Lanyu Region: Tourism Information
To many Taiwanese people, Lanyu is a distant legend.
The local indigenous people – the Yami people (a.k.a. Tao), follow their traditional knowledge rigorously, and lead a simple life. Compared to other indigenous peoples in Taiwan, the Yami people (Tao) experienced no mass migration, and hence preserve most of their traditional lifestyles. Today, even though the younger generation has chosen to leave the Island for work and choose to live in concrete houses, many traditional seniors still adhere to their traditions and lead a carefree life close to nature.
Perhaps it was the eve of the tourist season when we landed on Lanyu, as there were not many tourists yet. The slower pace of life allowed us to relish the local lifestyle. Upon alighting from the plane, we were received by the warm hospitality of the southern islands. One can’t help but slow down, casting away the hustle and bustle of the city for the time being. Along the circular island road, one can often see the locals sitting casually, chatting and sipping tea, or the seniors sitting at their doorsteps, enjoying the sun and doing nothing. Their carefree attitude towards life is something the city dwellers could not possess. When you simply pass by the shops, you’ll be welcomed by warm greetings, and new friends are made as conversations strike up. Though it was just a few days, the trip was very fruitful. Besides the beautiful sceneries, I also experienced the human touch, which seems to be missing in the present technological era.
