Langdao

Langdao Village (also known as iraralay) is located on the northern coast of Orchid Island (蘭嶼島). When the highway that crosses the island had not yet been built, those wanting to get to Dongqing Village (東清部落) and Yeyou Village (椰油部落) needed to first pass through Langdao Village. The name of the village means “politeness” in the local indigenous language, thus called because residents here like to amicably greet passers-by. Nowadays, Langdao Village is divided into upper and lower areas. Older residents tend to live in the lower part of the village’s residential area. On the other hand, mostly younger people live in the upper part of the village in newer concrete houses. Therefore, in Langdao, it is still possible to see traditional underground aboriginal houses, like that in Yeyin Village, as well as modern concrete houses. The conflict between the new and the old is tangible here.

The area of Langdao Village is the largest of Orchid Island’s six villages. The geology here is amazing. There are many peculiar rocks spread around the village, like the famous Lion Couple Rock (雙獅岩) and the Warship Rock (軍艦岩), both located between Langdao Village and Dongqing Village. Beauty Rock (玉女岩) and Five Hole Cave (五孔洞, ji-karaReman), with its strange shape, are located between Langdao Village and Yeyou Village. Five Hole Cave is a sea cave created by risen sea cliffs. Every one of its holes has a different significance according to legend. It is rumored that Five Hole Cave, which used to be the home of evil spirits, was once not suitable for women or children to visit. Today, the Presbyterian Church prays at this site, and it is considered one of the holiest sites of prayer on Orchid Island. This prayer space formed by nature is well-worth a visit.