Wutai Township is the highest township in Pingtung County, and the home of a group of Rukai aboriginal people. Rukai cultural artifacts abound, including traditional slate houses, and traditional arts such as knitting and stone carving are practiced. There is a street of art shops for visitors. Wutai also offers waterfalls, quiet valleys, ecological sightseeing, countryside scenery and flower gardens. At Old Haocha, traditional houses, an ancient spirit house, stone posts and other relics are preserved. This is the only second-class national monument in Taiwan related to aboriginal culture. Home stays and hostels offer many unusual features and a chance to experience aboriginal mountain living. it is a great place for family hikes and sightseeing.
Entrance Tablet to Wutai Township
Deinagkistrodon Legend and Symbolic Meaning
Some legends say that a Deinagkistrodon (Hundred Pace Snake) prince from Daguei Lake fell in love with Princess Baleng at first sight. He played his flute to attract her attention, and because of his magnificent appearance, the princess fell in love with him as well. They married and had many generations of grandchildren. Thus, it is said that the Deinagkistrodon is the ancestor of the people of Wutai.
However, the local people have a different version of the legend. They disagree with the “grandchildren of Deinagkistrodon” story. Instead, they believe that the Deinagkistrodon was the lifesaver of their tribal chief, and thus they are filled with gratitude and respect towards these snakes, and provide periodic offerings to them.
Deinagkistrodon Totem
The Deinagkistrodon Totem symbolizes the Rukai, because the Deinagkistrodon is the symbol of a Rukai son-in-law and the chief’s family. If there is a Deinagkistrodon Totem, it symbolizes a member of the chief’s family and royal status.
‧Traffic：
National Freeway No. 1→Fongshan City→Tawan Provincial Highway No. 1→Pingdung City→Tawan Provincial Highway No. 24→Sandimen, Wutai
‧Tourist Information：