Saisiyat Cultural Museum Introduction
The Taiwanese indigenous Saisiyat people are widely known for their biennial T’in Ming Festival. They primarily reside in Wufeng Township of Hsinchu County, and Nanzhuang and Shitan Townships of Miaoli County. The Saisiyat people in Wufeng Township, who are near the Atayal people, are referred to as "Northern Saisiyat"; those in Nanzhuang Township, close to the Hakka community, are called "Southern Saisiyat." Given their limited population, the Saisiyat have established the Saisiyat Folk Museum by Xiangtian Lake in Miaoli to preserve their precious culture and artifacts. The museum, which spans approximately 6,000 square meters, is a three-story building. From a distance, one can see stone pillars adorned with Saisiyat totems and the main structure wrapped in bamboo strips. The first floor features a bamboo weaving area and a special exhibition room, the second floor is dedicated to permanent exhibits, and the third floor hosts ceremonial displays and an outdoor viewing platform with a panoramic view of the lake. The museum showcases Saisiyat bamboo crafts, ramie textiles, and creative products, including fishing and farming tools, alongside details about Saisiyat festivals. It also hosts irregular hands-on experiences and arts performances. The Bitter Tea Oil Avenue, located near Xiangtian Lake, offers picturesque views. Due to its elevated location, the lake often shrouded in mist during winter and spring, creates a fairyland-like experience and serves as the site for the Saisiyat's T’in Ming Festival. The lakeside trail next to the folk museum features a green tunnel created by Bitter Tea Oil trees, making it a suitable visit after exploring the Saisiyat Folk Museum, as visitors can absorb phytoncides while enjoying the beautiful landscape of the lake and mountains.
