Idealic: Built in 1992, the resort has a diverse ecological system, abundant natural beauty and spring festivities. — Photo courtesy of Atayal Resort

NANTOU, Taiwan —  The Atayal Resort in the north of Puli Township in Nantou County, Taiwan, is an excellent spot for family vacations and school field trips.

The resort reflects the recent trend of ecological tours which are increasingly popular in Taiwan.

Located at the border of Renai and Kuohsin Townships, an area known for its natural beauty, the Atayal Resort was established by people who posses a strong respect for the Atayal aboriginal tribe.

Close to nature: With abundant natural ecological resources and a pleasant climate, alongside vast mountain ranges, Atayal resort is the perfect place to relax. — VNS Photo Thục Nghi

The founders of the resort place a great emphasis on preserving the natural environment and Atayal culture.

The resort has an aboriginal museum which exhibits Atayal life; it also hosts traditional dance performances of the Atayal people. Tourists who are particularly interested in the history of ethnic people can catch a glimpse of such culture in action.

The enchanting dances and rituals reflecting the culture and history of the Atayal and Seediq people will impress visitors who are encouraged to join in with some dances and activities.

Tradition: The most important ceremony of the Atayal tribe is the ritual of calling upon the spirits of their ancestors.

The traditional lifestyle of the Atayal tribe circles around hunting and slash-and-burn methods of agriculture. They use well-developed weaving techniques to make intricate and complex patterns on fabric. They love red in their clothes. The colour is popular in their custom as it symbolises blood and energy and wards off evil spirits.

The most important ceremony of the tribe is the ritual which calls upon the spirits of their ancestors. The ritual involves dancing and singing.

Built in 1992, the resort also has a diverse ecological system, with abundant natural beauty and spring festivities.

Ancient mountain forests in the southwest of Taiwan, characterised by a warm and humid climate, are also a popular attraction for tourists – including those on school field trips.

Back to basics: The traditional lifestyle of the Atayal tribe consists of hunting and slash-and-burn methods of agriculture. — VNS Photo Thục Nghi

The area is abundant with oak forests. It receives some 80 per cent of annual rainfall between May and September, resulting in the growth of natural broadleaf forest.

“At Atayal Resort, there are all kinds of flowers and trees growing in every corner. We have put up information explaining the origin of each species of flower and tree,” said Allen Lee, marketing and project planning manager at the resort.

According to him, ancient plants at the resort were covered by sandstone for a long time, and the cells underwent silicification and became hard wood fossils.

Customs: The Atayal tribe uses well-developed weaving techniques to make intricate and complex patterns. They love red in clothes, as to them it symbolises blood and energy. — VNS Photos Mai Phuong

The resort is spread across 47ha and offers an unforgettable recreational experience to visitors, said the area manager.

“To retain an aboriginal touch, the resort was designed to incorporate the features of the mountain tribes. The management also recruits aboriginal people living in neighbouring areas to add a touch of authenticity to the resort, besides providing them with employment opportunities and improving their living standards,” Lee said. — VNS