Families learn about Tsou culture at Alishan’s Veoveoana community

Families learn about Tsou culture at Alishan’s Veoveoana community

2026-08-18

Finding places to let kids expend their energy is a challenge for parents during the summer vacation. At the foot of Alishan in Chiayi is the Veoveoana community with a park for Formosan sika deer. Visitors can learn about indigenous Tsou culture while petting and feeding over 20 deer, an experience many hail as being therapeutic as well as fun.

Sika deer meander among tourists, who can even get close enough to feed them by hand—much to their delight.


Member of public
Visiting Veoveoana
We’re from Zhunan! It’s our first time here. The kids wanted to feed some animals. This place is beautiful. Really lovely. You can even interact closely with the deer.

Chiayi’s Veoveoana community got its name from the Tsou phrase “hunting ground for sika deer.” As the name suggests, this area was originally where Tsou ancestors gathered to hunt deer. Today, the Tsou people no longer hunt them. Instead, they rehabilitate and care for the deer.

Shih Lin
Veoveoana director
There are 25 sika deer here, big and small. It’s a dedicated area for families where the deer can interact with you and you can feed them and pet them. We also have tour guides who share stories about the relationship between the Tsou people and sika deer.

In the park, visitors can also pick up bows to try out traditional archery and immerse in the local culture. Spending a holiday at Taiwan’s mini Nara allows guests to experience Tsou culture while also getting up close and personal with adorable deer for a truly unforgettable trip.

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