Photo source: Taitung Tourism Network
Located in Donghe Township, Taitung County, the Fafokod Tribe is nestled on the terraced terrain south of the Mawuku Creek estuary and is a prominent Amis settlement. The tribe's name derives from the Amis word "tafokod," meaning "casting a net to catch fish," reflecting the local residents' centuries-old fishing lifestyle.
According to historical records, the Donghe tribe was known as the "Mao Wu Gu She" as early as the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty (1736). During the Japanese colonial period, it was called "Dama Wu Ku" and served as the administrative center. Due to its remote location, no Han Chinese settled there during the Qing Dynasty, preserving the intact indigenous culture and language. Today, the tribe is still primarily inhabited by the Amis people, and their language, rituals, and customs are well preserved.
In recent years, the tribe has actively promoted ecotourism and cultural preservation. Designated a key tribe in 2007, the Donghe Tribal House, a traditional homestead, serves as a base for tribal tourism and cultural education. Visitors can participate in guided tours, craft workshops, and tribal dining, gaining a deeper understanding of the Amis people's wisdom and connection to the land.
Donghe Tribe combines natural landscapes, historical culture and aboriginal spirit, making it an excellent starting point for exploring Taitung's east coast culture.
