The Atayal (Chinese: 泰雅), also known as the Tayal and the Tayan, are one tribe of Taiwanese aborigines. In the year 2000 the Atayal tribe numbered 91,883. This was approximately 23.1% of Taiwan's total indigenous population, making them the second-largest tribal group. The meaning of Atayal is "genuine person" or "brave man."

Origins
The Atayal Tribe was a fairly advanced culture. They originally lived by fishing, hunting, gathering, and growing crops on burned-off mountain fields. The tribe also practiced crafts such as weaving, net knotting, and woodworking. They also had traditional musical instruments and dances.
The Atayal were known as great warriors. When they defeated an invader, they would remove the head of the enemy to display. (See Headhunting) They were known to be fierce fighters as observed in the case of the Wushe Incident in which the Atayal fought the Japanese.

Traditional dress
Main article: Taiwanese aborigines – Contemporary Aborigines
The Atayal tribe in Taiwan resides in central and northern Taiwan. The northernmost village is Ulay (Wulai in Chinese), about 25 kilometers south of central Taipei. The name Ulay is derived from /qilux/, hot, because of the hot springs on the riverbank . [1] The Wulai Atayal Museum in the town is a place to learn about the history and culture of the Atayal.
In recent years the mainly Christian community of Smangus has become well-known as a tourist destination, as well as an experiment in tribal communalism.
Many Atayal are bilingual, but the Atayal language still remains in active use.
Famous Atayal people include singing star Landy Wen.