Luchang Village Introduction
Originally named "Jiubusi" (in the Atayal language), it is a gathering village of the Atayal people. The Atayal are the second largest indigenous group in Taiwan, following the Amis, and they mostly reside in mountainous and riverine areas, which are not only advantageous for defense but also convenient for water access. A few years ago, a car commercial rediscovered the simple and elegant beauty of Luchang, whose natural and unpretentious charm is its greatest appeal. The residents here are primarily Atayal; during the Japanese colonial period, the population included more than 300 residents from the Fengmei and Bulu lakes. Public facilities such as an elementary school, a police station, a post office, and a trading place were established. Due to a tectonic shift, the residents all relocated to Donghe Village for safety considerations, making Luchang a sparsely populated area. There are still some old buildings on the mountain, but the school left from the Japanese era has since been dismantled. Most of the Atayal residents in this village migrated from other areas, tracing their origins to the Makanaqi system, including the Xikaluo, Jinajiji, and Luchang groups of Morila. Surveys show that the current Atayal people originally inhabited the mountain ranges on either side of the northern ridge of the Xueshan mountain range; the village is located on a gentle hillside or terrace between two small tributaries, at the source of the Xikaluo River. To the north is the serene Minyi Mountain, while to the south is Luchang Mountain extending to Zongteng Mountain, both are ancestral lands. After the restoration of Taiwan, some indigenous people who were "forcibly relocated" returned to their ancestral lands, but due to inconvenient transportation and living conditions, most have remained settled here. Village features - The Jialishan Hiking Trail is 5.8 kilometers long, featuring preserved railway tracks from the forestry era. At the summit, there is a first-class triangulation point that offers a panoramic view of the Xueshan Sacred Ridge and Luchang Mountain. Village features - The stunning and beautiful Xiansheng Valley offers walkways, pavilions, and suspension bridges for visitors to stroll. From the bridge, one can overlook the famous "Twin Waterfalls of Xiansheng." Village features - The Japanese Police Memorial Monument is located on the hillside behind the old site of Luchang Elementary School. The Japanese faced fierce resistance from the village while developing forest resources in the mountainous areas, resulting in serious casualties among the Japanese police. In 1935 (Showa 10), this monument was erected to commemorate those who lost their lives in Luchang. Village features - The Ku Hua Pond is about 1 kilometer from Luchang village, with its water source coming from the Fengmei River. Hidden in a valley, the breathtaking waterfall is a very soothing natural secret spot, and the crystal-clear deep pond has become a popular site for summer water activities, with many visitors engaging in stream climbing and diving. To maintain and improve the safety and quality of tourist experiences, stone pathways and steel bridges have been added after adjusting the terrain on-site. Safety ropes have been installed at the slope below the paths, along with rest areas and explanation facilities at appropriate locations.
