Yuyupas Alishan Tsou Cultural Park

Historically, like most indigenous communities, a high proportion of young and middle-aged adults from the Alishan Tsou tribe migrated to urban areas for work, leaving behind mostly elders and children. Farming was the primary economic activity. However, after the land was repeatedly devastated by annual typhoons and mudslides, the pressing question for the tribe's transformation became how to help its indigenous residents find new livelihoods and secure their sustenance. On August 8, 2009, Typhoon Morakot (also known as the 'August 8th Flood') severely impacted the tribal economy, with various activities such as tourism, homestays, and specialty dining all being significantly affected. As the tourism industry in the Alishan region began to relocate downhill after the typhoon, 'Yuyupas Alishan Tsou Cultural Park' broke ground on September 21, 2009, and officially commenced operations on June 27, 2010. The park is situated in Leye Village, Alishan Township, Taiwan, at an altitude of 1300 meters above sea level. Over the 15 years since its establishment, 'Yuyupas Alishan Tsou Cultural Park' has navigated numerous upheavals in the broader tourism industry, as well as the immense impact and challenges posed by the three-year COVID-19 pandemic, earthquakes, and typhoons. Fortunately, it has safely overcome these difficulties and stands strong today, having become a new highlight for refined tourism in Taiwan. The distinctive features of 'Yuyupas Alishan Tsou Cultural Park' include its 'high-quality tribal tourism image,' 'refined cultural tourism,' and the 'experience of local specialty industries.' Currently, it employs 48 staff members, 75% of whom are indigenous youth. The park also provides comprehensive benefits for its employees, such as labor insurance, health insurance, and pensions, enabling them to develop cultural and creative industries that contribute to their economic self-sufficiency without concerns. This initiative, where a local enterprise combines with local cultural and distinctive industries, has sparked a benchmark new model for tribal development, and it is hoped that this model will serve as a valuable example for other enterprises and tribes seeking collaboration.