Hongtou

Hongtou Village (also known as imorod) is on the south west coast of Orchid Island (蘭嶼), situated next to Yuren Village (漁人部落). The famous Badai Bay (八代灣) is located near the village and is a pleasant place to stroll on the sand, enjoying the beautiful sunset. Orchid Island used to be called Hongtouyu (Red Head Island, 紅頭嶼) in Taiwanese Hokkien. The origin of this name comes from the Japanese colonial period, when the Japanese used to watch the mountain behind Hongtou Village become illuminated in red every day when the sun set. The only local health bureau and post office on Orchid Island are situated in Hongtou Village, making it relatively more convenient than other villages on the island.

This is also the starting place for the highway that crosses the island, which quickly reaches Yeyin (野銀) and Dongqing Village (東清部落) on the other side of the island. If you are heading south, you can’t miss the entrance to the Big Heavenly Lake (Datianchi, 大天池). In front of Hongtou Village, there is a scooter rental shop which also sells cooling taro icecream (芋頭冰). Badai Bay nearby is a very important fishing site, and is not far from the remains of a huge ship-wreck. It is not only beautiful island scenery that will delight you in Hongtou Village, but also the wonderful blend of Han and Tao cultures.