During the Japanese colonial period, Ita Thao was known as “Hua Fan She” (a society for “civilizing savages”). After Taiwan’s retrocession, it was renamed “De Hua She” (a society of moral enlightenment). However, in 2000, the indigenous name “Ita Thao” was restored as part of the Indigenous Name Rectification Movement. In the Thao language, “Thao” means “people,” and “Ita” means “we,” symbolizing the Thao community spirit.
Today, the Thao population is approximately 300 people, primarily residing in the Ita Thao area, which serves as a vital hub for preserving and sharing Thao culture around Sun Moon Lake.
The history of the Thao people is intertwined with the captivating Legend of the White Deer. The Thao originally lived in the Alishan region. One year, while preparing for an ancestral festival, a hunter named Pajtadu led his tribe on a hunting expedition. Days of effort yielded no results, leaving them disheartened. Suddenly, a white deer appeared, reigniting their determination.
They pursued the deer tirelessly, marking their path by stripping bark from tree trunks along the way. After many days, the white deer led them to a beautiful lake—what we know as Sun Moon Lake today.
The deer disappeared into the water, but as the hunters quenched their thirst at the lake’s edge, they discovered an abundance of fish and a stunning environment. Having lived in the mountains for generations, the Thao were unsure if the fish were edible. The eldest among them tasted the fish first, finding it both delicious and safe. The hunters shared their findings with the tribe, who later migrated to the area and appointed Pajtadu as their first leader.
Today, Ita Thao Pier is not only a cultural hub for the Thao people but also one of the liveliest spots around Sun Moon Lake. The pier is lined with vibrant shops offering various traditional snacks and handcrafted goods, attracting countless visitors.
Visitors can enjoy Thao-inspired delicacies such as Grilled Eel Mochi, innovative dishes like Assam Tea Flavored Tofu Buns, and the classic Sun Moon Lake Black Tea. On weekends and holidays, the pier often hosts Thao traditional dance and music performances, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich indigenous culture.
Beyond its role as a tourist destination, Ita Thao Pier embodies the Thao people's history, legends, and cultural heritage, standing as a key landmark connecting nature and human stories.
