Tri-mountain National Scenic Area

Walo is the former name of Donghe, which means “honey and sugar” in Saisiyat language. Walo' has rich and diverse cultures and the majority of its residents are Saisiyat people.

When integrating Hakka and Atayal cultures, the tribe still maintains the uniqueness of Saisiyat culture with both the myths and rituals fully preserved. Most of the Saisiyat people live in the Donghe Community of Donghe Village.

As Atayal used to make their living by hunting and there were herds of deer on the east bank of Dadonghe most of Atayal people lived in Luchang, Luhu, Shibi and Donghe tribes. Being the second largest population, the Hakka lived scattered in Hengpingbei, Luailiao, and Donghe because of their belief center, “Yong Sheng Temple,” in the village. Hakka people used to fight with Saisiyat people side by side against the Japanese.

Currently, Walo' usually refers to Donghe Village, Nanzhuang Township, Miaoli County. There are many attractions in Walo region with the most iconic one being the “Donghe Suspension Bridge,” which connects settlements on the two banks of Donghe Village. On this 185m-long bridge, you can overlook the magnificent views of Dadong River Valley as well as the rocky cliff and gorge. The other end of the bridge is Donghe Elementary School, which has the top tug-of-war team in Taiwan. However, because of a lack of funding, the team members have to raise funds by selling Fuzhou buns at Nanzhuang Public Market.

Feel free to show your support if you happen to pass by! There is another unique building of prominent Japanese style near Donghe Suspension Bridge. It was the former Dadonghe Police Station during the Japanese occupational period. The station was transformed into Walo Cultural Property Hall in 2005 through renovation with subsidies from the Council of Indigenous Peoples. The hall showcases artifacts and historical data, documenting the cultural meaning and value of the former police station.