top of page
Gentleman
Psychic｜ tjuku qidip
The last elder medium of the Gaoshi tribe, "Tjuku Qidip", not only shoulders the responsibility of tribal rituals and cultural inheritance, but is also the guardian of the traditional field. Under her selfless inheritance, the younger generation of the tribe can re-recognize this land passed down by their ancestors and learn how to coexist with nature. She once performed a blessing ceremony for Taiwan's first rocket launch, symbolizing the intersection of tribal spirit and modern technology, and showing the deep connection between traditional wisdom and innovative exploration. Such a ceremony not only protects the cultural foundation of the Gaoshi tribe, but also extends the protection and blessings of the ancestors to the modern world, allowing the stories and spirit of this land to continue to be passed on.
01
Supervisor: Zhang Meihui | Vavua Qidip
Supervisor Chang Mei-Hui plays a key guiding role in the cultural revitalization and community development of the Gaoshi Tribe.
She actively promotes cultural heritage, the revival of traditional crafts, and youth education. At the same time, she coordinates resources for community building, encouraging local participation and strengthening the tribe’s overall cohesion. Her guidance goes beyond the transmission of knowledge—reflecting a deep concern for the future development of the tribe.
02
Chen Guilong
Mr. Chen Guilong is not only the current chairman of the Gaoshi Community Development Association in Mudan Township, Pingtung, but also a craftsman who loves the tribe. He upholds the spirit of spontaneity and has long been committed to the improvement of the tribal environment. Whether it is repairing public spaces, maintaining natural landscapes, or assisting in community infrastructure construction, he always does it himself and drives changes in the tribe with practical actions.
As an artisan, Chairman Chen is good at using natural materials to create works, combining traditional skills with modern design to show the unique charm of tribal culture. His works are not only works of art, but also an important carrier of tribal wisdom and stories. His creativity and enthusiasm allow more people to feel the beauty and depth of the Gaoshi tribe, and at the same time inspire tribal residents to participate in the protection of culture and the environment. Chairman Chen Guilong sets an example and becomes a solid promoter and soul figure for the sustainable development of the tribe.
03
Li Enping｜ Vavua Qidip
Currently serving as the President of the Gaoshi Youth Association in Mudan Township, Pingtung County, she is a graduate of the School of Medicine at National Yang-Ming University. Guided by a strong sense of duty to her tribe and family, she chose to return to her hometown to dedicate herself to the preservation and innovation of indigenous culture.
As a descendant of two important ceremonial families, Qidip and Paqevet, she is committed to cultural revitalization and the transmission of traditional wisdom.
With the philosophy of “Living in Harmony with Nature and Indigenous Wisdom,” she has helped lead the tribe’s diversified employment development initiatives. By integrating forest-based economies with cultural creativity, she founded Gaoshi Creative Cuisine and cultural products that add value to local industries.
She is also devoted to environmental conservation and youth empowerment. Through traditional crafts, cultural events, and ecological education, she works toward sustainable development of the tribe—embodying a deep connection and sense of responsibility that local youth hold toward their land and heritage.
04
Kuskus's Animal
Kuskus's Babina adenopleura
The last elder medium of the Gaoshi tribe, "Tjuku Qidip", not only shoulders the responsibility of tribal rituals and cultural inheritance, but is also the guardian of the traditional field. Under her selfless inheritance, the younger generation of the tribe can re-recognize this land passed down by their ancestors and learn how to coexist with nature. She once performed a blessing ceremony for Taiwan's first rocket launch, symbolizing the intersection of tribal spirit and modern technology, and showing the deep connection between traditional wisdom and innovative exploration. Such a ceremony not only protects the cultural foundation of the Gaoshi tribe, but also extends the protection and blessings of the ancestors to the modern world, allowing the stories and spirit of this land to continue to be passed on.
05
Wild Chicken
The mixed agroforestry management model based on the concept of Satoyama Initiative and the framework of "society, ecology, production and landscape" uses low-density and small-scale breeding principles, taking into account animal welfare, to achieve the purpose of maintaining biodiversity and ecological sustainability.
06
KusKus's Plants
Basswood Mushroom
Log-grown shiitake mushrooms, also known as log shiitake or wood-grown shiitake, are cultivated directly on natural hardwood logs. As the name suggests, these mushrooms grow on wood, often in the cool, temperate forests of Northeast Asia. Thriving in a semi-wild environment, each mushroom develops slowly under natural conditions—nourished by sunlight, morning dew, and crisp temperatures.
This slow growth process results in shiitake mushrooms with a firm, chewy texture and rich nutritional value, making them both delicious and highly wholesome.
07
Common Melastoma
The Common Melastoma has a beautiful flower shape, and its flower language is "heroic sacrifice". There is a saying that it commemorates the indigenous people who sacrificed heroically in the Mudan Incident. In addition to being used for viewing, the wild peony has many functions mentioned in the pharmacopoeia, such as treating edema, dysentery, stomach problems, arthritis, rheumatism, scabies, lung tuberculosis, stunted development of children, milk retention and irregular menstruation, etc.
08
Tectaria kusukusensis
The stem is short, strong and erect. The petioles are clustered, brown, with a large number of hard fibrous adventitious roots at the base; the scales are lanceolate, hairy, brown, and opaque; the leaves are long elliptical-lanceolate, bipinnately cleft; the sori are round and medially; the hairs are large and flat, with narrow sinuses. In Taiwan, it grows in low mountain forests.
09
Gao Shifu Red Phoebe
This species is native to the Hengchun Peninsula and is endemic to Taiwan. It grows in the evergreen broad-leaved forests on windward slopes below 500 m above sea level. It is an evergreen tree that can reach several meters in height. Its branches are smooth. Its leaves are leathery, blunt at the tip, tapering at the base, and are ovate-long-elliptical or ovate-lanceolate. New leaves are reddish brown. The leaf surface is densely oily, with distinct lateral veins. The fruit is spherical, the inflorescence is cone-shaped, and is a corymbose inflorescence. The pedicels are glabrous and short. The flowers are white, and the calyx tube is broadly bell-shaped; the petals are fused into a calyx; the stamens are numerous, and the filaments are filamentous, and the anthers are oblong-spherical.
10
Glochidion lanceolatum
Branchlets completely glabrous. Leaves dark green to green above, gray-green below, lanceolate or oblong-ovate, nearly leathery to yellow-brown, acuminate at apex, sharp or rounded at base, more or less oblique. Stamens 4-6. Ovary glabrous, 4-6-locular
11
Ardisia kusukusensis
Small shrub; young stems are pubescent, leaves are oblanceolate, elliptical or oblong-ovate, with rounded edges, and the lower surface is gray-green and pubescent. Inflorescence is umbellate, axillary or born at the tip of the flower branch, the peduncle is pubescent; the front end of the flower branch has 1-2 leaflets. Sepals are linear-triangular. It is endemic to Hengchun and distributed in low-altitude forests of Hengchun Peninsula.
12
Oberonia kusukusensis
The leaves are short and fat, green with red smudges, the flowers are red, the lip is three-lobed, and the middle lobe is roughly equal in length and width.
13
Eupatorium clematideum var. gracillimum
The Eupatorium clematideum var. gracillimum is an evergreen perennial herb, a unique variety in Taiwan, distributed in the low-altitude mountainous areas of southern Taiwan. The stem is slender, with a height of 60~1.5cm, and the whole plant is smooth and hairless. The opposite triangular ovate leaves, the leaf tips gradually taper to the tail, and the leaf margins are broadly serrated. The head inflorescence is arranged in a umbel, the flowers are white to slightly pink and purple, and are composed entirely of tubular flowers. The flowering period is from summer to autumn.
The long flowering period and abundant nectar make it a favorite of many butterflies (such as the blue butterfly, the halberd butterfly, and the small blue butterfly) and bees. The nectar contains alkaloids that can help male butterflies synthesize "dactylin" to attract the opposite sex.
14
Liparis somae
The pseudobulb is long columnar with obvious ridges, with 2 leaves, which are linear or oblong. The inflorescence is terminal, with dense flowers and a diameter of about 6 mm. It is distributed in the broad-leaved forest on the east side of Hengchun Peninsula.
15
Bulbophyllum affine
The Bulbophyllum affine family is a high-quality bean orchid variety with large, beautiful flowers in a variety of colors and a strong fragrance. The bean orchid prefers a warm, humid environment with good drainage. It is often used for indoor cultivation and is a plant with ornamental value.
16
Epipogium roseum
Also known as "Epipogium roseum", it is a species of orchid. Its flowers are large and gorgeous, shaped like butterflies, usually white or lavender, and have a long and lasting flowering period, which is deeply loved by orchid lovers.
17
18
52
高士佛風蘭
It belongs to the genus Orchidaceae and is a precious orchid species. This orchid is famous for its bright colors and unique flower shape. The colors include blue, purple, red, etc., which are very eye-catching. Orchids do not need soil and usually grow on trees or rocks. They like light and humid environment.
Erythrorchis altissima
Also known as "Erythrorchis altissima", it belongs to the orchid family. The flowers of this plant are unique, hanging upside down, like the wings of a butterfly. The flowers of Hanging Orchid come in a variety of colors, commonly pink, white or purple, and have a strong fragrance. It is suitable for growing in a warm, humid and sunny environment, and is usually used for indoor cultivation or gardening decoration.
19
Gao Shifu Osmanthus
Also known as "magnolia", its flowers are small and beautiful, often pink, white or purple, with a long flowering period and a light fragrance. Gao Shi Fo ash is highly adaptable, light-loving and drought-resistant, and is suitable for growing in a warm environment.
20
Gao Shifu Ramie
又稱「苧麻蘭」，是一種美麗的豆蘭屬植物。它的花朵大而濃密，呈白色或淡黃色，花序如長串，像是瀑布一般垂掛，十分壯觀。苧麻蘭喜歡溫暖潮濕的環境，常見於山地或樹木上附生生長。
21
Pteris quadrangularis
Its leaves are pinnately divided, beautifully shaped and glossy. The petiole is square in shape, which gives it its name, and has scales on the lower part. This plant prefers a humid environment and usually grows in valleys, streams or tropical rainforests. It does not require much light, so it can thrive in a dark environment.
22
Lycopodiella
It is a common fern plant that is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. Its leaves are narrow and sword-shaped, with deep fissures on the edges, thin texture, and often green or with silvery-white stripes, which is very elegant. This fern is often found in the shade and moist places under the forest. It does not require much light and prefers a humid environment.
23
Selaginella boninensis
It belongs to the Selaginellaceae family and is a low perennial fern. It has a slender stem with dense branches and small, scaly leaves that are closely arranged to form a soft ground cover. This plant is commonly found in moist forest areas or dark valleys. It has high requirements for environmental humidity, but can also tolerate short-term dryness.
The Ogasawara Selaginella has a strong vitality. During droughts, it will curl up to retain water. Once it absorbs enough water, it will recover its vitality. Therefore, it is also called "resurrection grass."
24
Gonostegia matsudai
It is a tropical tuber plant with small, heart-shaped leaves that grow in a climbing pattern and produce delicious tubers that are usually purple or white. The small-leaved yam has a wide range of uses in the diet. It can be steamed, boiled or made into a variety of dishes. It has a dense texture and is rich in starch and nutrients. The small-leaved yam also has certain medicinal value and has been traditionally used to improve digestion and enhance immunity. Due to its drought tolerance and strong adaptability, this plant is also valued in agriculture and is one of the important food crops.
25
Pilea somai
It belongs to the family Umbelliferae. This plant is usually 1 to 2 meters tall, with slender and soft leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers, which usually bloom in summer. Fine-leaved coldwater hemp likes to grow in humid environments and is often found in mountains or by streams. The fiber of this plant can be used to make linen, which has good wear resistance and breathability, and is traditionally used for weaving and making clothing. In addition, it also plays an important role in the ecosystem, attracting various insects and being a source of food for some animals.
26
Fagraea ceilanica
It belongs to the Campanulaceae family. This plant is usually about 60 to 120 cm tall, with slender leaves and beautiful purple-blue flowers, which usually bloom in summer. Common in mountains and woodlands, it likes humid environments and is often used as an ornamental plant. It also has certain medicinal value and is traditionally used to treat symptoms such as coughs. Its ecological value and beautiful appearance make it popular in gardening.
27
Magnolia kachirachirai
The Magnolia kachirachirai is a plant endemic to Taiwan. It's belongs to the Fabaceae family. The leaves of this plant are dark green and shiny, and the fruit is a pod that will split open and spread the seeds when ripe. The black-hearted stone mahogany likes to grow in humid environments and is often found in mountainous areas or by rivers. It has certain ecological value. In addition, its trunk and leaves also have certain uses in traditional medicine and are valued by local people.
28
Nageia nagi
It is named after its parallel leaf veins that resemble bamboo leaves, and its wood is similar to cedar, so it is called mountain cedar. Nageia nagi is a famous landscape tree and street tree species. It is an evergreen tree that can reach a height of 20 meters. The pest is the orange-banded blue moth.
29
Schizaea dichotoma
The stem is short and the leaves are long and thin, bifurcated. Its name dichotoma, which means cut in half in Latin, refers to the shape of its leaves. The plant has a history of use in traditional medicine in Indonesia and Malaysia.
30
Medinilla formosana
This is a perennial evergreen vine-like shrub, endemic to Taiwan. The tree is 0.5-2 meters tall, and its branches grow in a vine-like pattern when they are long and stretched. The leaves are whorled or opposite, obovate-lanceolate, and the flowers are terminal. The inflorescence is drooping and clustered. There are 4 white to pink ovate petals, and the stamens have purple appendages. The berries are purplish-red and spherical, and turn purple-black when fully ripe.
31
Emilia sonchifolia var. javanica
Kamutu, in the tribe Kamutu, is a herbaceous plant with alternate leaves that are ovate to lanceolate. The flowers are in head inflorescences. Achenes. A common wild flower in Taiwan.
The young stems and leaves of purple-backed grass can be cooked as wild vegetables, but they will taste bitter if cooked directly. Blanching them in boiling water or soaking them in salt water can remove the bitterness. After removing the bitterness, it is very suitable for cooking or frying. The young stems and leaves of purple-backed grass can also be pickled with spices or other seasonings to make kimchi, which is sweet and sour. The flower buds can be fried directly or cooked with rabbit grass and wild amaranth in soup. The original meaning of mountain rice in Paiwan language means "rice with vegetables". No matter what wild vegetables are added, it is called mountain rice, but the most delicious mountain rice must be added with purple-backed grass. The tribe members will not go out of their way to pick purple-backed grass, but when they are weeding the millet and peanut fields, they will pull it up and bring it back to cook. After cooking, they will share it with neighbors to consolidate the feelings around the tribe.
32
Trichodesma calycosum
The pseudo-soursopus family name is ljavilu, a small shrub with opposite or nearly opposite leaves in an oval shape. The inflorescence is a cone inflorescence. The fruit is a nut. It grows in the low-altitude and humid foothills or forest edges in the central and southern parts of the island.
The young leaves can be eaten as vegetables, such as the common tribal dish - fake sour dried fish soup.
During the ritual, the tribesmen would pick leaves to wrap millet, rice and pork to make mountain rice dumplings avay. On special days, the must-have food Cinavu is also made with sapote, which is one of the most representative foods of the Gaoshi tribe. Now pick some tender sapote leaves, wash them, dry them, and wrap them with millet or glutinous rice, pork and other ingredients. Wrap the sapote with moon peach leaves or silver grass, tie them with a string, and cook them before eating. According to the elders, cinavu (Jinavu) is a recent phenomenon. In the past, Jinavu would only be wrapped with moon peach leaves. Chop the leaves into strips and mix them with egg liquid to make a nutritious and delicious tribal omelette.
33
Taiwanese pepper
Taiwanese pepper family name ljivanger, a small shrub, leaves are nearly round to kidney-shaped, with entire or finely serrated edges. The inflorescence is a spike inflorescence. The fruit is a berry.
It grows in the central and southern parts of the island, from plains to mountains with an altitude of 1,300 meters. It likes dark and humid environments and often gathers in groups.
Both young leaves and flowers can be used as food. A common way of cooking in the tribe is to use Taiwanese pepper leaves with salted shrimps and crabs. In addition, Taiwanese pepper leaves can be made into delicious jinafu, which has the function of enhancing flavor and removing fishy smell. It is a local condiment in the tribe. The chopped leaves, fry and egg liquid are mixed together to make a nutritious and delicious tribal omelette. The leaves can be used as a health plant, mostly used to improve diseases of the digestive system and liver, and the leaf extract can be used to treat infections and inflammation.
34
Sheep do not eat eggplant
Sheep do not eat eggplant.
Small shrub with oblong leaves. Flowers in clusters. Berries. Grows in open areas or forest edges in the island's forests. Prefers cool, moist places.
The fruit and root are edible. The common cooking method of the tribe is to blend the pulp into juice. The tribe members say that both quercetin and quercetin can protect the stomach, but quercetin is more effective. Chop the root, expose it to the sun for 3 days, put the root in a pot, add water and boil it to make a drink. Foreign research shows that this kind of fruit can be used as a health plant, containing carotenoids and phenolic compounds, which have antioxidant effects.
35
Kuskus's Agricultural Products
Beeswax
The bee wax of the KusKus tribe is one of the local natural products with unique characteristics, which is closely related to the traditional lifestyle of the tribal residents. Bee farmers follow natural and environmentally friendly beekeeping methods to ensure the purity and quality of the bee wax.
36
Basswood Mushroom
Basswood mushrooms are also known as log mushrooms, basswood winter mushrooms, and log mushrooms. As the name suggests, basswood mushrooms are mushrooms grown on wood. Many basswood winter mushrooms are produced under trees in the subarctic forests of Northeast China and grow in a semi-wild environment. Each mushroom is exposed to sunlight and moistened by dew, and grows slowly at low temperatures. Not only is the meat chewy, but it is also rich in nutritional value.
37
Eupatorium clematideum var. gracillimum Tea Bags
Eupatorium clematideum var. gracillimum Tea Bag is a specialty product of the Kuskus Tribe, made with the local Fozeran (also known as Ma Gao and Paiwan Herb) as the main raw material. Fozeran is a precious plant in the culture of Taiwan's aboriginals. The Paiwan people have long used it as a seasoning, medicinal material and tea. This plant is popular for its unique aroma and health benefits.
38
Gaoshi Attractions
Stone-board House
The Stone-board houses of the Kuskus Tribe are important traditional buildings of the Paiwan people, with rich cultural connotations and historical value. The Kuskus Tribe in Mudan Township, Pingtung County, has preserved some traditional Stone-board houses. These buildings not only demonstrate the wisdom and craftsmanship of the Paiwan people, but also reflect their close connection with the natural environment.
39
Kuskus Shrine
Located in Kuskus Village, Mudan Township, Pingtung County, this shrine was built during the Japanese colonial period to honor Japanese deities.
Over time, it has become part of the local historical landscape, bearing witness to the cultural evolution and transformations of the Kuskus community.
White Birdhouse
The white torii gate at the entrance of Kuskus is a cultural and spiritual landmark that reflects the Paiwan people’s reverence for nature and ancestral spirits.
Simple yet elegant in design, it symbolizes the passage into a sacred space. Nearby, residents and visitors can join traditional rituals and cultural events, experiencing Paiwan beliefs and customs. More than a tourist attraction, the torii serves as a meaningful space for cultural exchange and understanding.
40
41
Shrine Shop
It is a small shop that mainly provides local specialty products and handicrafts. It not only sells local souvenirs, but also various handicrafts related to the culture and traditions of the aboriginals, such as weaving, carving and pottery, etc., showing the unique culture and art of the Kuskus tribe. This small shop is not only a place for shopping, but also a platform for cultural exchange.
Kuskus's 808 Youth Demonstration Farm
Kuskus's 808 Youth Demonstration Farm is located in Kuskus Village, Mudan Township, Pingtung County. Established by the Kuskus Community Development Association, it serves as an important agricultural demonstration site for the tribe, aiming to promote both economic development and cultural preservation.
Covering approximately 2 hectares, the farm focuses on forest-based economy practices, including the cultivation of log-grown shiitake mushrooms, beekeeping, and free-range native chickens. It also features a nursery for growing various cash crops.
In addition to agricultural activities, the farm offers eco-tourism experiences, such as guided farm tours, traditional fire-walking blessings, and hands-on workshops. These activities provide visitors with deeper insight into indigenous culture and the local ecological environment.
Through these initiatives, the farm not only creates job opportunities within the community but also encourages young people to return to their hometowns—bringing renewed energy and vitality to the Kuskus Tribe.
42
43
Ancestral Shrine
The Kuskus Ancestral Temple is located in Kuskus Village, Mudan Township, Pingtung County. It is an important religious center of the Kuskus tribe of the Paiwan people. It is dedicated to the tribe's ancestors, symbolizing respect and gratitude to the ancestors. Every year on the Lunar New Year's Eve, the tribe's leaders, shamans and priests will lead the residents to the ancestral temple to welcome the ancestors home for the New Year and send them off on the second day of the New Year. These rituals strengthen the cohesion and cultural identity of the tribe. The ancestral temple has witnessed the history and traditions of the tribe and is an important place for the tribe's spiritual sustenance.
Vuvu Spiritual Grocery Store
Vuvu Spiritual Grocery Store is located in Kuskus Village, Mudan Township, Pingtung County. It is a specialty store that combines traditional culture with modern life. The store offers a variety of traditional food, such as handmade Paiwan cakes and specialty drinks, allowing customers to taste the authentic aboriginal flavor. In addition, the store also sells exquisite traditional clothing, including hand-woven fabrics, embroidery and other handicrafts, showing the beauty of the Paiwan clothing culture. If you are lucky, Vuvu will also pray for the guests who come to the store!
44
45
Kuskus Tribal Cultural Health Station
The Kuskus Tribal Cultural Health Center is located in Kuskus Village, Mudan Township, Pingtung County. It is a nationally recognized delayed disability center dedicated to improving the quality of life and health of tribal elders. The health center is open from Monday to Friday morning and provides activities such as aerobics, educational games, and handicrafts. Caregivers accompany the elderly to participate in order to promote physical and mental health. In addition, the health center provides lunch every day so that the elderly can enjoy a nutritionally balanced diet. In order to pass on the tribal culture, the health center also holds traditional culture sharing sessions, inviting the elderly to share personal stories in the Nan Paiwan language, so that the younger generation of the tribe can recognize the roots of the ethnic culture. These activities not only enrich the lives of the elderly, but also strengthen community cohesion, making the health center an important platform for communication and support in the tribe.
Kuskus Community Development Association
The Kuskus Community Development Association is located in Kuskus Village, Mudan Township, Pingtung County. It was established in 1994 and is committed to promoting the cultural heritage and economic development of the tribe. The association actively develops the forest economy, cultivates log mushrooms, beekeeping, chicken farming and other industries, and organizes tribal cultural experience activities, such as traditional Paiwan weddings and handicraft experiences, to attract tourists to learn more about tribal culture. The association also cooperates with academic institutions to plan the planting of logs, establish the country's first community-based mushroom center, promote the sustainable development of the mushroom industry, and create employment opportunities for the tribe. In addition, the association participates in diversified employment development programs to encourage young tribesmen to return home and inject new vitality into the tribe. Through these efforts, the association has successfully combined culture and industry to drive the sustainable development of the tribe.
46
47
Kuskus Historical Valley
The Kuskus Historical Valley Trail is located in Kuskus Village, Mudan Township, Pingtung County. It is an ancient trail with profound cultural connotations. In the past, the tribesmen of the Kuskus tribe had to carry the harvested rice from the farmland at the foot of the mountain back to the tribe through this steep path, so it was called the "Valley Trail". Due to the steep slope and difficulty in walking, it is also called the "Hero Road". The valley trail is about 1.2 kilometers long, with rich ecology and beautiful scenery along the way. The handrails on both sides of the trail are painted with Paiwan glass bead patterns with bright colors, showing the cultural characteristics of the tribe. Walking on the valley trail, visitors can experience the hard work of the tribesmen in those days and feel the wisdom of the aboriginals living in harmony with nature.
48
Lakeside Park Trail
The Kuskus Lakeside Park Trail is located in Kuskus Village, Mudan Township, Pingtung County. It is a trail that combines natural landscapes with cultural characteristics. The entire trail runs along the lakeside, where visitors can enjoy the scenery of the lake and mountains, experience the diversity of native plants, and feel the rich local ecological environment. This trail was hand-built by tribal residents, showing the traditional wisdom of the aboriginals and their respect for nature. It is suitable for tourists who love ecological tourism and cultural exploration.
In addition, night tours allow visitors to explore the trails at night, observe nocturnal animals and insects, and experience an ecological landscape different from that during the day. It is recommended to contact Kuskus Tribe in advance to confirm the arrangements and reservations for the night tours.
49
Kuskus Permanent House
Gaoshi Buddha Permanent House is located in Gaoshi Village, Mudan Township, Pingtung County. It is a permanent residential area built after Typhoon Morakot to rebuild the severely affected Gaoshi tribe. With the assistance of World Vision, the tribesmen chose to rebuild their homes in a high-altitude area and completed the relocation in 2015. These permanent houses not only provide a safe living environment, but some residents also transformed their own spaces into host homes, allowing tourists to experience the life and culture of the aboriginals. In addition, the Gaoshi Wild Peony Shrine Park is located around the permanent houses, which preserves the ruins of the shrine from the Japanese colonial period and plants wild peonies, making it a tourist attraction that combines history and nature.
Kuskus Buddha Tree Garden
The Gaosifu Experimental Site combines the traditional concept of the tribe's territory and becomes a research and conservation site where culture and ecology coexist. Since the Japanese colonial period, the Gaosifu Experimental Site has been responsible for the trial planting of tropical and alpine plants. After years of development, it has now integrated the traditional wisdom and ecological protection concepts of the local tribe. Famous ecological attractions such as the giant kelp in the experimental site are not only natural resources, but also cultural landmarks in the memory of the tribe. By combining the concept of the tribe's traditional territory, the Gaosifu Experimental Site emphasizes the deep connection between people and the land, promotes the tribe's recognition of traditional territories and the sustainable use of natural resources, and becomes a model for the mutual integration of modern research and aboriginal culture.
50
51
Kuskus Melastoma Shrine Memorial Park
The park is planted with wild peonies (qaculju), which symbolize the local culture. This plant has medicinal value. In the past, the tribe often used it to decoct and take internally to relieve abdominal pain. The park retains the remains of the shrine during the Japanese colonial period and has a pure white bird house, which symbolizes "purity" and hopes that the beauty and simplicity of the land will be sustainable. The planting of wild peonies not only adds to the ecological characteristics of the park, but also demonstrates the concept of harmonious coexistence between man and nature, allowing visitors to appreciate the natural landscape while feeling the unique cultural and historical atmosphere of the Kuskus tribe.
Kuskus Police Residence
The Kuskus Police Residence is located in Kuskus Village, Mudan Township, Pingtung County. It is one of the residential stations established during the Japanese colonial period and witnessed the interaction between Taiwan's indigenous peoples and the Japanese government. The residential station was used as a police and administrative base to manage and monitor local residents. Today, it has become a historical and cultural site. The architectural style of the Kuskus Police Residence incorporates local characteristics, and the surrounding scenery is beautiful, preserving the cultural memory of the past. Through this site, future generations can gain a deeper understanding of the life context and interaction between tribes during the past colonial period. It is an important place for cultural preservation and education.
bottom of page