Discover the Underground Houses of Orchid Island: Taiwan’s Indigenous Tao Tribe

Tribesman, Mr. Lee

Located off the southeastern coast of Taiwan in the vast Pacific Ocean lies Orchid Island — a secluded paradise and my favorite destination for diving adventures. This remote island is home to the Tao Tribe, Taiwan’s only Indigenous group with a deep-rooted maritime culture. The island’s breathtaking environment has shaped a unique way of life, reflected in its fascinating underground traditional houses. Curious to learn more about this cultural treasure? Keep reading to explore the rich stories and traditions of Orchid Island.

• Introduction of Orchid Island (Lanyu)

Orchid Island, also known as Lanyu, is a remote island off the southeastern coast of Taiwan. Administratively, it is divided into six villages: Hongtou, Yuren, Yeyou, Langdao, Dongqing, and Yayin. This island is home to the Tao Tribe (also known as the Yami people), Taiwan’s only Indigenous group with a seafaring heritage. Deeply connected to the ocean, the Tao people have preserved ancient traditions such as the handcrafted tatala (plank boats) and the sacred Flying Fish Festival, both central to their cultural identity.

What makes Orchid Island truly enchanting goes beyond its crystal-clear waters and lush mountains — it’s the peaceful coexistence between humans and nature. Here, you’ll often see goats, pigs, and chickens roaming freely along the roads and pathways of each village, living side by side with the islanders. It’s a rare and vivid glimpse into a way of life in harmony with the natural world.

However, Orchid Island also carries a heavy historical burden. In the past, the Taiwan Power Company established a nuclear waste storage facility on the island without obtaining the consent of the Tao people. This sparked widespread protests and has since become a symbol of Taiwanese Indigenous land rights struggles and environmental injustice.

• The Ingenuity of Underground Houses

Surrounded by ocean on all sides, Orchid Island is highly vulnerable to typhoons and strong sea winds. To adapt to these harsh weather conditions, the Tao ancestors ingeniously developed traditional underground houses — semi-subterranean structures that sit low to the ground to resist storms and heavy rain. These climate-resilient homes are a remarkable example of Indigenous architectural wisdom. While many of these houses have been replaced by concrete buildings over the years, the villages of Langdao and Yayin still preserve the most complete underground house settlements, now regarded as valuable cultural and architectural heritage of Taiwan.

Traditional Underground House in Lanyu

• Growing Up in a Traditional Tao Underground House — The Story of tribesman Mr. Lee

During my recent visit to Orchid Island (Lanyu), I had the chance to meet Mr. Lee, a Tao tribesman who has spent his entire life on this beautiful island. He was born and raised in a traditional underground house, and later raised his own children under the same humble roof. For him, this space is not just a shelter — it’s the heart of his identity, family, and memories.

Before entering the traditional Tao underground house, Mr. Lee led us to the "backrest stones" located in the front yard. Composed of three carefully placed stones, this area serves not only as a space for resting and enjoying the sea view, but also as a communal spot for villagers to socialize and discuss important matters. It’s one of the essential architectural and cultural elements of the Tao people's underground houses.

Mr. Lee leaned on the backrest stones

Because the main house is built partially underground, visitors must bend down and sit cross-legged upon entry — it’s impossible to stand upright inside. The interior is divided into three distinct spaces. The front area serves a living room-like function, and even though the family no longer lives here full-time, a cradle still hangs quietly in one corner. As Mr. Lee softly hummed a lullaby, he reminisced about how all his children were raised in that very space — a place full of emotion and deep-rooted memories.

The middle section of the house combines the kitchen and sleeping area. It’s hard to imagine cooking without a stove hood, let alone doing it while crouching — but that’s the reality of life in a traditional Tao house. At night, the whole family would gather and sleep here on the floor. The innermost room is used to smoke flying fish, a significant part of the Tao tribe’s cultural practices. According to Mr. Lee, during the Flying Fish Festival, it's strictly forbidden to smoke or cook any fish other than flying fish — a reflection of the Tao’s spiritual beliefs and respect for nature.

Though modest in size, this underground house embodies centuries of Indigenous wisdom, sustainable architecture, and cultural heritage passed down by the Tao people of Taiwan. It’s not just a home — it’s a living museum of identity, resilience, and reverence for the land and sea.

• Ready for an Authentic Tao Adventure on Orchid Island (Lanyu)?

If you're seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination in Taiwan, Orchid Island (Lanyu) is a hidden gem you can’t afford to miss. Home to the Tao Tribe, Taiwan’s only oceanic Indigenous people, this island offers a truly unique cultural and ecological experience. From vibrant marine biodiversity and traditional underground houses to the spiritual Flying Fish Festival and slow-paced island life, Orchid Island delivers an unforgettable blend of culture, nature, and heritage — something you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Join me on a guided cultural journey through Orchid Island. Let’s explore the heart of Tao traditions together — book your adventure now!