Home Blog Event RecapsPasiwali Festival in Taitung: A Cultural Experience of Taiwan’s Indigenous Heritage , 
As a foreigner who is coming to Taiwan , there are a lot of things you might learn before coming here but that might be only part of the story of this beautiful island. A trip to Taiwan southern most region.
After coming to Taiwan and step into the history of this island one thing that will amaze you is learning about the country rich native history .One thing you always learn about is , The majority of the faces you see walking around in the cities are not the original people of this island called “Taiwan or Formosa”.Just like almost every country in the world example america , Canada some parts of Caribbean in the world there is two faces to these countries the one you see on TV currently and the ones from the history. The aboriginals of Taiwan are similar to the natives of any other county, Native american , native Canadian and native Australian. They have a rich culture that is often outside the media eye so you rarely see them , if you live in Taipei or other cities you would not see their culture as much but if you want to learn about them they are more than happy to share their culture. While Taipei might be the modern face of Taichung , Taichung is the original face of this beautiful island. A trip here is worth it at least once in stay in Taiwan cultural exchange.
Living in Taipei’s urban rhythm, it’s easy to forget that Taiwan is an island rich with diverse cultures and breathtaking natural beauty. That's why, when the opportunity arose to visit the Pasiwali Festival in Taitung, I knew it was time for an adventure.
Pasiwali, meaning "to the north" in the Amis language, is Taiwan's premier Indigenous music festival. It's an annual pilgrimage for music lovers and culture enthusiasts, celebrating the vibrant sounds and traditions of Taiwan's Indigenous tribes. And it was a world away from anything I’d experienced in the city.
Getting to Taitung is an experience in itself. While the High-Speed Rail (HSR) will get you to the west coast in a flash, the East Coast requires a different kind of journey. There is no HSR so the journey will take minimum few 4-5 hours , for more cheaper and slower train it will take much longer . A online ticket or ticket from a railway station is required.
The Train Ride: I took the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) train from Taipei, a scenic route that winds down the rugged East Coast. The landscape transforms from urban sprawl to endless rice paddies, dramatic cliffs, and the vast Pacific Ocean.
Even though I have been to Taitung before, I am always mesmerized by the sight of the east coast of Taiwan. Fun fact , Taiwan is one of the countries in the world with the highest number of mountain peaks above 3000m and riding the train on the east side you get to see many beautiful mountains from your window . It is well worth the train ride.
Arriving at the festival grounds, I was immediately struck by the atmosphere. This wasn't a commercial pop concert; it was a deeply authentic celebration.
The Music: The heart of Pasiwali is its incredible music. From traditional chants and powerful drums to contemporary fusions of rock, reggae, and folk sung in Indigenous languages, the performances were raw, soulful, and deeply moving.
The only indigenous groups were not from Taiwan only but many other countries around the world. It is held in Taiwan yearly as a way to bring together all these groups from the world to show their culture . fun fact , did you know that a lot of modern polynesian people originated from the island of Taiwan many millennia ago . This year one of the groups that were brought to Taiwan was the famous group OTYKEN from Siberia and their performance didn’t disappoint. It was so cool to hear their bellowing loud performance. This was the band on Instagram that convinced me to get myself down to Taitung again to experience.
The Energy: The crowd was a beautiful mix of Indigenous communities from around the world like Tahiti , local Taiwanese, and a smattering of foreigners like myself. Everyone was there to appreciate the music, dance, and share in the joy.
3. Cultural Immersion: More Than Just a Festival
My time at Pasiwali was a profound reminder of the rich Indigenous heritage that shapes Taiwan.
How many indigenous tribes there are in Taiwan , the official number and what most people say is 16 tribes .
The Spirit of Community: What truly stood out was the strong sense of community and pride. The festival is a platform for these cultures to be celebrated, preserved, and shared.
Learning & Connection: I found myself learning about different tribes, their stories, and their cultural homeland in Taiwan, all through the universal language of music.
4. Why You Need to Go to Taitung: A Must-Do for Any Foreigner in Taiwan
If you're looking for an experience that genuinely broadens your understanding of Taiwan beyond the city lights, even though the Pasiwali Festival is over you need to go to Taitung for a true view of Taiwan history and culture. (or similar Indigenous cultural events) is essential.
Authenticity: It’s a chance to witness a the aboriginal historic side of Taiwan that many tourists miss. In Taipei you get a lot of the Han Chinese history of Taiwan while in taitung you will get a genuine view of the original people who are from this island. Taitung is the county with the highest percentage of aboriginal people . Around 3 to 1 ratio is of aboriginal descent.
Discovery: It’s an adventure that requires stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the unexpected.
Connection: It’s an opportunity to connect with the island’s original inhabitants and their enduring traditions.
Nature:Just like its distance, it is the polar opposite of Taipei and you would feel like you are on a small vacation in Taiwan. As soon as you exit the train you are reminded that you are on a island as it is incredibly beautiful and quiet county. It has so much nature and activities to fill your time there.
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