Saobao Stone Pillar Introduction
The Saoba Stone Pillars are located on the northern slope of the Wuzhuo Plateau, featuring two standing stone pillars rising from dry land. These two massive stone pillars are 5.75 meters and 3.99 meters high respectively. They date back approximately 3,000 years and are the only prehistoric megalithic civilization relics in Taiwan, thus designated as a National Third-Level Historic Site by the Ministry of the Interior. Questions remain unanswered about how the two large pillars were transported to the plateau and erected without modern tools, and where they originated from. There are numerous myths and legends associated with the site, including the Hunter's Curse, the Amis Ancestor, homophones related to wooden planks, and the transformation of wood into stone, all of which are fascinating indigenous stories. From a scientific perspective, archaeologists have determined that the Saoba Stone Pillars belong to the late Neolithic "Peinan Culture" based on artifacts excavated nearby. The East Rift Valley National Scenic Area Administration has built a base roughly 72 meters long and wide around these two pillars, which have become a well-known feature of Ruisi Township today. Facing the Hongye Stream Valley, the Saoba Stone Pillars are situated at a higher elevation, providing a broad view of the Xiuguluan River valley and the mountains on the opposite bank, making for a beautiful landscape. Thanks to the management and renovations by the East Rift Valley National Scenic Area Administration, this site has become a great place for tourists to pause and relax.
