Lanyu

Warship Rock and Lover Cave

Ivalino Village

The traditional Tao residence is a semi-basement house, half above the ground and half underground. A comprehensive unit of semi-basement house is consisted of the main house, a working room and a balcony. The main house faces the ocean and is surrounded by steps built according to the land altitude. Only the roof is above the ground. The excavated soils are piled around the house to create a semi-cave shape. The semi-basement house is warm in winter and cool in summer. It is the symbol of Tao people's wisdom. As time changes many semi-basement houses at Lanyu are renovated into standalone modern buildings. The only tribes still preserving the traditional dwelling are Langdao (Iraraley) and Ivalino.

Tatala at Dongqing Bay

The red, black and white Tatala (plank boats) is the best presentation of Tao people's high wisdom and aesthetics. A Talata is usually assembled by 15 to 27 pieces of shaved wood and keels. The body is painted with beautiful geometric patterns of agates, silver helmets, or eyes. symbolizing fortune, eye of boat and repelling the evil.

Greenfield Pasture

Greenfield Pasture is a coral reef terrace with large boundless grassland. Located at the south side of Hongtou Village (Imorod Village), this place showcases different beautiful scenery as seasons change. When wild lilies blossom in early spring, the whiteness creates a carefree atmosphere by forming a fresh color contrast against the blue ocean beneath the pasture. The grass remains green throughout spring and summer, and turns into reddish brown in fall, and withers into yellowish tone in winter.

Warship Rock and Lover Cave

Interesting ecology and versatile landforms, caused by volcanic activities, can be found in Lanyu, such as lava columns, marine erosions, ridges over 300m above sea level, and layers of calla fields. Lanyu is indeed nature's treasury filled with geological and ecological features different from what are found in the main island of Taiwan. Along the highway, visitors could see strange looking rocks in form of different items, including Dragon's Head Rock, Elephant's Trunck Rock, Helmet Rock, Mantou Rock (Steamed Bun Rock), Hongtou Rock (Red Head Rock), Beauty Rock, Hutou Rock(Tiger's head Rock) and Junjian Rock(Warship Rock). There are also spectacular sea caves and marine arches such as Lovers Cave and Five-hole Cave. These naturally formed land features are well annotated with fair tales and vividly described names.

Weather Observation Station

Lanyu Weather Observation Staiton is situated at the topmost point of the Island and is regarded as one of the best spots for excellent views. First built in 1940 by the Japanese government for strategic purposes during World War II, the station now overlooks Badai Bay at west, Ivalino Village and Dongqing Bay at the east, and poetic mountain views at the south. Visitors can still find bullet holes on it's walls.