Lanyu Weather Station

Orchid Island Weather Station is situated in the mountainous area of Orchid Island (蘭嶼島)and is accessible via the highway that runs across the island. The Weather Station is famous for being the best look-out place for getting a view of Orchid Island. Weather Station was constructed during the Japanese colonial era in order to observe the movements of typhoons in the Pacific Ocean. At that time, it was called Red Head Island Weather Station (紅頭嶼測候所). During the Second World War, it was severely damaged by the US Army but was renovated after the war, most sections being restored from the original Japanese model, although one ruin where the roof has collapsed still remains.

Weather Station is not just suitable for observing weather. Because of its panoramic view, it is also the prime spot for watching sunrise or sunset, or star-gazing. On a summer evening, one of the best things to do is to ride your scooter here and lose yourself staring at the Milky Way. Staying here overnight to wait for the morning sunrise is also very memorable. Because the road to Weather Station is bumpy and unlit by streetlights, you need to be careful if you drive here at night. It is recommended that you park your scooter at the turn-off to Weather Station and walk here by foot.