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Wutai Township

 

Wutai Township is the highest township in Pingtung County, and the hometown of Rukai aboriginal people. Rukai culture abounds with artifacts, 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 aboriginal site in Taiwan selected as second-class national monument. Spend a night at home stays and hostels here and experience the aboriginal way of living in mountain. Wutai is also a great place for hiking and sightseeing.

The tablet at the entrance of Wutai Township-Deinagkistrodon Legend and Symbolic Meaning

There is a legends about Wutai. 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, people believe that the Deinagkistrodon is the ancestor of the people of Wutai.

However, the local people there have a different view on the legend. They disagree with the previous story. Instead, they believe that the Deinagkistrodon was the lifesaver of their tribal chief, and thus they are grateful to the snakes, so that they respect the Deinagkistrodon and enshrine them.

The Deinagkistrodon Totem symbolizes the Rukai, as the Deinagkistrodon is the symbol of a son-in-law of Rukai and also represents the family of the chief. If there is a Deinagkistrodon Totem, it symbolizes a member of the chief’s family and the royal status.

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