最後更新／Last Updated：2025-02-15
Happy Lantern Festival! On this special day, when the Shang Yuan Heavenly Official bestows blessings, various festive events are held throughout Taiwan. Among the most famous are "Sky Lanterns in the North, Beehive Fireworks in the South, Handan in the East, and Turtle Granting Contest in the West." In particular, the "Handan in the East," which involves throwing firecrackers at Lord Handan, is celebrated in full excitement in downtown Taitung!
In addition to its unique folk celebrations, Taitung boasts breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, majestic mountains, and a rich Indigenous culture. A brief visit to Taitung would not do justice to all that it has to offer!
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◦ The History of Taitung
The city of Taitung, formerly known as Taitung Township, is the largest county-administered city in Taiwan. This region was originally home to the Puyuma and Amis tribes. During the Dutch and early Qing periods, the area behind the mountains was generally referred to as Puyuma, and trade with the Han Chinese had already commenced at that time. It was during the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty that the area was officially designated as the Puyuma Administrative District. Later, Liu Mingchuan, the Governor of Taiwan, renamed it Taitung Prefecture. Before the Japanese colonial period, more and more people migrated to Taitung, forming the town-like settlement. After Taiwan's retrocession, the area was reclassified as a township and officially named Taitung Township. On New Year's Day in 1976, it was officially upgraded to Taitung City.
01｜Old Taitung Station
Taitung Station, originally known as Taitung Yi, was opened in 1922 and renamed Taitung Station after World War II. The station building was demolished and rebuilt in 1964. In 1992, with the completion of the South Link Line, Puyuma Station was renamed Taitung New Station. In 2001, it was officially renamed Taitung Station. The old Taitung Station was decommissioned in 2001 and subsequently transformed into the Railway Art Village in 2003.
Figure 1 depicts Taitung Station before the 1964 renovation.
Figure 2 depicts Taitung Station after the 1964 renovation.
02｜Former Taitung Bus Station
Located near Taitung Station, the Taitung Bus Station was demolished and rebuilt in 2011.
➤ Photo credits and textual references:午夜懷舊雜譚
◦ Bombing of Lord Handan
Taitung's most famous Lantern Festival event is undoubtedly the Bombing of Lord Handan. This unique tradition features an individual portraying Lord Handan, who bears their upper body while being carried through the streets on a bamboo sedan chair, enduring a barrage of firecrackers. According to legend, Lord Handan, originally known as Zhao Gongming, was a military general from the Shang Dynasty who became the God of Wealth after his death, tasked with overseeing wealth in the heavenly realm. In folk belief, he is recognized as the Martial God of Wealth. It is said that Lord Handan feared the cold; therefore, as he parades through the streets, people throw firecrackers at him to ward off the chill. This is the origin of the Bombing of Lord Handan.
The Bombing of Lord Handan began in 1951. Due to the intense nature of enduring firecracker explosions, the event was once banned by the police. However, after efforts from believers, the practice returned to Taitung. Since 1998, the event has been held in collaboration with the local government, becoming a highlight of the Lantern Festival. It has been featured by major international media outlets such as Discovery, CNN, and NHK.
During the event, a statue of Lord Handan is strapped to a bamboo chair, carried by four bearers, while the living person portraying Handan, known as the "Living Handan," parades through the streets. The Living Handan wears only shorts, a red headband, and carries a branch of banyan leaves. He also wears a talisman for protection, symbolizing a plea for divine protection from the firecrackers. Given the intensity of the event, it is strongly recommended that spectators who wish to observe up close use earplugs and safety goggles. Although the firecracker display may not be as intense as the Beehive Fireworks, the exploding firecrackers and deafening noise still present significant risks, and safety should always be a top priority.
◦ Attractions in Taitung
01｜Hsuan Wu Tang
In the early days, the statue of Lord Handan was hosted by various devotees on a rotating basis. It wasn't until 1989 that the rotating host took the statue home, subsequently constructing a temple and naming it Hsuan Wu Tang, which finally provided Lord Handan with a permanent place of worship.
On the day of the Lantern Festival, the temple is bustling with activity. Devotees continuously arrive to pay their respects, and even international journalists are drawn to cover the event. Each time I see Taiwan’s folk culture showcased in the international media, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride!
Hsuan Wu Tang No. 2-1, Zhengqi Rd., Taitung City, Taitung
02｜Taitung Railway Art Village
Built in 1922 and decommissioned in 2001, the old Taitung Station, with its 80-year history of railway artifacts and environment, was transformed into the "Taitung Railway Art Village" as part of a government initiative.
Here, visitors can explore the old station's platform, carriages, and tracks up close. In the evenings, the site comes alive with markets and vendors, making it one of the few nighttime attractions in Taitung.
Taitung Railway Art Village No. 369, Tiehua Rd., Taitung City, Taitung
03｜Fugang Fishing Harbor
Due to its prime location, Fugang Fishing Harbor serves as the main transit hub for trips to Green Island and Orchid Island. The convergence of the Kuroshio and Oyashio currents brings abundant fish stocks, and the fresh catches draw many visitors.
Fugang Fishing Harbor, along with the nearby Xiaoyeliu and Jialulan Recreation Area, creates a popular tourist route, making it an ideal destination for a half-day trip.
Fugang Fishing Harbor No. 297, Fugang St., Taitung City, Taitung
04｜Beinan Cultural Park
Looking at the information boards at Beinan Cultural Park, I was completely stumped by these two questions:
"Who lived here during prehistoric times?"
"How long ago did the Beinan culture exist?"
The Beinan people are the answer, with their activities dating back approximately 5,300 to 2,300 years ago.
The park was established following the discovery of the Beinan cultural site, which also lent its name to this culture. Today, the areas of Taitung City and Beinan Township are home to many communities of the Beinan tribe. However, the Beinan people are not closely related to the modern Beinan tribe. Based on excavated pottery, jade artifacts, and the mysterious "crescent-shaped stone pillars," it is believed that the Beinan Culture may be more closely connected to the "Saoba stone pillars" found in Ruisui, Hualien, an area traditionally inhabited by the Amis people.
In addition to prehistoric artifacts, this first archaeological site park in Taiwan also features traditional Beinan tribal structures, including the youth assembly house, which served as an important gathering place to strengthen community bonds.
Beinan Cultural Park Opening Hours: 0900-1700, closed on Monday. No. 200, Wenhuagongyuan Rd., Taitung City, Taitung
◦ Restaurants and Snacks in Taitung City
01｜Guo Zhen Nong
Guo Zhen Nong has gained immense popularity since its opening by offering just one unique beverage: fruit bubble milk tea with no added sugar or ice. With an impressive 4.7-star rating on Google and numerous media features, it has become a must-try.
This dreamy, layered fruit bubble milk tea combines pitaya, gac fruit, pineapple, and fresh milk, along with pearls made from fruit. The drink offers a refreshing, sweet, and tangy fruit purée flavor that is perfectly balanced with the creamy richness of fresh milk, making it a delightful combination.
Guo Zhen Nong Opening Hours: 1000-1500, closed on Wednesday. No. 4, Ln. 212, Datong Rd., Taitung City, Taitung
02｜Blue Dragonfly Fast Food
When you visit Taitung, you must try Blue Dragonfly! The subtle hint of Chinese herbal fragrance in their fried chicken sets it apart and is difficult to find elsewhere. Unlike the thick breading typical of American fried chicken, Blue Dragonfly uses a wet batter seasoned with Chinese spices, resulting in a flavorful, crispy outer layer. One bite reveals juicy meat that bursts with flavor, making it an incredibly satisfying experience!
Blue Dragonfly Fast Food Opening Hours: 1030-2300, closed on Monday. No. 214, Datong Rd., Taitung City, Taitung
03｜A-Hong Fried Chicken
Compared to Blue Dragonfly, A-Hong Fried Chicken boasts a thicker crust and a more pronounced peppery aroma. However, depending on the frying time that day, some pieces of meat, aside from the drumsticks, were slightly dry. Despite their fundamental differences in flavor, both establishments have loyal supporters. The long lines at each restaurant during meal times are a testament to the love Taitung locals have for their fried chicken!
A-Hong Fried Chicken Opening Hours: 1530-2200, closed on Tuesday. No. 606, Xinsheng Rd., Taitung City, Taitung
04｜Jung Shu Hsia Short Rice Noodles
Jung Shu Hsia Short Rice Noodles offers a simple yet satisfying flavor that never becomes tiresome. The delightful aromas of dried fish, braised pork, and chives make the thick rice noodles truly delicious.
Jung Shu Hsia Short Rice Noodles Opening Hours: 1000-1430, 1630-1930, closed on Wednesday. No. 323, Zhejiang Rd., Taitung City, Taitung
◦ Flying Over Taiwan
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◦ Other Areas in Taitung
➤ Dawu | Taitung's Gateway, the Beginning of Taitung Blue.