Siraya Travel Guide
Siraya Travel Guide
A travel guide to Siraya
Siraya National Scenic Area covers part of Tainan and Chiayi, offering not to be missed activities and attractions such as Siraya Night Sacrifice, Sunrise in Erliao, Zengwen Reservoir boat tour, mud hot spring, etc. Visit Siraya and embark on an extraordinary journey where the beauty of the mountains and rivers integrates into the culture and lifestyle of the indigenous people.
Three major tour routes
Colorful Artistic Land
Mountain, sea of clouds, sunrise, and grassland; Provincial Highway 84 and Provincial Highway 20 offer the most diverse travel itineraries.
Romantic Hot Spring
Road No. 172 and Road No. 175 are the main routes to visit the hot spring at Guanziling, savor Dongshan coffee and experience tribal culture.
Joyful Countryside
Provincial Highway 3 cuts through the entire Siraya region, and passes by Zengwen Reservoir, Meiling, Yujing, etc. Do visit the place and savor the seasonal fruits: mango and plum!
Gentle reminder
Short sleeves clothing is appropriate at non-plain areas, but do bring a jacket for the changing climate in the mountainous region.
While entering the tribal village or participating in local sacrificial ceremonies, please respect the local residents and do not take photographs without permission or disturb the ceremonies.
April - September is the best time for watching the sunrise in Southern Taiwan.
Transport
As the distance between the attractions in Siraya National Scenic Area is quite far, it is more convenient to drive or hire a car. If you are taking public transportation, head to Chiayi or Tainan and transfer to a bus to your destination.
High Speed Rail
Tainan HSR Station is situated in Guiren District of Tainan City. Hence, if your destination is to the north of Guantian District, you may alight at Chiayi HSR Station, and if it is to the south of Shanhua District, alight at Tainan HSR Station. HSR stations provide bus and taxi service for transferring to other places.
Taiwan Railways
Conveniently accessible as most Western Main Line’s Tze-Chiang Limited Express, Chu-Kuang Express and Fu-Hsing Semi Express call at Xinying Station and Tainan Station. Visitors may arrive at major stations such as Xinying, Tainan, etc., and transfer to Local Train or Ordinary Train that call at every station to the various attractions.
Bus
The frequency in some areas is low, and the bus fare is based on distance traveled. Do check with the bus companies for bus schedule and operation information.
Tainan region (Greater Tainan Bus System)
a. Singing Bus
Singing Bus operates from Xinying Station for routes to Chiayi, Budai, Dongshan, Baihe, Liujia, Yanshui, Beimen, Xuejia, etc.
b. Shing Nan Bus
Shing Nan Bus operates from Tainan City and Jiali for routes to Xinying, Xinhua, Yujing, Madou, Qigu, Beimen, etc.
Chiayi Region (Chia-Yi Bus System)
a. Chia-Yi Bus
It operates from Chiayi City for routes to Yanshui, Baihe, Guanziling, etc.
Siraya’s classic attractions
Sunrise in Erliao
The best time to take photos of Erliao sunrise is between April and September. During sunrise, golden rays slowly emerge from the chalky mountains and form ever-changing rays of dawn, immersing one in a splashed-ink landscape. During the summer holidays, Erliao also hosts the sea of clouds music festival at dawn.
Tavokan Cultural District
Xinhua was once the settlement of the Siraya-Pingpu Tribe. Its old name “Damujiang” is a transliteration of “Tavocan” from Sirayan language. Tavokan Cultural District was originally a police dormitory, and was later restored and converted to a multi-purpose park with rich cultural ambience and attractions, including Wude Hall, Japanese dormitory, etc.
Winter hot spring
The cold winter breeze increases one’s longing for warmth. Guanziling, Zhongpu, Wuxingquan and Shanquan in Siraya National Scenic Area offer different types of hot springs for visitors to experience, warming one’s heart in the howling cold wind.
Reservoir bike tour
Several important reservoirs of Taiwan can be found in Siraya National Scenic Area, including Taiwan’s largest reservoir Zengwen Reservoir, as well as Wushantou Reservoir, which was one of the world’s three largest waterworks projects at that time. In “Siraya water fun - reservoir cycling” event, cyclists can enjoy an in-depth tour and the scenery of the reservoir at their most comfortable pace.
Annual events
February - March
Baihe’s Kapok Flower Festival
Cycling on flaming red Kapok boulevard
The flaming red Kapok flowers paint the road in bright orange red. Stroll or cycle with your friends along Kapok boulevard to enjoy this beautiful atmosphere.
April - May
Firefly Festival
Follow the fireflies and explore the forest
During the short and sparkling Firefly Festival, walk into the forest in the evening and wait quietly for the appearance of the star like light. Join the fireflies partying with the galaxy in the sky and “swarm of fireflies” on the ground.
May - August
Baihe’s Lotus Festival
Visit the hometown of lotus; enjoy the lotus feast!
Cool yourself in the hot summer by touring Baihe at a leisurely pace. The emerald lotus leaves and refined lotus swaying in the wind, beautiful scenery and delicacies promise unforgettable memories for visitors.
June - August
Yujing’s Mango Festival
Delicious summer fruit: mango
The sumptuous mango shaved ice is a must-have during Taiwan’s summer. Visit the distribution place of mango, and beat the summer heat by enjoying the plump and sweet flesh of mango, as well as the delicious mango cuisines.
September - October
Guantian Water Caltrop Festival
Fragrant water caltrop in the autumn of Guantian
Visit Guantian in autumn to savor the freshly picked water caltrop and experience water caltrop DIY activities. The various cooking methods make water caltrop creative cuisine a not to be missed feast of taste.
September - November
Siraya Night Sacrifice
Listen to the stories of the beliefs of Siraya people
Experience the rich Sirayan culture with Siraya people, and with a sincere heart, listen to the ancient music which carries their beliefs and stories.
September - November
Dongshan Coffee Festival
A journey with coffee aroma
Travel along Dongshan 175 Coffee Road for Dongshan Coffee Festival, and savor the mellowness of coffee and local agricultural products such as the sweet and sour green ponkan.
