Saisiyat Cultural Museum Introduction
The Saisiyat, an indigenous tribe in Taiwan, is well-known for its biennial ceremony called the PasTU, primarily residing in Wufeng Township of Hsinchu County, and in Nanzhuang and Shitan Townships of Miaoli County. The Saisiyat people in Wufeng Township, who live near the Atayal tribe, are referred to as "Northern Saisiyat"; those in Nanzhuang Township, who are close to the Hakka people, are known as "Southern Saisiyat." Since the Saisiyat population is small, the Saisiyat Cultural Heritage Museum was established by the shores of Xiangtian Lake in Miaoli to preserve their precious culture and artifacts. Visitors can learn about Saisiyat culture and appreciate the beauty of traditional crafts at the museum, which covers an area of approximately 6,000 square meters and is a three-story building. From a distance, one can see stone columns decorated with Saisiyat totems and the building covered in bamboo strips. The first floor features a bamboo weaving craft area and exhibition rooms, the second floor hosts permanent displays, and the third floor includes a ritual exhibition area and an outdoor viewing platform that offers a panoramic view of the lake. The museum showcases Saisiyat bamboo crafts, ramie textiles, creative artworks, fishing and farming tools, and details of Saisiyat rituals, all comprehensively included in the cultural heritage museum. It also holds occasional hands-on workshops and cultural performances. The Ku Tea Oil Avenue, where visitors can walk and enjoy the scenery by Xiangtian Lake, is located at a higher elevation, with mist rising from the lake surface during winter and spring, creating a mystical atmosphere. This area is also the venue for the Saisiyat's PasTU ceremony. The lakeside walking path next to the cultural heritage museum features a green tunnel of Ku Tea Oil trees, making it an ideal visit after touring the Saisiyat Cultural Heritage Museum, allowing visitors to absorb phytoncides while enjoying the beauty of the lake and mountains.