Construction on the new railway station for Taitung in July 1980 brought to light – not to mention destroyed – remains from the past that had been buried in the soil for thousands of years, triggering a high degree of interest by the public. As a result, Drs. Sung Wen-hsun and Lian Chao-mei, from the Department of Archaeology and Anthropology at National Taiwan University, led an excavation spanning 10,000 square meters to save these treasures. What they found were nearly 1,600 slate coffins and over 20,000 implements made of clay, stone, and jade, the number for the latter three constituting a record for Taiwan. The Peinan site is Taiwan’s largest prehistoric settlement site with the most complete form and array of materials as well as the site boasting the largest number of slate-coffin burial sites in the Pacific Rim and Southeast Asia.
Accordingly, Dr. Sung proposed in September 1982 that a museum be built in an undamaged area of the site. However, since it is an archaeological site and thus not suited to the construction of a large building, a different place was chosen, to the south of the Kangle railway station, as the site for the National Museum of Prehistory. As for the Peinan site, it was determined that a park would be built there to preserve the area and serve as a showcase of the past. Work began on the Peinan Culture Park (which was later renamed the Peinan Site Park) in 1994, and it opened to the public in December 2002 as Taiwan’s first park at an archaeological site.
We aim to become the leading hub for Taiwan’s prehistory, Austronesian histories, societies, cultures, and the environment through representation, revitalization, and regeneration. Through innovative and engaging experiences, we aim to inspire people to explore and reflect on Taiwan’s place in the world.
Cultural Prominence
Through research and surveys of the Peinan Archaeological Site, we aim to highlight its cultural and academic significance, promoting public understanding and recognition of the site.
Preservation and Shared Prosperity
We are committed to protecting the archaeological site while balancing the needs of regional development and contemporary life.
Community Connections
We are dedicated to respecting the traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, cultivating ties and fostering mutual benefits.
Brand Image
We aim to inspire the public imagination and enrich visitors’ experience of prehistoric cultures by integrating culture, art, and technology to bring to life the splendor of the Peinan Archaeological Site of thousands of years ago.
Model Archaeological Site
We will continually improve the Peinan Archaeological Site by learning from exemplary archaeological parks, both domestic and international, and establishing a model for public archaeology management in Taiwan.
Respect and Inclusion
Collaboration and Mutual Benefit
Openness and Sharing
Innovation and Fun
Equality and Justice
Passion and Professionalism
Warmth and Friendliness
The Peinan Site Park (Peinan Archaeological Park) is a combination of prehistoric culture, Indigenous culture, and natural scenery. At the visitor center, visitors may obtain information on the park and get to know more about both the site and the prehistoric Peinan culture in the exhibition hall. Visitors may also go to the excavation site and the crescent moon-shaped slate pillar to see actual prehistoric remains. With the right timing, visitors will even be able to see archaeologists at work. Outside are full-size models of two prehistoric houses, a Pinuyumayan trakuban (“men’s house”), and a traditional Indigenous house. Also, viewing platforms to the east and west offer views of the entire grounds. As can be seen, the park is a place of research, preservation efforts for the site and the relics found within, social education, and beautiful scenery, whose openness and verdant landscape make it a great place for recreation and relaxation. [Download leaflet]