Tri-mountain National Scenic Area

Origin of the name Xinagtian Lake, which is 738 m a.s.l., is located in Donghe Village, Nanzhuang Township, Miaoli County. It was where the Saisiyat people settled. It is believed that a few centuries ago, the ancestors named the lake “Xiangtian” (towards the sky) as the lake appeared to look up to the sky.

Since Xiangtian Lake is located at a higher altitude, its water surface is often shrouded in mist and clouds between winter and spring, making visitors feel like being in the fairyland. Preservation of Saisiyat Culture The Museum of Saisiyat Folklore sits by Xiangtian Lake; it holds irregular exhibitions of indigenous artifacts such as the clothes commonly worn by Saisiyat people and their traditional tools for daily life, helping visitors to appreciate the wisdom of our ancestors and the long history of these people.

The exterior of this historical building is decorated with bamboos and Saisiyat totems to preserve the invaluable tribal culture inside out. It is worth mentioning that Pas-ta’ai involves a minor ritual every two years and a major one every decade taking place beside Xiangtian Lake. It is usually held in the mid-October of the lunar calendar. The tribal people will dance hand-in-hand and swing their ornamental hip bells from sunset until dawn.


For those who are interested in finding out more about Saisiyat culture, please take note of the ritual schedule and pay a visit to Xiangtian Lake. Having good times among the lake and mountains The wooden arch bridge by the museum spans the lake. You can enjoy the views of the lake and mountains by standing on the bridge.

Walking ahead, you will go through a tunnel formed by dense vegetation, which is very pleasant and relaxing. Xiangtian Lake Tribal Market is a rural economic activity initiated by the Saisiyat people to promote local produce and indigenous snacks through selling them locally. The honey products, millet wine, and seasonal fruits are all excellent souvenir choices.