Taiwan is considered one of Asia's best kept travel secrets and one of its most fascinating aspects is its aboriginal culture.
The Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines in Taipei offers one of the best introductions to the island's indigenous cultures.
Established in 1994, it is dedicated to promoting understanding between different ethnic groups through research, preservation and the explanation of core aboriginal values.
Founded by philanthropic tycoon C F Lin, the museum originally comprised his personal collection of aboriginal artefacts. Its main displays introduce the natural environment of Taiwan's indigenous people, the utensils they used, their clothing and personal ornaments, and their ritual objects and religious life. Films help explain the subject further and a special exhibition room showcases regular expos designed to broaden visitors' understanding of the island's different cultures. In November 2002, the city government converted the former police quarters in Beitou into the Ketagalan Cultural Centre. The centre features many exhibition areas, devoted not only to the Ketagalan tribe, but to all of Taiwan's indigenous groups. Regular traditional song and dance performances take place at the centre, which also includes research facilities, a library and conference rooms.
Hilly Wulai township is home to the indigenous Atayal tribe. Like many of Taiwan's indigenous villages, Wulai is located amid beautiful surroundings. Both the Nanshi and Beishi rivers run through the area, and Wulai is probably best known for its natural hot springs and the resorts that have sprung up near it.
The area's chief attraction is Wulai Street, which contains the Wulai Atayal Museum, marked by a stone carving of an Atayal warrior over the entrance. This museum is devoted to the history and culture of the Atayal tribe, including the traditions of weaving and facial tattooing.
