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Lanyu or the Orchid Island is a tiny island located 60 km off the south east of Taiwan. Though stretching for merely 45sq km, the small island with its serene locale, is one of the most popular destinations of Taiwan. Lanyu gets its name from the extensive variety of orchids that had once covered the island. The orchids however, have been destroyed or sold, though the beauty of the island still remains unhampered. With its coastline, lush vegetation and serene locales, the island has become a popular summer resort in Taiwan. Ruled by the Lanyu Township of Taitung Country, the island is inhabited by about 4000 Yamis. The aboriginal community thrives on the sea girdling the island, and their traditional homes and simple lifestyle draw a number of tourists to savor the native Taiwanese life. The Orchid Island is marked by the distinct architecture with which the native people build their houses. The houses on Lanyu are unique structures built along the hills or embankments. The island is so small that it can be covered in a couple of hours. The most engaging attractions of the island are the coastal rocks that have been carved into unique shapes by the weather. Lion Rocks, Beauty Stone, and Battleship Fleet are some of the queerest rocks in Lanyu. Xiao Lanyu or Lesser Orchid Island is a small volcanic island near the main Lanyu, and it is here where an endangered variety of orchid can still be seen. The Mandarin airline has flights from Taitung to Lanyu.
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