The Thao — Taiwan's Smallest Indigenous Tribe
Ita Thao sits on the southeastern shore of Sun Moon Lake and is home to the Thao people, one of Taiwan's sixteen officially recognized indigenous tribes and the smallest, with a population of only around 800. Despite their small numbers, the Thao have maintained a remarkably rich cultural heritage that is well worth exploring. It's about a 15-minute drive from our B&B, or a 20-minute boat ride from Shuishe Pier.
Zhulu Market — Where Culture Meets Cuisine
The Zhulu Market (逐鹿市集) beside Ita Thao Pier is a cultural marketplace run by Thao community members. Unlike typical tourist night markets, this is an authentic space showcasing indigenous culture.
- Traditional crafts: Owl wood carvings (the Thao guardian spirit), hand-woven rattan baskets, and traditional textile accessories
- Indigenous cuisine: Millet mochi, wild boar sausage, maqaw (mountain pepper) dishes, and millet wine
- Live performances: Traditional Thao song and dance on weekends, featuring the iconic pestle music
Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours for a leisurely visit.
Ita Thao Pier & Lakeside Walks
Ita Thao Pier is one of three main piers on Sun Moon Lake. The waterfront promenade is perfect for evening strolls. Ferries connect to Shuishe and Xuanguang piers — an all-day pass costs NT$300 (~US$10) for unlimited rides.
The adjacent Ita Thao Food Street is the liveliest eating strip on the lake. Must-tries include stuffed chicken wings, millet doughnuts, and black tea egg rolls made with local Sun Moon Lake tea.
Ancestral Spirit Festival (Lus'an)
Every year around the eighth lunar month (September–October), the Thao hold their most sacred ceremony, the Ancestral Spirit Festival. The month-long celebration includes rituals at the supreme ancestral spirit house, with participants in full traditional dress.
The highlight is the pestle music performance — women strike stone slabs with wooden pestles of varying lengths, creating hauntingly beautiful melodies that echo across the lake. If your visit coincides with the festival, it's a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience.
Please respect local customs during the festival; some ceremonial areas are closed to visitors.
Practical Information
- By car: 15 minutes from our B&B via Provincial Highway 21; parking at the pier costs NT$30
- By boat: 20 minutes from Shuishe Pier; all-day pass NT$300
- Suggested visit: 2–4 hours