Lanyu Township

Lanyu Township is an administrative area comprising several villages on an island group off Taiwan's east coast, including Hongtou, Yeyou, Dongqing, and Langdao. The settlements spread across the coastal region with the sea as the defining geographical feature.

The area gained official status as an indigenous administrative township after World War II, based on earlier Japanese administrative arrangements. This reorganization shaped the region's current boundaries and identity.

The Tao people here continue traditional practices of wooden boat building and fishing that shape daily community life and local traditions. Walking through the villages, you can see fishing nets, boats under construction, and the maritime rhythm that defines this place.

Getting here relies on regular ferry service from mainland Taiwan; accommodations range from family-run guesthouses to more modern lodges. Plan your arrival around ferry schedules, as weather can affect sailing times.

The region is known for its traditional red and black fishing boats, each hand-painted with distinctive patterns that create a striking sight on the water. This boat-building craft is passed down through families and remains central to local livelihood.