Taichung｜Shansulin & Giant's Hand Guided Tour + Local Cuisine + Millet-cured Meat Making Experience｜Taoshan Tribe

The Asplenium forest tour in the Taoshan tribe allows you to delve deep into Taiwan's largest original Asplenium forest, spanning approximately 50 hectares. Here, you can marvel at the lush green bird's nest ferns, experiencing their grandeur and primeval natural atmosphere. During the tour, you'll learn about the growing environment and ecological characteristics of Asplenium, as well as how to identify plants within the forest, uncovering the mysteries of this unique ecosystem.

The Giant's Hand landform in the Taoshan tribe, Taichung, is a unique natural art installation. Its shape resembles a giant hand emerging from the mountains and forests, showcasing nature's masterful artistry. This spot is not only perfect for photos but also a place to feel the indigenous Atayal people's reverence for the mountains and forests. During your exploration, the tour will explain the story behind its formation and tribal legends, allowing you to immerse yourself in its cultural context while admiring the scenery.

To reach the Taoshan tribe in Taichung, it is generally recommended to drive yourself or take a shuttle service. Departing from downtown Taichung, you can take Provincial Highway 8 (Central Cross-Island Highway) towards Heping District. The tribe is located along the Xue Mountain Pit Industrial Road. As the tribe is situated deep in the mountains, road conditions can be complex. It is advisable to join a guided tour, which often includes transportation arrangements from the meeting point to the tribe or provides clear directions, ensuring a convenient arrival and an enjoyable guided experience.

The Asplenium forest tour in the Taoshan tribe goes beyond exploring its rich natural ecology, deeply integrating Atayal culture. You can personally participate in the traditional 'millet-cured meat' making process, understanding how the Atayal people utilize forest resources and pass down their culinary wisdom. The tour also includes tasting authentic tribal cuisine, allowing you to experience indigenous food culture through your taste buds and fully appreciate the Atayal people's respect for nature and ancestral spirits.

The millet-cured meat making experience in the Taoshan tribe is an activity rich in cultural depth. Under the guidance of tribal members, you will personally participate in the process of making millet-cured meat, from selecting ingredients and seasoning to the curing techniques, fully experiencing this traditional Atayal culinary culture. It's not just about the fun of hands-on activity; it's also a way to understand the Atayal people's way of life, coexisting with the mountains and forests and passing down ancestral wisdom, savoring the essence of local culture.

The flavorful meals in the Taoshan tribe are characterized by fresh local ingredients and traditional Atayal cooking methods. Ingredients are mostly sourced from the mountains and wilderness, such as local wild vegetables and free-range chickens. Combined with unique spices and culinary techniques, they present simple yet delicious tribal delicacies. You can savor dishes like bamboo rice, 'makao' chicken soup, and grilled meats. Each dish embodies the Atayal people's life wisdom and gratitude for the land, serving as an important part of experiencing indigenous food culture.

When exploring the Giant's Hand landform in Taichung, please prioritize your safety. It is recommended to wear comfortable outdoor shoes and be mindful of slippery or uneven paths underfoot. As the landform is located in the mountains, the weather can be unpredictable, so it's advisable to bring rain gear and sun protection. Most importantly, please follow the guide's instructions, refrain from climbing or damaging the natural environment, and help preserve this precious landform and tribal culture together.

The Asplenium forest tour in the Taoshan tribe not only takes you through the magnificent Asplenium forest but also deeply explores the traditional tribal hunting ground culture and knowledge of the Atayal people. Guides will share information on identifying hunting trails, the use of traps, animal behaviors, and the ethical relationship between the Atayal people and the forest, as well as their ancestral beliefs. This allows you to appreciate the natural scenery while understanding how tribal residents coexist harmoniously with the forest and feel the primal life force of this land.