Luchang Village Introduction
The original name "Jubus" (in Atayal language) refers to a gathering tribe of the Atayal people. The Atayal are one of the indigenous groups in Taiwan, second in population only to the Amis. They predominantly live in mountainous areas with streams, which are advantageous for defense as well as for water access. A few years ago, a car advertisement rediscovered the simple and spiritual beauty of Luchang, and its naturally uncontrived charm is its biggest attraction. The residents here are mainly Atayal, with over three hundred people from the Fengmei and Buluo communities during the Japanese occupation, where there were public elementary schools, a Japanese police station, a post office, and a trading point. Due to a geological shift, for safety considerations, all residents relocated to Donghe Village, leaving Luchang a sparse area. Currently, old buildings can occasionally be seen on the mountain, while the school left from the Japanese era has already been dismantled. Many of the Atayal people in this community have migrated from outside, originating from groups like the Xikaluo, Jinaji, and the Luchang group of Morilla. Surveys indicate that the current Atayal residents originally lived on both sides of the northern ridge extending from the Xueshan Mountain Range, with the tribe located on a gentle hillside or terrace between two small tributaries, at the sources of the Xiaokaluo River and the upper reaches of the Shangping River. To the north is the Minyun Mountain, and to the south, the Long Ridge extending from Luchang Mountain to Zateng Mountain is ancestral land. After the restoration, some indigenous people who were "forcibly resettled" returned to their ancestral lands, but due to inconvenient transportation and living conditions, most remained settled here. Tribal Features: - The Jialishan Trail is 5.8 kilometers long, with old railway tracks left from forestry along the way. At the summit, there is a first-class triangulation point offering views of the Xueshan Sacred Ridge Line and Luchang Mountain. - The scenic Shenshian Valley is majestic and beautiful, featuring walkways, pavilions, and suspension bridges for visitors to stroll. From the bridge, one can overlook the famous "Double Waterfall of Shenshian." - The Japanese Police Memorial is located on the hillside behind the old Luchang Elementary School. The Japanese faced fierce resistance from the tribe while developing forest resources, leading to serious casualties among the Japanese police, commemorated by this monument established in Showa 10 (1935) for those who fell in Luchang. - The Kuhuatan is about 1 kilometer from Luchang. Its water source is from the Fengmei River, hidden in the valley, featuring breathtaking waterfalls, making it a healing natural secret place. The clear deep pool has become a popular spot for summer activities, where many visitors engage in stream hiking and diving. To enhance tourist safety and quality, stone pathways and steel bridges have been added after terrain adjustments, with safety ropes installed on slopes, and resting platforms and interpretive facilities provided at appropriate locations.
