Wanrong [Akay Playlife] Cultural River Tracing

Wanrong Township

With about 600 square kilometers of land area, and the population is about 6,000 people, with population density of 10 people per km2. What’s special in Wanrong are the Taroko culture, Bunun culture, Atayal culture and Seediq culture, as well as bamboo harmonica, xylophone performances, pure hand-woven fabrics, traditional weaving, bamboo rice, coffee and hunter school.

Ciyakang Tribe

Located in Xilin Village, Wanrong Township, Hualien County, it is a tribe dominated by the Taroko people.

Origin of the name “Ciyakang”

1.The terrain is a deep pit like a kettle, so it’s named as Ciyakang.

2.The family that developed this tribe was “CyangUkan”, hence the place name Cyakang.

In 1914, the Japanese launched a “Taroko War” here. The military force used in this war reached its largest scale during the Japanese colonization. This incident also caused the Taroko people, who were originally distributed in the high mountains, to migrate to the shallow mountains and flatlands on the east side of the Central Mountain Range. The major events a hundred years ago gave this tribe a precious history. Visit them to know more about this!

Tour Highlights

  • The river that we are going to trace in, Yayung Qicing(Qingshui Stream), means “a stream that the sun can’t reach”. This is a secret realm in the tribe, which is also the place where the tribal people learned to swim and know about nature since childhood.
  • The tour will be 1.7-kilometer river tracing route, with an altitude of about 160-240 meters. It is suitable for tourists and parents and children who are beginners for creek tracing as it is less incline3. We will explain the historical landscape and mountain forest knowledge along the way. Let’s enjoy water activities while the professional coaches and local guides take us to the beautiful culture of Ciyakang!

*Tour only available on hot season (May-September)

Half day Trip: 6-20 people as a group (approx. 4 hours)

The weather in Hualien Mountains unstable in the afternoon, the tour will be focused in the morning.

  • Blessing Ceremony｜We pray for the success in today’s tour, let the ancestors know that friends and tourists are visiting, through the local traditional blessing ceremony.
  • Pre-departure Instructions｜Explain the use of safety equipment, precautions for river tracing, introduction to water hydrology, and warm-up exercises.
  • Outfit Changing and Departure | After checking the equipment, get on the truck and head to the entrance of the mountain trail, and introduce the stories of tribal history along the way.
  • Walking in the woods | Before entering the stream, you will pass through a virgin forest to introduce local hunting and ecological wisdom.
  • River Tracing｜Interesting water activities along the stream, and various stops along the way to introduce natural and cultural resources.
  • Rafting and diving | We arrange a few exciting water activities for you, why not come to challenge?
  • Feast in the Tree Hollow｜The delicacies of Tree Hollow Dining Table made according to the local cooking methods and with local greens, which are gifts from the woods in mountain.

Daytrip: 6-20 people as a group

The weather in Hualien Mountains unstable in the afternoon, the tour will be focused in the morning.

Check in before 0900.

  • Itinerary｜The itinerary in the morning refers to the half-day tour, and in the afternoon, we will be learning about the Taroko weaving culture.
  • Farming Experience｜Enter the ramie park, get to know the origin of the threads of the Taroko people, and experience working in the field such as weeding, cultivating soil, and collecting ramie (arranged according to current situation).
  • Thread Making｜Scrape out the collected ramie fibers with a special bamboo utensil, and learn how to twist them into threads.
  • Thread Reeling｜The most important process to learn: To thread and reel.
  • Weaving Experience｜Learn weaving using desktop weaving machine or traditional looms.
  • Handmade Woven Bookmark｜Turn what you’ve learnt into your own woven bookmark. 

Tour Highlights

  • Ecological Knowledge ★★★★
  • Cultural Knowledge ★★★
  • Stamina Requirement ★★★★★
  • Body & Mind Healing ★★★★
  • Handcraft Difficulties ★
TRA Schedule

Charges: Kindly contact the operator for more details.

Dress code Suggestions: Long sleeve, trousers/pants, cap, mosquito repellent, sneakers, rain gear, light outerwear, water bottle, cutleries

Itinerary Description: Kindly contact the operator for latest information.

Contact:
(03) 8772862
Information of related cooperative operator members:
【Friends of the Community】&【Master&Artisan】

We truly appreciate your contribution.

Because of you choosing to join us, we get to help AT LEAST:

ONE to TWO local drivers

ONE organization/person who strive to protect local culture & history

ONE association/workshop that put great effort in community recreation

ONE courageous non-profit organization which supports local underprivileged groups

As well as their workers, partners, and families,

Enable them to keep up the right job because of your support.

l Advance Reservation In Group

We cordially invite families, merchants, associations & organizations, customize and book a trip in advance. Options of a Full or Half-day tour is provided, with transportation service at specific locations.