While the annual Danayi Fish Festival is not steeped in tradition, it is
one of the few events in Taiwan promoting ecological awareness to have
actually achieved something.
Created in 1995 in order to develop tourism and to stop the polluting of
streams and rivers in the Alishan area, the event has proven a huge
success with both locals and tourists alike. It's also done wonders for
the district's aquatic population, who, since the festival's inception
have been able to enjoy life without fear of being poisoned by either
overzealous farmers or fishermen, or leaking barrels of toxic waste.
Hosted by the Tsou (鄒族) natives of Shanmei Village in the Danayi
Valley, the festival runs from today through Tuesday, and features a
whole string of events, many of which have nothing to do with fish.
Tourists will be treated to a historical photo exhibition featuring
shots of life in the valley dating back several decades, a food fair
which will see villagers cooking up a smorgasbord of native culinary
delights and performances of native Tsou music and dance.
Organizers of the five-day event are also hoping tourists will take
advantage of the specially organized hikes that will take visitors to
some of Alishan's most picturesque locations.
The only way to get to Danayi Village is by car. Tourists should take
Route 18 east out of Chiayi City to Longmei Village and then take the
Shanmei Commercial Highway (山美產業道路) to Shanmei Village.
As accommodation in the village itself is rather scarce, organizers
recommend that tourists make use of the sprinkling of motels in Daban
and Fengchi townships. For further information about the festival and
accommodation in the area log on to : http://www.tbroc.gov.tw /tbroc9_
3w/alishan/accom.html.
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