The central part of Taiwan is blessed not only with exquisite scenery but also with rich cultural resources. Among the most attractive tourist attractions of this area are the small town of Jiji, the Snake Kiln at Shuili, the town of Puli, and Sun Moon Lake. Each has its own historical background that makes it well worth a visit.

The Sao Tribe that lives on the shores of Sun Moon Lake is the smallest of Taiwan's 10 indigenous tribes, with fewer than 300 members. The main tourist area at the lake is Sun Moon Village, which is full of hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops--and tourists. In the indigenous settlement at Dehua Village, the Zhulu Market is crowded with shops offering curios and Sao cuisines. The "Sao Culture Village" is a nearby building that mounts native song and dance performances. If you are here at the time of the traditional harvest festival in the eighth lunar month, you will be invited to participate personally in the activities and gain a first-hand experience Sao culture. Other attractions around the lake include Xuanguang Temple, Xuanzang Temple, and Wenwu Temple, all of which have a strong appeal for tourists.

Puli, situated in the northern part of Nantou County, is the geographic center of Taiwan. This town is rich in local traditions and is known for its sweet springs, delicious wine and distilled spirits, fresh flowers, and beautiful women. It is also a treasure house for archaeologists, who have discovered here relics of the Shuiwaku Culture which flourished 2,400 to 3,600 years ago and the Damalin Culture of 1,700 to 2,370 years ago. Remains of buildings, pottery, and stone implements have been found, preserving the precious cultural contents of primitive villages. You might also look into the ancient trails that provided communication with the outside.

The most charming spots of Lugang are the historic alleys with old houses; the most special ones are the narrow-facade, deep-length patio-type buildings which only exist in Yuan-chang store on Zhongshan (Jhongshan) Rd., old streets, and Lugang Folk Art Museum. The half-old-half-new buildings on Zhongshan (Jhongshan) Rd. were torn in Japanese occupation era. The Japanese tore the main halls to expand road and put the modern honorific arches instead. The Lungshan (Longshan) Temple is the complete collection of art and architecture essentials, it is worthy of your visit.