Zhangyuan Village Introduction
Zhangyuan Village is located in Changbin Township, Taitung County, and together with Dapingfeng Village, they are the northernmost villages in Taitung County. The primary residents are the Amis people, along with the Kavalan people who migrated here from the Xinshe Village of Fengbin Township during the Jialiwan Incident. Originally named "Guzilü," the village was renamed "Zhangyuan" in 1937 due to the abundant wild camphor trees in the nearby forests, indicating that this area was once a major center for camphor extraction. Since the two tribes coexist in this area, in addition to the Amis Harvest Festival, the Kavalan people of Zhangyuan and Dapingfeng Village also hold a sea festival (sepaw tu lazing) lasting 2 to 3 days around July each year, during which elders perform rituals at the seaside to honor ancestral spirits, offering sacrifices to both the ancestors and the spirits of the sea in hopes of 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 hull, making the church resemble "Noah's Ark" on land, symbolizing the spirit of the church and reflecting the villagers' tradition of living by the sea. Zhangyuan Village is less than a 10-minute drive from the well-known sights of Bajian Cave and the Old Zhangyuan Bridge Recreational Area in Changbin Township, making it convenient to visit all three sites and enjoy the tranquil scenery of Changbin.
