Adventure up Route 24

Route 24 starts just east of the township of Pingdong (屏東) in southern Taiwan and runs in a northeast direction all the way up to Ali, high up in the Central Mountain Range that splits Pingdong County to the west and Taidong (台東) Country to the east.

The first place you come to as you leave the flat plains of Pingdong County behind is the culturally rich township of Sandimen (三地門) situated on the foothills with a commanding view over the Ailiau (隘寮) River below. Sandimen possess striking landscapes, verdant mountains and is home to members of the Paiwan Aboriginal Tribe.

In the period of the Qing Dynasty, Han people used to cultivate this area and called it “Hair of Wild Boar.” In the Paiwan language, the township is called “Insdimoor,” meaning gateway of three places – Wutai, Sandimen and Majia.

Sandimen Township offers a unique opportunity to delve into the history of the aboriginal tribes, observe traditional Paiwan (排灣) stone-slab houses, stone implements and wood carvings. You can also feast on authentic aboriginal foods, and buy unique aboriginal glass beads, clothing, embroidery, pottery and other art works. During the harvest festivals that take place each August, the aboriginal tribesmen don their traditional costume and perform traditional singing and dancing. It's a sight not to be missed!

Sandimen is also the gateway to exploring the restricted section of Route 24 that twists and turns further into the mountains and up to the Rukai (魯凱族) stronghold of Wutai (霧台). You will come to the police check-point and permit application point a few kilometers past Sandimen.

Fill out the paperwork, present your ID and pay a NT$10 application fee and you are soon on your way again winding through some truly amazing scenery. Steep drop-offs and rushing waterfalls meet you at almost every turn as you rapidly gain elevation and pass through deep cut gorges.

Wutai Scenic Area is situated about 1,000 meters above sea level, among the forested peaks of Mt. Dawu (大武), in the southernmost end of the Central Mountain range. The area is pleasantly cool and is frequently shrouded in swirling white mist, which adds an air of mystery to its already enchanting scene. Very appropriately, the Chinese characters used to write "Wutai" mean “fog terrace.” The name Rukai originally comes from the Rukai aboriginal language meaning “small village.”

1|2|Next Page>>

SharePrintEmail

Write a Comment

Terms

Enter your comments - 3000 characters max

Type in image code

Submit

 Receive China Post promos
 Respond to this email