Zhangyuan Village Introduction
Zhangyuan Village is located in Changbin Township, Taitung County, and along with Dafengfeng Village, is situated at the northernmost part of Taitung County. The main residents are the Amis people, along with the Kavalan people who migrated here from Xinshe Village in Fengbin Township during the Jialiwan Incident. This area was originally named "Guzilü," but was renamed "Zhangyuan" in 1937 due to the abundant wild camphor trees in the nearby mountains, indicating that it was once a major hub for camphor extraction. Because both tribes reside in the same area, in addition to the Amis harvest festival, every July, the Kavalan people of Zhangyuan and Dafengfeng Village hold a sea worship ceremony (sepaw tu lazing) lasting 2-3 days, where elders conduct rituals by the sea to honor ancestral spirits and offer tributes to the spirits of the ancestors and the sea, seeking a bountiful harvest. The most eye-catching and popular Instagram-worthy spot in Zhangyuan Village is the Zhangyuan Presbyterian Church, famous for its unique boat-shaped design. The blue anchor pattern contrasts with the pure white body of the church, resembling Noah's Ark on land, symbolizing the spirit of the church and reflecting the tribe's tradition of living by the sea. Zhangyuan Village is less than a 10-minute drive from the well-known attractions of Bajian Cave and the Old Zhangyuan Bridge Recreation Area in Changbin Township, making it convenient to visit all three spots and enjoy the tranquil scenery of Changbin.
