A Complete Guide to Lan Yu’s Classic Summer Scenery
Last updated 2026-09-25 — The scorching summer vacation is just around the corner, and Taiwan’s outlying islands are gearing up for their busiest summer season. In recent years, Lan Yu has become a popular alternative to Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, thanks to its rich indigenous culture and its laid-back, off-the-beaten-path vibe.
Text by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler's Journal
The scorching summer vacation is just around the corner, and Taiwan’s outlying islands are gearing up for their busiest summer season. In recent years, Lan Yu has become a popular alternative to Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, thanks to its rich indigenous culture and its laid-back, off-the-beaten-path vibe. Aside from snapping photos of the iconic wooden canoe, there are many exclusive spots on Lan Yu that you absolutely shouldn’t miss. Let’s explore this island from a unique perspective and capture all its breathtaking scenery through your lens.
The white cross seems to symbolize Lan Yu as the happiest paradise. (Photo credit: Monocle Editorial Department)
Coconut Oil Prayer Mountain
Each of the six tribes on Lan Yu has its own prayer mountain, featuring a giant cross that glows at night, surrounded by large stones where tribe members can sit and pray. Coconut Oil Prayer Mountain offers a stunning panoramic view of Coconut Oil Bay and Steamed Bun Mountain.
Coconut Oil Prayer Mountain offers a stunning panoramic view of Coconut Oil Bay and Steamed Bun Mountain. (Photo credit: Monocle Editorial Department)
Dongqing Trail
Before reaching the Dongqing Tribe from Lover’s Cave, you’ll come across a wooden boardwalk whose end is hidden by foliage. As you wind your way up, the full view of Dongqing Bay gradually unfolds before you, along with the clear outline of the entire Dongqing Tribe. It’s one of the secret spots for capturing a beautiful aerial view of Dongqing Bay. Because the mountain resembles a woman’s breast when viewed from afar, locals also call this area “Nipple Mountain Trail.”
Gazing at Dongqing Bay, you can’t help but think of Chen Jian-nian’s song “Dongqing Village No. 3.” (Photo credit: Monocle Editorial Department)
Yeyin Underground Houses
Yeyin Tribe is home to the most well-preserved underground houses on the entire island of Lan Yu. Climb up to the third-floor platform of En Hui Homestay, and as dusk falls and the low streetlights in the village gradually light up, they shine like stars.
The underground houses of Yeyin Tribe are the most precious architectural relics on Lan Yu Island. (Photo credit: Monocle Editorial Department)
Yeyin Cold Spring
Not far from Yeyin Tribe, there is a cold spring formed by the convergence of mountain streams, cool all year round. Under the blazing sun of Lan Yu, taking a dip in the cold spring or simply soaking your feet without shoes is a real treat. At the entrance of the cold spring is a cave where locals fill bottles with fresh mountain water to take home. The water here has remained unpolluted since ancient times. The owner of a Yeyin homestay told us that closer to the sea, there is another spring known affectionately by locals as a hot spring. Also crystal clear, it serves as Lan Yu’s most natural sauna.
The cool mountain spring, refreshing all year long, is the perfect escape from Lan Yu’s strong summer sun. (Photo credit: Monocle Editorial Department)
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