The Siraya National Scenic Area is located at the crossroads of Tainan County's Jianan Plain and the inland peaks of western Taiwan. This lovely mountainous region, situated entirely in Tainan County, is surrounded by 15 townships and villages to the north, south and east. The No. 3 National Freeway serves as the western border to the scenic area. In addition, the Wushantou Scenic Area, which is presently in the planning stage, will also form a periphery on the western end.

A network of rivers flows from east to west in this verdant region, with the basins of these waterways supporting seven reservoirs, all of which are crucial to the region's agricultural livelihood. Together, this web forms southern Taiwan's renowned Jianan Canal. The lush Siraya National Scenic Area is home to one of Taiwan's most important and diverse farming regions, and also features any number of cultural and historic points of interest. Renowned picturesque landscapes include the mud springs and the “Fire Water Source” scenic spot at Guanzihling, where both water and flaming natural gas seep from a crevice. Also not to be overlooked is the unique “coral waterfall” at Wushantou Reservoir. The entire region has become an increasingly popular choice for tourists since the opening of the Second Southern Freeway.

The Tainan County Government commenced a survey of the area's resources in 2003, which provided the foundation for a later move by the Tourism Bureau to elevate the region to scenic area status. In November 2005, the Executive Yuan approved the Siraya National Scenic Area as Taiwan's 13th national scenic area. Pre-historic cultural relics have been unearthed in the region, which is home to people of the Pingpu aboriginals, descendants of the Siraya tribe. Traditional public sacrificial places known as “konkai,” which enshrine one of the tribe's most honored deities, can still be found, and many villages still practice nightly sacrifices. Government agencies have been instrumental in helping promote the restoration of Pingpu/Siraya culture in recent years.

SIRAYA NATIONAL SCENIC AREA ADMINISTRATION, TOURISM BUREAU
MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION & COMMUNICATIONS
Add: No.69-2, Jianan Village, Guantian Township, Tainan County 72046, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Tel: (06) 699-0335        Fax: (06) 698-4191