Xiangtian Lake

Located in Donghe Village, Nanzhuang Township, Miaoli County, Xiangtian Lake is currently home to over twenty households with a population of over two hundred people, making it the largest Saisiyat tribe. Legend has it that hundreds of years ago, this area was originally a lake. Ancient people named it Xiangtian Lake (also known as Yangtian Lake), meaning 'Lake Gazing at the Sky,' because the lake seemed to look up at the heavens. Later, due to erosion by a tributary of the Dadong River towards its source, the lake banks were breached, and the water drained away. This left behind a fertile lakebed, which transformed into a mountain basin. Indigenous people who settled here converted it into farmland. Xiangtian Lake is situated at an elevation of 738 meters. To its southeast, it borders Lucang across the ridge of Guangtian Gaoshan; to its southwest, it connects to Penglai Village; and to its northwest, at the foot of the mountain, are Nanjiang Village and Donghe Village. Guangtian Gaoshan is a spur ridge of the Jiali Mountain Range. Its eastern side is severely eroded by the Dadong River, forming steep cliffs, while its western slopes are gentle and the ridge is wider. Xiangtian Lake lies on the western side of the mountain. Terraced fields are widespread within the basin, surrounded by fir forests, various trees, and lush bamboo groves, creating a vibrant green landscape. Due to its higher elevation, the area is frequently shrouded in mist and ethereal clouds during winter and spring, resembling a fairyland. The Pasta'ay (Dwarf Spirit Festival) at Xiangtian Lake, held every two years with a major festival every ten years, possesses profound historical significance and a primal, mysterious atmosphere. It is the most important ceremony for the Saisiyat people. The Pasta'ay takes place around the 15th day of the 10th lunar month every two years, lasting for 4 days and 3 nights. The Saisiyat people hope that visitors will come with reverence and respect for indigenous culture, collectively striving to preserve the original essence of the Saisiyat Pasta'ay. Origin of the Pasta'ay: In ancient times, a group of dark-skinned pygmies, less than a meter tall, possessed many skills. They taught the Saisiyat people farming techniques and ways to worship deities, providing the Saisiyat with stable livelihoods. Each year during the harvest season, the Saisiyat would invite the pygmies to their tribe to celebrate the abundant harvest. Gradually, the invited pygmies began to engage in inappropriate behavior towards Saisiyat women. During one harvest festival, the Saisiyat people designed a trap that led to the pygmies' deaths. Afterward, harvests were no longer as abundant as in previous years. To appease the spirits of the deceased pygmies, the 'Pasta'ay' was initiated, held in mid-10th lunar month. It has since evolved from an annual festival to a minor festival every two years and a major one every ten years.