Introduction    Taiwan Information    Taiwan Travel Tips     Special Interests     Sightseeing and Attractions

Sightseeing and Attractions

Taitung Country

HOW TO GET THERE
 

Taitung City is located on the delta of the Beinan River, at the southern tip of the rift valley. In addition to offering transportation links to the rest of Taiwan proper, Taitung also provides ferry and air service to Green Island and Orchid Island.


NATIONAL SCENIC AREA

• East Coast National Scenic Area
  The East Coast National Scenic Area, known as "Taiwan's last unspoiled land", stretches 170 kilometers down the east coast of the island from the mouth of the Hualien River in the north to Shiauyeliou (Little Yeliou) in the south. To the east it is bounded by the Pacific Ocean; to the west rises the Coastal Mountain Range. The land here consists of volcanic rock, classic rock from deep beneath the sea, and shale that has been pushed upward- and is still being pushed upward- by tectonic action. Weathering, erosion, and accumulation have produced a wide range of landforms here, including coastal terraces, sand and pebble beaches, shoreline reefs, inshore islands, and capes along with sea-eroded platforms, trenches, and caves. This varied topography provides habitat for a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The East Coast is the primary homeland of the Amis aboriginal tribe. Amis villages' dot the coastline, and the harvest festivals that they hold in July and August every year offer visitors an opportunity to gain insights into the culture of this unique people. Before the Amis settled here there were prehistoric peoples who came and went, leaving a rich store of artifacts and ancient sites that can still be seen today. Among the more modern cultural features of the coastline are enchanting temples, churches, and quaint fishing villages. This rich store of natural and cultural assets prompted the Tourism Bureau to establish the East Coast National Scenic Area in 1988, and to engage in the active development of the leisure resources here.
   

FOREST PLEASURE GROUND

• Jhihben Forest Park
  Historical Background : Jhihben Forest Park is located in Beinan, Taitung County, with Jhihben River running through the south. The park has thick forests and abundant birds. It is the best bird-watching spot in Tai Tung. The plants are kept as natural as possible. Scenic spots include Hao Han Po, picnic sites, tourist tracks and massage track.
  Cultural Highlights : Hao Han Po is a steep slope, 320 meters in length, but between the highest point and the lowest point is a distance of 150 meters with 792 stairs. The special banyan trees and orchid flowers are the characteristics of the park.
   

AMUSEMENT PARK

• Beinan Culture Park
  Beinan Culture Park is situated at the northern edge of Nanwang Village of Beinan Township in Taitung County. This is the site of the largest and most complete prehistoric settlement that has been discovered in Taiwan so far; in its heyday, the settlement may have covered an area of more than 300,000 square meters. It was found during construction work on the back part of Taitung's New Railway Station when the South-Link Railway was being built in 1980, when a graveyard containing several thousand slate coffins was unearthed. This is the largest prehistoric graveyard yet discovered around the Pacific Rim. The bringing to light of this cultural layer from under the ground caught the attention of the government, and in addition to the carrying out of archaeological work there a national museum to house the resulting artifacts was also built. Besides the coffins, the remains of buildings as well as implements of life used by the Neolithic Beinan people who lived here 2,000 or 3,000 years ago. From their pillared houses, the rich forms of the artifacts they left behind, the exquisite nature of their handicraft, and their burial customs we can catch a glimpse of the high level of civilization attained by these people. In addition to the museum, the park contains the archaeological site that you can visit; if you make prior arrangements for a volunteer guide, you can even have a guided tour of this interesting site.
   

• Guanshan Riverside Park
  Continuing south on Highway 9, you will know you are approaching the old logging town of Guanshan when red sugarcane appears on both sides of the road. The town spent about NT$300 million on a beautification project that turned a once-barren patch of riverbed land into the Riverside Environmental Park. The bicycle path runs 12 kilometers around the town and can be ridden in about three hours.
   

BEACH / ISLAND

• Jhihben Hot Springs and Forest Recreation Area
  Jhihben Hot Springs have the reputation of being "the greatest scene in eastern Taiwan". In the early years, hot springs emerged from riverbeds. There are carbonic acid springs (with the nature of base). There are colorless, odorless and their temperature reaches more than 100 degrees (Celsius). The springs are of high quality. Jhihben is divided into the inner hot spring area and the outer hot spring area by the Jhihben Creek . Inner hot spring area was developed late. However, due to presence of five-star resorts, the area has become the largest business district. It attracts many foreign tourists who demand services of higher quality. The "Jhihben Hot Springs" generally known by the public is located in outer hot spring area. There are many middle-size and small hot spring inns. It is convenient to get accommodation or enjoy hot spring spa. Now the inner hot spring area and the outer hot spring area have expanded and joined together. However, the inner hot spring area is close to Jhihben Forestry Park and its scenery is even better. Jhihben Hot Springs are the gathering place of aboriginal people. It provides the delicious dishes of aboriginal people and country dishes. Other than stores of country dishes, there are venders selling fruits like Shihgia, pineapple and Loshenhua. It has the flavor of eastern Taiwan.
   

• Shanyuan Swimming Beach
  The Shanyuan Swimming Beach, located at the highway's 158-kilometer mark, is the only swimming beach in Taitung county. The wide, gently sloping beach is 1.5 kilometers long, with coral reefs at each end that make it an ideal place for skin diving as well as swimming. It is the only spot along the East Coast that is open at night.
   

GENERAL

• Bashen Cave
  Historical Background : Pa Hsien Caves is located in the north of Hua Tung Mountain by the coast of Changbin Township. ???Pa Hsien??(eight deities) are famous Chinese deities. Fogs drift perpetually around the caves and the interior is damp and misty. As the environment resembles that in the folklore when the eight deities cross the ocean, the caves were named Pa Hsien. In the caves, Taiwan??s first prehistoric site was discovered. As the earth??s crusts elevated, the mountains were constantly eroded by the sea and 16 caves of different sizes were formed along the cliff as high as 100 meters.
  Cultural Highlights : Wooden tour tracks and stone tour tracks lead to all the caves, including Ling Yen Cave, Chao Yin Cave, Yung An Cave, Hai Lei Cave, Chao Yang Cave, Chien Yuan Cave, Kung Chen Cave and Kun Lun Cave. A prehistoric site was discovered in the highest cave, which is a first grade historic site now. There is an exhibition center showing the objects found in the site, including bone-made objects, stone objects, etc.
   

• Chenggong Fishing Harbor
  With a population of 20,000 the town of Chenggong is the largest community between Hualien and Taitung cities and is also the location of the largest fish market in this area. Every day between three and four o' clock in the afternoon, to Chenggong harbor after spending the previous day at sea. The day's catch in unloaded, after which and auction takes place. The hustle and bustle, color and noise generated by the fishermen and their buyers makes an exciting and memorable sight and one which the visitor should make every effort to experience. The town abounds with seafood restaurants selling the freshest fish you are likely to try anywhere and there is ample hotel accommodation available for those who wish to spend more time exploring the town and the surrounding area.
   

• Chihshang Cattle Farm Recreation Center
  Chihshang Farm covers 400 hectares at the center of the valley and offers facilities for lodging, dining, camping,and holding meetings, among other activities. The main gate of the farm gives access to a 1.2-kilometer shaded road. The farm is covered in pasture, which is used as forage for the local cattle raised here.
   

• Chulu Dairy Farm
  Chulu Farm is located in the hills to the east of Chulu Village in Taitung County. The farm covers about 60 hectares and is owned by the Land Bank of Taiwan. The fresh milk produced at Chulu Farm is famous throughout Taiwan and is sold for NT$58 per bottle. Another attraction is the sight of the cattle being let out to graze every day at 3:30 p.m. Visitors can also camp on the farm. Getting there: The farm is about 20 kilometers northwest of Taitung. If you travel by bus, get off at the Chulu stop. If you drive, go south on Highway 9 through the "green corridor" to Chulu Village and continue about four more kilometers to the farm.
   

• Dapo Pond
  This natural wetland covers an area of 28 hectares and provides a rich habitat for birds and fish. Early residents of the Chihshang area caught fish and shrimp in the pond and used them with the local rice to produce delicious dumplings which they sold to passing travelers. Although the fish and shrimp from this wetland are no longer used for cooking, "Chihshang rice dumplings" are still widely advertised by the box-lunch business.
   

• Daylily Fields
  The Taitung Agricultural Improvement Station, located at 675 Junghua Road, Section 1, concentrates on breeding more than 20 different varieties of the daylily, an edible flower. To see the daylily fields here at their most spectacular, visit from April to June when the plants burst with blossoms in a profusion of colors, including pink, violet, yellow, and gold.
   

• Eastern Coasts
  Historical Background : Eastern Coastal Tourist District stretches from Hualien River to Little Yeh Liu, Taitung County, facing the Pacific in the east and the mountains in the west. The coasts are over 170 kilometers in length and is known as the "last clean soil in Taiwan" With years of weathering and erosions, the geography is diversified and therefore breeds diverse plants and animals. Eastern coasts include Hualien County and Taitung County, whose population consists of aborigines, early immigrants and veterans of World War II. The east of Taiwan is mountainous and the most famous is the Taroko National Park, presenting unique geography with the deep canyons.
  Cultural Highlights : Facing the Pacific in the east and the central mountains in the west, eastern coasts have both mountainous views and ocean scenery. The coastal mountains stretch as long as 145 kilometers and the coast line runs as long as more than 300 kilometers. There are 160,000 aboriginals in the east of Taiwan, consisting of A Mei Tribe, Tai Ya Tribe, Pu Nung Tribe, Pei Nan Tribe, Lu Kai Tribe and Ya Mei Tribe. Thus, the eastern coasts feature aboriginal cultures and spirits. In addition, there are several historic sites, museum and a culture park here. Tourist attractions include Taroko, Green Island, Orchid Island, San Hsien Tai, Pa Hsien Tung, etc.
   

• Guanshan Water Park
  Historical Background : Guanshan is a green mountain famous for its beautiful scenery. Guanshan Township is surrounded by mountains with Hsin Wu Lu River on the east. Ever since the Ching Dynasty, Guanshan has been the administrative city for Hua Tung Valley. In recent years, Guanshan is famous for its cycling tracks. In 1999, Guanshan won the first place in an image contest of resort cities.
  Cultural Highlights : Cycling around Guanshan Township, you will see tranquil rice paddies. At the end of the cycling track is a river park next to the mountain. There is even an over-water track leading cyclists back to the start. Guanshan is also famous for its high quality rice and sweet oranges.
   

• Hungye Village
  Hungye Village is located in Yanping Township of Taitung County, and most of its residents are members of the Bunun tribe. This was once the home of one of the world's top Little League teams, and the Little League Memorial Hall in the Hungye Primary School records the team's past achievements. Go along the paved road beside the gate of the primary school for about 150 meters, take the fork that leads up Hungye Stream for about four kilometers, and you will find hot springs rich in hydrogen sulfide. Open-air bathing facilities are being built here; they are not completed yet, but you can dig your own hot-spring pool right in the river bed and enjoy a primitive natural bath. A mountain permit is required to visit this spot; you can get one (with your passport or identification card) at the Yanping Township office.
   

• Jhihben Hot Springs and Forest Recreation Area
  Hungye Village is located in Yanping Township of Taitung County, and most of its residents are members of the Bunun tribe. This was once the home of one of the world's top Little League teams, and the Little League Memorial Hall in the Hungye Primary School records the team's past achievements. Go along the paved road beside the gate of the primary school for about 150 meters, take the fork that leads up Hungye Stream for about four kilometers, and you will find hot springs rich in hydrogen sulfide. Open-air bathing facilities are being built here; they are not completed yet, but you can dig your own hot-spring pool right in the river bed and enjoy a primitive natural bath. A mountain permit is required to visit this spot; you can get one (with your passport or identification card) at the Yanping Township office.
   

• Jintzuen
  Jinzun is a small fishing village lying to the south of Dunghe. The name of this area, literally "golden goblet," is derived from the shape of its bay, the uniquely shaped "anchor reef". Other features include a fishing harbor, a three-kilometer sandy beach, and sea cliffs, as well as inshore reefs. Wooden steps behind the vendors' area lead down to beach, which is perfect for strolling, fishing, or simply enjoying the scenery. Unfortunately, the steep gradient of the beach precludes swimming here. A pavilion atop the cliffs provides bird's-eye views of the entire area, including its most distinctive feature: a narrow-necked headland shaped like a ship's anchor.
   

• Liji Lunar World
  Liji Lunar World was formed by the uplifting of soft marine sediments above the surface of the sea and their subsequent erosion into an infinite number of small gullies where no blade of grass can grow. The resulting topography resembles the badlands of Lunar World in Gangshan, Kaohsiung County. This unusual geological area, which is about two kilometers long and one kilometer wide, can be viewed from either Beinan Bridge or Liji Bridge.
   

• Liyu (Carp) Hill Park
  This park can easily be reached by foot; just follow Boai Road from behind the railway station, cross the railroad, and you are soon there. It is located on a small hill named for its supposed resemblance to a carp. The top of the hill provides a sweeping panorama of the Taitung area. The Lungfeng Buddhist Temple at the foot of the hill, together with the Martyrs' Shrine and the park, constitute a scenic little tourist package.
   

• Luye Tea Farm
  Historical Background : Little Yeh Liu is famous for its sea-erosion geography. Because this place is as beautiful as the northern coast "Yeh Liu" it's been called Little Yeh Liu. The geology here is composed of sand rock component. The sand rock component here in Little Yeh Liu is extended about five kilometers from north to south. In geographically, it is worth for researching. All kinds of the strange rocks here were shaped by the wave. The shapes of the rocks here were very special, which were natural carved; they formed a big natural curve park. It is extremely a big surprise.
  Cultural Highlights : Died baby pit is also called the abandoned infant hole. It locates at 500 foot southeast of the Beauty Cave, and at the outer side of the village cemetery. Because the people here lived on the fishing work, the idea of having boy baby was stronger than the mainland. And without the concept of having few babies, many of the girl babies were been thrown during that time. The girl babies were wrap with the paper and throw into this hole. The people on the island have the especial eeriness feelings; they dare not to have any fun activities or any sea activities near the hole. This makes the cave reserved the archaic inartificial scenery. Oo Ghost Cave is said the During the Ming Year, Cheng Chen Kung retrieved Taiwan and Peng Hu from the Dutch. Few of the Negro slaves were abandoned in the cave. Years past by, when some English army visited the place on the little boat, all the things were robbed and the soldiers were killed here. The English were very angry but couldn't find the evidence to this. They sealed the cave and burnt it. After all, some jewelry, the stone tables, and some antiques were left.
   

• Lyudao
  This is the area where Shinwuliu Stream and Luye Steam join to form the larger Beinan River, which flows south down the valley. Thanks to the rich soil, mild climate, and abundant sunlight here, the tea grown in the area can be harvested six times a year. The Gautai Pavilion here offers spectacular views of Beinan River as it flows down the valley, and of Mt. Dulan opposite, looking like a reclining Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy). The sport of paragliding enjoys high popularity here; so besides selling all kinds of tea and tea products. the tea display center here also offers you the chance to sign up for paragliding lessons!
   

• Sanshen Ledge
  Historical Background : San Hsien Ledges, the most famous tourist attraction in the eastern coast, are 3 kilometers northeast of Chenggong Town. The ledges are a formation on an offshore island and coral reef coast. It is said that 3 deities once visited the island and formed 3 giant rocks. Thus, the ledges are named after the deities. The island is 22 hectares in area and highest point is 77 meters in altitude. The sea-eroded rocks are rough with rich fish resources and plants. It is also a famous fishing spot.
  Cultural Highlights : San Hsien Ledges overlook Chenggong Town and the cross-sea bridge, which stretches like the long body of a dragon. The bridge is 400 meters long and the red and gray colors contrast with the blue skies and oceans. Besides Hsien Chien Hsia, He Huan Tung and San Hsien Ledges, the special geographic features on the island are worthwhile to visit. In addition, rare plants can be found on the island. From the southern tip of the island to Chi Yun, there are beautiful coral reefs and fishes that divers often come here to enjoy the magnificent underwater views.
   

• Sanshiantai
  Situated at the 112-kilometer mark on the coastal highway, Sanshiantai consists of a headland facing a small island in the sea. The three huge rocks that make up the island's most prominent feature have given rise to a local legend that three of China's Eight Immortals once landed there; hence the name of the island, which means "terrace of the three immortals. " The island was once connected to the headland by a neck of land which has been eroded away; it is now connected by a red, scalloped footbridge, and the island has a network of footpaths for viewing its geological features such as potholes and sea-eroded caves and trenches, as well as rare coastal vegetation. The island is surrounded by coral reefs and a multitude of tropical fish, making this an ideal spot for skin diving.
   

• Shanyuan Beach
  Shanyuan Beach is the only designated swimming beach in the Taitung area. On the kilometer-long beachfront. one can stroll around and appreciate the sand. waves and a wide variety of beautiful tropical fish.
   

• Shiauhuangshan
  The section of the Beinan River stretching from Yanwan to Shanli is known as Shiauhuangshan (Little Huangshan), and is also called "the Red Cliffs of Taitung." Both names are in reference to famous scenic sites in mainland China. The cliffs along the river shine golden in the sunlight and are reflected in the water, creating a scenic panorama that stretches four kilometers. This is a very impressive natural tableau that is reminiscent of a classic Chinese landscape painting. Getting there: From Beinan Station, follow County Highway 46 toward Yanwan to the army divisional headquarters, then follow the South Link Railroad to the left, and proceed on to the river bed. After parking your car at the river, walk on for about 200 meters more.
   

• Shiauyeliou
  Located at the 162-kilometer mark near the southern end of the East Coast National Scenic Area, Shiauyeliou (Little Yeliou) offers a rich variety of fascinating rock formations similar to those found at Yeliou on Taiwan's North Shore. Unlike the rest of the Philippine Plate that determines the geology of this area, the rock of Shiauyeliou is sandstone. This prompts geologists to believe that it originated somewhere else. You should first study the detailed explanations of the geological displays in the Visitor Center before going to the seashore and examining the tofu rock, honeycomb rock, fungus rock, and other strange ormations there. On clear days, you can easily see Green Island from the shore at Shiauyeliou.
   

• Shihtiping Area
  The Shihtiping area. just south of Chichi Bay. is home to an aborigine village and features coral reefs. incredible rock formations. and the graceful Rainbow Bridge over the mouth of Hsiukiluan River.
   

• Shryusan
  Shryusan, or "Stone Umbrella," is a narrow spit of rock that projects approximately one kilometer into the sea, like the trunk of an elephant, at the 106-kilometer mark of Highway 11. The feature which gives the area its name is the result of differential wave erosion: a hard coral cap perched on a relatively narrow pillar of softer stone conglomerate. The "stone umbrella, " plus the beautiful scenery here, make Shryusan a popular spot with photographers.
   

• The East Rift Valley
  The valley in eastern Taiwan that stretches from the plains of Hualien in the north to the plains of Taitung in the south separates the Central Mountain Range and the Coastal Mountain Range. The valley is where the Eurasian and Philippine tectonic plates come together, giving the area many fault lines and frequent earthquakes. The numerous streams and rivers that flow down from the high mountains have left vast alluvial deposits of sand and gravel where they enter the valley. Although it is difficult for vegetation to grow in the area of these deposits, which are extremely rocky and subject to unpredictable flooding or drought as well, the inhabitants of eastern Taiwan have been successful in growing many kinds of crops that give the valley a highly bucolic appearance. The affluent rural prospect of the valley has given it the popular sobriquet of a "green corridor" reaching from Hualien to Taitung. In addition to the Hakka and southern Fujianese peoples from Mainland China, the valley is also home to aborigines of the Amis, Puyuma, Bunun, and Paiwan tribes. The colorful harvest festivals that the different tribes hold each year help to keep their old ways alive at a time when traditional cultures are weakening at a steady rate. This area also contains many of Taiwan's best-preserved archaeological sites dating from the Neolithic age, approximately 2,000 to 5,000 years ago: sites from the middle- and late-period Beinan Culture, and from the megalithic culture. These historic sites constitute the richest chapter of Taiwan's prehistory.
   

• Water Running Up
  Near Dulan, there is an irrigation channel where water appears to flow uphill. Visitors have a chance to exercise their brains to come up with an explanation for this strange phenomenon.
   

• Wulu
  One of the most spectacular places of the Southern Cross-Island Highway lies between Lidau and the town of Wulu -Wulu Canyon. This 9-kilometer-long and 1,000- meter-deep canyon can be crossed on the Tianlung Suspension Bridge, from where you have a magnificent view of the valley below. Close by are the Wulu Hot Springs where you can enjoy a relaxing hot spring bath.
   

MUSEUM / GALLERY / MEMORY

• National Museum of Prehistory
  Located on the terraces of the Peinan River, the Peinan site attracted the attention of Japanese scholars as far back as 100 years ago due to the multitude of imposing giant schist columns found there. However, it wasn't until the end of 1944 to the beginning of 1945 that Takeo Kanaseki and Naoichi Kokubu embarked on the first small scale excavation of the site. Despite the fact that they covered a relatively small area this time around, the importance of the Peinan site was already abundantly clear to them. The second phase of excavation took place in the decade between 1980 and 1990. A considerable number of prehistoric relics were unearthed during the construction of the Taitung Hsin railway station, inspiring scholars to start the largest yet archaeological dig at the site. The archaeological team of the Anthropology department of National Taiwan University, under the leadership of professors Sung Wen-hsun and Lien Chao-mei spent a total of 436 days excavating over 1500 stone coffins and more than 20,000 stone and pottery artifacts. This all confirmed that the Peinan site was an important representative of Neolithic culture, and indicated that the whole site possibly covered an area tens of hectares in size. The Peinan site is both the largest and most representative of the Peinan culture, as well as the most complete prehistoric archaeological site in Taiwan. In addition, being the largest of all archaeological sites of the stone coffin cultures of Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim, it is of considerable interest to archaeologists. For this reason the government has not only proclaimed the moon-shaped stone pillars found on the site to be relics of the first order, but it has also established the Taiwan Museum of Prehistory there. However, in an attempt to minimize damage to the site as a result of the museum's construction, it was decided to allocate the area to the side of Kanglo railway station as the location of the museum, whilst the area surrounding the site itself was turned into the Peinan Cultural Park. The galleries of the museum itself are concerned with Taiwan's natural history, prehistory, and the development and culture of Taiwan's indigenous peoples. The Peinan Cultural Park, on the other hand, is both an ongoing archaeological excavation as well as an open-air exhibition of the site. The park is also home to varied and rich fauna and flora, recreating the environment of the past. The area of the park is set to expand in the future, further enriching the experience of visiting the Peinan site.
   

FARMS

• Chu Lu Pastures
  Historical Background : Chu Lu Pastures was established in 1973. As there were a lot of typhoons in Tai Tung, the weather was unsuitable for farming. Thus, the farmers made use of the pastures on the hills to produce dairy products. With guidance and support from the government, the dairy products here have become very popular and the pastures have attracted many tourists. There are over 1,600 cows here with a yearly milk production of 43 liters. Tourists can learn about how fresh milk was produced from feeding, milking to packaging.
  Cultural Highlights : The most popular products here are fresh milk and milk ice cream. In addition, there is a tour track in the forest, perfect for a walk in hot summer. Cows graze on the pastures at 3:30 every afternoon. The tranquil and peaceful scenery here is worthy to visit.
   

BEACHES / ISLANDS

• Green Island
  Green Island, or Lyudao, is a 16.2-square-kilometer piece of jade-green land that rises from the Pacific Ocean just 33 kilometers east of Taitung. It is home to 3,300 islanders. Composed of volcanic rock and having a heavily eroded coastline, Green Island possesses a fascinating variety of land- and seascapes: odd rock formations, rugged cliffs, a white-sand beach, verdant pastures, dazzling coral reefs, and a unique seawater hot spring, as well as a quaint and easygoing lifestyle seemingly left over from the distant past. These resources are rapidly making Green Island the oceanic playground of the East Coast. An 18-kilometer round-the-island highway gives access to all the major tourist sites, making it easy for visitors to tour Green Island by foot, bicycle, motor scooter, or automobile.
   

• Orchid Island
  Like Green Island, Orchid Island (Lanyu) is a volcanic island that was formed of magma erupting from the ocean floor. Because the peaks of the mountains at the northwestern corner of the island resemble red human heads in the crimson rays of the setting sun, it was formerly known as "Redhead Island." The present name refers to the wild orchids that once grew there in abundance. The humid, rainy climate has cloaked the mountainous interior of the island with a thick rain-forest cover, and has provided it with a countless variety of plant and animal life. Coral reefs are distributed around the island and the warm Japan Current also flows by, attracting vast schools of fish that make this a paradise for deep-sea fishing and skin diving.
   

• Yami Culture : The Yami people have always depended primarily on the sea for their livelihood, a fact which is reflected in their unique culture. The men, for example, wear narrow loincloths for convenience when fishing or hunting; they use richly decorated canoes; they traditionally live in semi-subterranean houses for protection against typhoons and the torrid heat of summer; and they perform elaborate ceremonies when they launch a new boat or begin the annual flying fish season. These cultural features, among others, make the Yami intensely interesting to visitors.
   

• Yeyou Village : This is the site of the island's administrative center, township office, middle school, and main bus station. Kaiyuan Harbor, situated on the outskirts of the village, is the island's major gateway for sea transportation--in particular, it is where the boats from Fugang Harbor in Taitung dock. A lighthouse just to the north of the village provides fine views of Orchid Island and the surrounding seas.

Back to the Top 

Information provided by Tourism Bureau, Rep. of China.

Copyright © 2002 Orasia co.,ltd. (Asia-planet.net) All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission prohibited.