The Timeless Craft of Lanyu: The Thousand-Year Legacy of the 'Plank Boat'

When you step onto Lanyu Island, you'll discover more than just breathtaking ocean views and a simple, rustic lifestyle. Hidden here is a rare cultural treasure of the world—the plank boat. This traditional boat-building craft has been passed down through generations of Tao (Yami) men and symbolizes the islanders' deep connection with the ocean. Unlike typical dugout canoes, the plank boat is constructed from dozens of wooden planks meticulously joined together using mortise-and-tenon joints and rattan bindings, without a single nail. Every plank, pattern, and even the carvings on the bow and stern embody the tribe's cultural heritage and natural philosophy. Once completed, a grand launching ceremony is held, reflecting the tribe's reverence and gratitude toward the sea. Today, this craft has been recognized as an important intangible cultural heritage of Taiwan. For travelers, witnessing the creation of a plank boat by skilled artisans or attending a plank boat exhibition is an extraordinary cultural experience 🌊 --- 📍**Location Check-in: Boat-building sites in various Lanyu Island villages**