Xiangtian Lake. Located in Donghe Village, Nanzhuang Township, Miaoli County, it is currently the largest settlement of the Saisiyat people, with over twenty households and a population of about two hundred. Located in Donghe Village, Nanzhuang Township, Miaoli County, it is currently the largest settlement of the Saisiyat people, with over twenty households and a population of about two hundred. Legend has it that hundreds of years ago, this was originally a lake. Because ancient people saw the lake looking up at the sky, they named it Xiangtian Lake, also known as Yangtian Lake. Later, due to erosion by a tributary of the Datong River cutting through the lake shore, the lake water drained, leaving behind a fertile lakebed that became a mountain basin. Indigenous people who moved here developed it into farmland. Xiangtian Lake is 738 meters above sea level. It borders Louchang to the southeast across the Guangtian Mountain range, connects to Penglai Village to the southwest, and is below the mountains of Nanjiang Village and Donghe Village to the northwest. Guangtian Mountain is a branch of the Jiari Mountain range. The east side is cut and eroded by the Datong River, with steep cliffs; the west side has gentle slopes and a wider ridge. Xiangtian Lake is located in the mid-slope of the west side. The basin is covered with terraced fields, surrounded by fir forests, mixed forests, and Kweichow bamboo, lush and green. Due to its high elevation, it is often shrouded in mist and wisps of white clouds in winter and spring, resembling a fairyland. The 'Pas-ta'ai' (Little People's Festival), held every two years with a grand ceremony every ten years, is of profound historical significance and possesses an ancient and mysterious aura, making it the most important festival for the Saisiyat people. The Pas-ta'ai is held around the 15th day of the tenth lunar month every other year, lasting for 4 days and 3 nights. The Saisiyat people hope that visitors will come to the mountain with reverence and respect for indigenous culture.
Address: 苗栗縣南庄鄉三角湖向天湖聯絡道路
Hours: 00:00–23:59
Miaoli