Tutingzi Trail Introduction
The Tutingzi Trail is a leisurely path about 600 meters long with an elevation difference of approximately 80 meters, making it suitable for visitors of all ages to stroll and explore. The trail entrance features a stone sculpture inspired by the owl, the mascot of the Thao people, symbolizing the guardianship of this forested area. Along the way, there are multiple informational signs introducing Thao culture and historical background, allowing visitors to experience the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous people during their nature journey. The trail mainly consists of elevated wooden paths that weave through dense foliage, enabling visitors to enjoy the cool forest atmosphere even on summer afternoons. A variety of bird species such as colorful birds, tree magpies, and titmice can be seen along the route. The trail ends at the "Tutingzi Lighthouse," which is the highest lighthouse in Taiwan at elevation and the smallest one not located by the sea. The adjacent two-story observation platform offers distant views of Sun Moon Lake and famous sites such as Shuishe Pier and Wenwu Temple, presenting serene and beautiful scenery with high viewing value. The Tutingzi Trail holds deep significance in Thao culture as it is located in one of the ancestral homes of the Thao people and serves as an important place for ancestral spirit rituals. According to Thao legend, ancestors chased a rare white deer during a hunt, which ultimately leaped into Sun Moon Lake. This location is known as "Puzi" (Tutingzi), which led the Thao ancestors to settle here, discovering fertile land and abundant fish, making it suitable for agriculture and hunting, thus becoming one of the origin places of the tribe. The Tutingzi Trail is not only a route for appreciating natural scenery but also the mythical starting point of the Thao ancestors’ pursuit of the white deer and their settlement at Sun Moon Lake, carrying the historical memory and cultural symbols of the tribe.
