The Flying Fish Festival of Orchid Island Has Begun！ Discover Six Tribes & Five Taboos at a Glance

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family
 
Every year in February and March, Orchid Island holds the Fish Calling Ceremony to pray for a bountiful fishing harvest, and from April to June is the season for catching flying fish. Below are the six major tribes and five taboos of Orchid Island that travelers must understand well.

The Flying Fish Festival is a core part of the culture of the Tao people of Orchid Island. Different times bring different cultural elements, and if travelers wish to experience the traditional culture of the Flying Fish Festival, they must pay attention to many details and taboos. There are six major tribes on Orchid Island, where travelers can experience completely different facets of the island.

1.Dongqing Tribe
 
Travelers who enjoy sunrises should not miss the Dongqing Tribe on Orchid Island. Here, the seascape is magnificent and enchanting, and you can also explore and take photos at Lover’s Cave, Nipple Mountain, and Dongqing Bay.
 
2.Langdao Tribe
 
Known as the most polite tribe, Langdao is home to the most beautiful natural swimming pool — the “Langdao Secret Spot” — and a hidden gem of a food corner, Bais Coffee Shop. You can also hike up Langdao Prayer Mountain to overlook the tribe and the endless blue sea.
 
3.Yeyin Tribe
 
The Yeyin Tribe is the place on Orchid Island where underground house culture is best preserved. Travelers can find guides here to learn more about the underground houses, even stay overnight, and enjoy the refreshing Yin Ye Cold Spring.

4.Yeyou Tribe
 
Yeyou Tribe is the main hub of daily life on Orchid Island, featuring a 7-Eleven store, gas station, bars, and is very close to Yuan Yuan Harbor.
 
5.Hongtou Tribe
 
The only post office on Orchid Island is located in Hongtou Tribe, which is also where the Flying Fish Festival first begins. The surrounding area is planted with sweet potatoes and taro, staple foods that represent Orchid Island.
 
6.Yuren Tribe
 
Located next to Hongtou Tribe, Yuren Tribe is also very close to the airport. There are many distinctive dishes to try here, and the sunset in this area is iconic to Orchid Island.

During the Flying Fish Festival, while catching flying fish, no other types of fish may be caught. Additionally, if travelers wish to go diving, they must do so only in areas officially designated by local notices and must not swim freely. After July, flying fish catching must cease, and eating flying fish is prohibited after the Mid-Autumn Festival. The following five taboos are essential for travelers to be aware of and follow.