Sao Ba Stone Pillar Introduction
The Saobastr Pillars are located on the northern slope of the Wuzhih Mountain Platform, consisting of two standing stone pillars that rise from the ground. These adjacent massive pillars stand at heights of 5.75 meters and 3.99 meters, respectively. They emerged approximately 3,000 years ago and are the only prehistoric megalithic civilization remains in Taiwan, which is why the Ministry of the Interior has designated them as a national third-level historic site. Questions remain unanswered regarding how these two large stone pillars were transported to the platform and erected without modern tools, as well as where the stones originated. There are many related myths and legends in the area, including stories of hunter curses, the Amei ancestor, homophones of wooden boards, and transforming wood into stone, all of which are fascinating indigenous stories. From a scientific perspective, archaeologists have classified the Saobastr Pillars as part of the late Neolithic "Beinan Culture" based on artifacts unearthed nearby. The Huadong Valley Scenic Area Administration has constructed a base approximately 72 meters long and wide centered around these two stone pillars, leading to the present name of Ruisi Township, the Saobastr Pillars. Facing the Hongye Valley, the site is at a higher elevation, offering a broad view of the Xiuguluan River valley and the mountains on the opposite side, providing beautiful scenery. Under the renovation by the Huadong Valley Scenic Area Administration, this location has become a great resting spot for tourists.
