Celebrating Nine Years of “Taste of Native Cuisines, The Journey to Tribes”: Ciyakang Community Brings Up Its Signature “Tree Hollow Feast under the Moon” This Autumn
Organized by the East Longitudinal Valley National Scenic Area Headquarters, Tourism Administration, MOTC (hereinafter referred to as the Valley Headquarters), the Indigenous tourism initiative “Taste of Native Cuisines, The Journey to Tribes” celebrates its ninth year in 2026. Under this year's theme, “The Red Honor Roll,” the program highlights signature dishes and cultural experiences that have won the hearts of visitors over the years.
Among the most anticipated events is the “Tree Hollow Feast under the Moon” in Ciyakang Community, located in Wanrong Township, Hualien County. Scheduled for November 7 (Saturday) and November 8 (Sunday), the event offers just 30 seats per session. Visitors are invited to discover the everyday forest traditions of the Truku people through an immersive, multisensory journey combining cultural activities, wild vegetable harvesting, hands-on bamboo-tube rice making, and a feast enriched with local stories.
From Farm to Table: Harvesting Wild Ferns and Preparing Bamboo-Tube Rice to Savor the Flavors of the Land
This year's experience is organized and guided by AKay Play Life, a team founded by young community members who have returned to their hometown. Drawing on traditional Truku knowledge and cultural practices, the team transforms everyday Indigenous life into meaningful experiences that allow visitors to connect more deeply with the community.
The journey begins with a traditional blessing ceremony, followed by an introduction to archery, a traditional hunting skill of the Truku people. Through the rhythm of breathing, aiming, drawing the bow, and releasing the arrow, participants are encouraged to rediscover a sense of focus and inner calm. The experience then continues through the community's residential areas and farmlands, where travelers can hear stories of ancestral migration, settlement, and the community's enduring connection to the land.
Local youth will also guide participants into the community's fern gardens to harvest fresh, seasonal bird's nest ferns. Under the guidance of community members, visitors will take part in the traditional process of making bamboo-tube rice, from collecting and cleaning bamboo to filling the tubes with rice. Along the way, they will discover the practical wisdom embedded in Truku daily life and learn words and expressions from the Truku language.
As dusk falls, the “Tree Hollow Feast under the Moon” begins. Centered on the concept of food seasoned with stories, the feast showcases signature community dishes, including aromatic, wood-fire-smoked meat seasoned with prickly ash, accompanied by six distinctive sauces. Wild vegetable salad and freshly prepared bamboo-tube rice complete the menu.
With every bite accompanied by a story, guests are invited to experience the warmth and richness of a dining tradition in which local ingredients, cultural memories, and human connections come together.
“One Meal, One Day, One Exhibition”: Showcasing the Cultural Depth and Community Revitalization of Indigenous Communities in Eastern Taiwan
Tsung-Min Hsu, Director of the Valley Headquarters, noted that over the past nine years, “Taste of Native Cuisines, The Journey to Tribes” has remained committed to the philosophy of “One Meal, One Day, One Exhibition.” Through this approach, the initiative has worked closely with Indigenous communities to explore, preserve, and present their unique cultural heritage.
Director Hsu highlighted AKay Play Life as an inspiring example of the energy and creativity brought by young people returning to their hometowns. By drawing inspiration from everyday community life, traditional hunting knowledge, and the natural resources of the surrounding mountains and forests, the team has developed an immersive cultural tourism experience that combines authentic Indigenous traditions with international appeal.
Convenient Shuttle Services Connect Rail Travelers to the Community — Only 30 Seats Available per Session
To encourage accessible, low-carbon travel, the Valley Headquarters has arranged shuttle services connecting Hualien Railway Station, Shoufeng Railway Station, and Fenglin Art Museum (Linrong Rest Area) with Ciyakang Community.
The participation fee is NT$2,500 per person, covering guided cultural activities, hands-on experiences, a signature Indigenous dinner, event insurance, and shuttle transportation. Each participant will also receive a complimentary selection of specialty sauces from Ciyakang Community as a souvenir.
With just 30 places available for each session, reservations are now entering their final stage. Interested travelers are encouraged to book early, as registration will close once all places have been filled.
For more information and reservations, please visit the official East Longitudinal Valley Tour website or its Facebook page.
The Valley Headquarters warmly invites travelers from across Taiwan who appreciate meaningful cultural exploration and distinctive culinary experiences to visit the East Longitudinal Valley. Under the moonlight, visitors can share in a treasured Indigenous feast whose flavors and traditions have stood the test of time.
