Tri-Mountain National Scenic Area Headquarters

The name Xiangtian Lake, which is 738 m a.s.l., originates from 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.

As 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 periodic exhibitions of indigenous artifacts such as the clothes commonly worn by the 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 historic building is decorated with bamboo and Saisiyat totems to preserve the invaluable tribal culture. It is worth mentioning that Pas-ta’ai is a smaller  ritual held every two years and a larger one every ten years by the Xiangtian Lake. It is usually held in mid-October of the lunar calendar.  The tribesmen will dance hand in hand, swinging their ornamental hip bells from sunset to 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.

As you walk along, 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 by selling them locally. The honey products, millet wine, and seasonal fruits are all excellent gift choices.