aeeble

“Dā Nà Yǐ Gǔ” is a name that was literally translated from its pronunciation in the Tsou language. It is one of Taiwan’s rare pristine streams, located upstream of the Zengwen River, at an altitude of about five hundred metres. The river is eighteen kilometres long, enjoys a pleasant climate, and boasts beautiful scenery. However, for more than a decade the valley was in a worrying condition. People overfished and polluted the water, causing the Tsou people of Shànměi Village to no longer tolerate it. They decided to defend this vital water resource, which is considered the lifeline of their tribe. The valley has since undergone more than ten years of restoration; during that time it even suffered from Typhoon Hě Bó, which altered the channel, toppled trees, and collapsed boulders. Yet the Tsou people of Shànměi mobilized all villagers, moved stones, and repaired the valley. Today we can finally see its crystal‑clear waters.

The Dā Nà Yǐ Gǔ Ecological Park is Taiwan’s first ecopark promoted by private citizens. It is managed by the Shànměi Community Development Association and is open for visitors, who are charged only a modest maintenance fee. In recent years the valley has become a new attraction on Alishan, even featuring traditional music and dance performances at the park entrance. Dā Nà Yǐ Gǔ offers abundant natural ecology: lush green mountains that wind across the landscape, warm and tranquil trails, sparkling streams, rugged boulders, and birds and butterflies flapping along the banks. The valley’s fish are plentiful, including the local mahogany snapper, colloquially called “kǔ huā” (bitter flower).

Moreover, to maintain ecological balance, the valley opens the Zengwen River for anglers during the rainy season and fish breeding period, and also provides fish fry to aquaculture operators. Because of the thorough protection of these ecological features and the thoughtful management of tourism resources, the Tsou people of Shànměi village’s lives have begun to improve, and the quality of community life has risen.