Tri-mountain National Scenic Area

Kayo Tribal Village was formerly situated on a tilted alluvial fan on the opposite bank of the Dajia River, a landform left from the last ice age. When the government built the Techi Dam in 1969, this place became a catchment area unsuitable for habitation. Therefore, the Atayal people were relocated to two places: one group moved up to the side of the highway and the other moved slightly eastwardly to become today’s Old Kayo and Jiayang, respectively.

History and Culture During the Japanese colonial period, Lishan’s Atayal people fought tenaciously against the Japanese. In order to conquer the residents and land, the Japanese invited the Atayal warriors to Kayo alluvial fan for peace negotiation. However, after the meeting, they massacred the Atayal people. After the incident, the Japanese were unable to subdue Lishan directly, and the tribesmen were even more distrustful of and angrier at the Japanese.

The terrace became an island of demons in the hearts of the tribal people after the massacre. After a long period of resistance, the tribesmen, in consideration of the safety of the entire tribe, became the last indigenous tribe to be naturalized in 1926. Atayal Square Atayal Square is a square filled with Atayal totems; its buildings and signs are mostly made with wood. The most characteristic feature is the presence of wooden signs with wordings, “Jiayang,” “Atayal Square” and “Yulu”, and other signs with Atayal patterns. The square consists of two main areas connected by Jiayangxin Lane.

One area includes a multi-purpose square, outdoor stage and viewing deck, while the other presents the indigenous peoples’ skills and art experience hall, forest knowledge zone and the warriors’ stairs. The restroom entrance is specially designed with doors that can be easily identified by male and female figures dressed in Atayal costumes, presenting a local touch.