Saisiyat Folk Museum Introduction
The Seediq people of Taiwan are widely known for their biennial Sakad festival, primarily residing in Wufeng Township of Hsinchu County, and in Nanzhuang and Shitan Townships of Miaoli County. The Seediq community in Wufeng Township lives close to the Atayal people and is referred to as "Northern Seediq"; the Seediq people in Nanzhuang Township are near the Hakka people and are known as "Southern Seediq." Due to their small population, a "Seediq Cultural and Folk Museum" was established by Xiantian Lake in Miaoli to preserve their precious culture and artifacts. To understand Seediq culture and appreciate the beauty of traditional crafts, the museum covers an area of approximately 6,000 square meters and features a three-story building. From afar, visitors can see stone pillars decorated with Seediq totems and the main building wrapped in bamboo strips. The first floor houses a bamboo and rattan craft area and an exhibition room, while the second floor is for permanent displays. The third floor includes an exhibition area for ceremonies and an outdoor viewing platform offering a panoramic view of the lake. The museum showcases bamboo weaving, ramie textiles, and creative art pieces, including fishing and agricultural tools, alongside details of Seediq festivals, all comprehensively presented within the folk museum. It also hosts occasional hands-on workshops and cultural performances. The Bitter Tea Oil Avenue provides a scenic walking route by Xiantian Lake. Located at a higher elevation, the lake often shrouded in mist during winter and spring resembles a fairyland, and it is also the site of the Seediq's Sakad festival. The lakeside trail adjacent to the cultural museum features a green tunnel of bitter tea oil trees, making it a perfect spot to visit after exploring the Seediq Cultural and Folk Museum, allowing visitors to absorb phytoncides while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains.
