2026 Zonggu Yuan You Hui Launches 'Yuan Nian' Theme with Starlight Banquet and First-Ever Curated Market

The summer nights of the Hualien-Taitung East Rift Valley are set to be filled with the aromas of indigenous cuisine. The 2026 Zonggu Yuan You Hui Tribal Food Paradise, hosted by the East Rift Valley National Scenic Area Administration under the Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, will take place from August 20 to 23 at the Luoshan Visitor Center in Hualien. This year’s theme is 'Yuan Nian' (Original Brewing), weaving together tribal cuisine, cultural experiences, art installations, and a starlight banquet, inviting visitors to trace cultural memory through a single fermentation jar—crafted by land, crops, and time.

The scale of the outdoor banquet has been fully upgraded, with starlight tents increasing from three to five, allowing more guests to enjoy indigenous dishes surrounded by mountains, fields, and stars. From August 20 to 21, the corporate banquet section will debut a curated market featuring specialty foods, agricultural products, and cultural brands from Hualien and Taitung. Even without a banquet reservation, visitors can explore the market, taste local delicacies, and experience tribal hospitality.

Corporate banquet tickets must be purchased in advance. Any remaining seats on the day may be opened to walk-ins based on availability. On-site experiences include aroma diffuser crafting, fermentation culture workshops, and plant dyeing, inviting guests to engage with indigenous wisdom through taste, smell, and sight.

The event entrance features a traditional wine jar as its central design, symbolizing rituals, blessings, and intergenerational heritage. Along the pathway, the new art installation 'Rice Wave Commensality' uses staggered rice stalks to recreate the undulating fields of Hualien, guiding visitors through the artwork to experience the philosophy of shared harvests nurtured by the land.

The valley stage, inspired by the Central Mountain Range, suspends millet and rice upside down to outline mountain silhouettes. As light filters through and grains sway in the wind, the stage appears to breathe with the valley, creating a convergence of natural scenery and original brewing culture.

A balloon photo booth offering limited-edition instant prints will be available each day, with only 150 spots per day. Visitors who take photos at the venue, post with the designated hashtag, and show their posts can redeem tokens to take home memories of the Rift Valley summer.

The organizer has partnered with accommodations including Niu'ao Hua Hot Spring Mountain Villa, Huyeh Hot Spring Resort, and Yuanlai Su, offering guests exclusive experiences and ticket discounts. Collaborations with travel agencies also introduce package tours, encouraging travelers to explore the Rift Valley by day and immerse in the Tribal Food Paradise by night, promoting multi-day cultural journeys.

Warning: Excessive drinking is harmful to health. Alcohol is prohibited for those under 18. Do not drive after drinking.