Saisiyat Folklore Museum Introduction
The Taiwanese indigenous people of the Saisiyat tribe are widely known for their biennial Ritual of the Short Spirits. They primarily reside in Wufeng Township of Hsinchu County, as well as Nanzhuang Township and Shitan Township in Miaoli County. The Saisiyat people in Wufeng Township, who are close to the Atayal tribe, are referred to as "Northern Saisiyat," while those in Nanzhuang Township, who are near the Hakka people, are called "Southern Saisiyat." Due to their small population, the Saisiyat established the Saisiyat Cultural Museum by the shores of Xiangtian Lake in Miaoli to preserve their precious culture and artifacts. Understanding Saisiyat culture and appreciating the beauty of traditional crafts is encouraged at the Saisiyat Cultural Museum, which covers an area of about 6,000 square meters and is a three-story building. From a distance, one can see stone pillars adorned with Saisiyat totems and the building's main structure wrapped in bamboo strips. The first floor of the museum features a bamboo and rattan craft area and an exhibition room, the second floor is designated for permanent exhibits, and the third floor is for ritual displays and an outdoor viewing platform that overlooks the lake. The museum showcases various Saisiyat items, including bamboo weaving, ramie textiles, creative artworks, fishing and farming tools, and details about Saisiyat festivals, all encapsulated within the cultural museum. It also hosts irregular handcraft experiences and cultural performances. The Bitter Tea Oil Avenue along the shores of Xiangtian Lake offers a scenic walkway. During winter and spring, the high terrain of the lake produces a misty atmosphere that resembles a fairyland, and it is also the location where the Saisiyat people hold their Ritual of the Short Spirits. The lakeside trail adjacent to the cultural museum is characterized by a green tunnel formed by bitter tea oil trees, making it a suitable visit after exploring the Saisiyat Cultural Museum while absorbing phytoncides and enjoying the beautiful landscape of the lake and mountains.
