The East Rift Valley National Scenic Area Headquarters under Taiwan's Tourism Administration has continued promoting the indigenous tourism brand “Valley Indigenous Travel Fair” in recent years. Through space renovation, brand consulting, and cultural experience integration, the program aims to help indigenous communities in Hualien and Taitung develop distinctive tourism while encouraging more travelers to explore mountain villages and learn about indigenous culture and daily life.
According to the scenic area headquarters, several local teams have received support through the indigenous tourism promotion project, including “Weng Weng Private Kitchen” in Zhuoxi Township, Hualien. The project assisted with improving smoking rooms, cooking stoves, and work bar areas, while also enhancing the venue's visual identity and atmosphere to improve visitors' dining and cultural experience.
Visitors enter “Weng Weng Private Kitchen” in the mountains to experience indigenous dining culture and learn about the warmth and stories of the Bunun people through food and space design（Photo／East Rift Valley National Scenic Area Headquarters）
“Weng Weng Private Kitchen” is operated by chef Zhou Wenjun, who has long created indigenous-style dishes using local ingredients. Through smoked cuisine and mountain-sourced ingredients, the restaurant conveys the Bunun people's cultural spirit of sharing and communal dining. The interior incorporates wood textures, earth-tone colors, and indigenous elements, creating a mountain atmosphere that blends naturally with the surrounding environment and allows visitors to experience indigenous stories and lifestyles more closely during their meal.
The headquarters noted that it will continue investing resources in the future by combining culture, tourism, and design to support more indigenous communities in developing distinctive travel experiences. Through food, crafts, and lifestyle experiences, indigenous tourism in Hualien and Taitung is expected to present a richer and more diverse cultural landscape.
