The Peinan culture is characterized by its sophisticated slate coffin burial tradition, where bodies were interred with burial goods facing the sunrise.
The site contains the largest collection of megalithic stone pillars in Taiwan, some of which reach over two meters in height.
Excavations revealed over 1,500 slate coffins, representing a massive burial complex that provided extensive DNA and dietary insights into prehistoric islanders.
The park was established specifically to preserve the site after major railway construction plans were modified to prevent total destruction of the artifacts.
The layout of the prehistoric residential area shows deliberate spatial planning with houses oriented along a north-south axis.
Archaeologists found over 20,000 stone artifacts and thousands of ceramic shards at this single location.
Peinan Site Park is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Taiwan, containing the largest and best-preserved prehistoric cemetery and residential remains of the Neolithic Peinan culture. The park occupies a 30-hectare area located directly above the original excavation site, which dates back approximately 2,000 to 5,300 years. It features an indoor exhibition hall displaying artifacts such as slate coffins, stone pillars, and pottery found during the excavation. Outside, visitors can view active archaeological trenches and the original distribution of unearthed slate coffins. The site was discovered during the construction of the Taitung Railway Station in 1980, leading to a multi-year rescue excavation. It is administered as a branch of the National Museum of Prehistory. The park grounds include extensive grassy areas and walking trails through reconstructed prehistoric settlement layouts. Extensive research facilities are housed on-site to support ongoing academic study of the Austronesian heritage in East Taiwan.
The elevated observation platform overlooking the active excavation trenches and the slate coffin displays.
Bring a hat and sunscreen as the outdoor exhibition areas offer very limited natural shade.
Walk the circular path to see the replica houses which demonstrate the scale of the original Neolithic settlement.
Check the visitor center for English-language brochures before starting your tour of the excavation field.
Do not mistake the modern museum main building (National Museum of Prehistory) for this specific site park, as they are separate locations.
Closed on Mondays.
Maintain silence inside the exhibition halls and refrain from touching artifacts or stepping into roped-off excavation trenches.
