Guzilü," and in 1937, it was renamed "Zhangyuan" due to the abundant wild camphor trees in the nearby mountains and forests, indicating that this place was once a hub for camphor extraction. As the two tribes coexist, in addition to the Amis Harvest Festival, the Kavalan people from Zhangyuan and Dafengfeng Village hold a sea festival (sepaw tu lazing) for about 2 to 3 days each July. Elders perform rituals by the sea to honor ancestral spirits, offering sacrifices to the ancestors and the sea spirits in hopes of a bountiful harvest. The most eye-catching and popular Instagram spot within Zhangyuan Village is the Zhangyuan Presbyterian Church, renowned for its unique boat-shaped design. The blue anchor pattern contrasts with the pure white hull, and the church's exterior resembles a "Noah's Ark" on land, symbolizing the spirit of the church and expressing the community's tradition of living by the sea. Zhangyuan Village is less than a 10-minute drive from the well-known attractions of Baxian Cave and the Old Zhangyuan Bridge Recreation Area in Changbin Township, making it easy to enjoy the tranquil scenery of Changbin.
