Excavations have uncovered over 1,500 slate slab coffins, making it the largest burial ground of its kind in Southeast Asia.
The site was discovered during the construction of the Taitung Railway Station in 1980, which initially led to massive site destruction before government intervention.
Analysis of excavated stone arrowheads and spindle whorls confirms that the Peinan people were adept hunters, weavers, and agriculturalists.
The signature artifact of the culture, the slate stone pillar, represents one of the most recognizable prehistoric symbols in Taiwan.
Peinan inhabitants practiced distinctive dental extraction rituals, the significance of which remains a subject of ongoing anthropological study.
The Peinan Site is one of the largest and most significant prehistoric archaeological sites in Taiwan, dating back approximately 3,000 to 5,000 years. It served as a major settlement for the Peinan Culture, characterized by sophisticated slate architecture and advanced stone-working techniques. The site preserves an expansive open-air archaeological excavation area where visitors can view in-situ burial pits and stone coffins. It is associated with the National Museum of Prehistory, which oversees the preservation and display of recovered artifacts. The site features extensive slate slab burials that provide critical insights into the burial customs and social stratification of Neolithic Austronesian societies. Visitors walk through a landscaped park that integrates preserved structural foundations with botanical educational displays. The site highlights the cultural transition from the Peinan era to later indigenous historical periods in eastern Taiwan. It serves as both a field museum and an active research site for archaeologists.
The elevated viewing platforms overlooking the main excavation pits provide the best perspective of the slate grave layouts.
Visit the outdoor excavation pit first to understand the context before exploring the surrounding park area.
Bring a hat and sunscreen, as the outdoor site has limited shade despite the presence of park trees.
Check the National Museum of Prehistory website for guided tour availability, as some areas require specialized access.
Do not assume the outdoor park is merely a botanical garden; stay on marked paths to avoid disturbing unexcavated underground segments.
Typically closed on Mondays for maintenance.
Maintain respectful behavior around burial sites; do not cross roped-off boundaries or touch exposed archaeological remains.
