Zhangyuan Village Introduction
Zhangyuan Village is located in Changbin Township, Taitung County, and along with Dafengfeng Village, is the northernmost village in Taitung County. The main residents are the Amis people, as well as the Kavalan people who migrated here from Xinshe Village in Fengbin Township during the Jialiwan Incident. This area was originally named "Guziyu," and in 1937, it was renamed "Zhangyuan" due to the abundance of wild camphor trees in the nearby mountains, highlighting its historical significance as a major producer of camphor. As both tribes coexist here, in addition to the Amis Harvest Festival, the Kavalan people from Zhangyuan and Dafengfeng Village also hold a sea festival (sepaw tu lazing) for 2 to 3 days around July every year, where elders perform rituals by the sea to honor ancestors and offer sacrifices to both the spirits of ancestors and the spirits of the sea, seeking a bountiful harvest. One of the most eye-catching and popular attractions in Zhangyuan Village is the Zhangyuan Presbyterian Church, known for its unique boat-shaped design. The blue anchor pattern contrasts with the pure white body of the church, which resembles "Noah's Ark" on land, symbolizing the spirit of the church while also representing the tribe's traditional connection to 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 possible to enjoy a relaxing visit to these three places and appreciate the serene scenery of Changbin.
