Yequn Old Village Introduction
The "Yehyin" is referred to as Ivalino by the Tao people, which means Mabon vine. Legend has it that the ancestors of Yehyin were originally from Batan Island in the Philippines. They crossed the sea to Orchid Island and married a widow. After marriage, the widow abandoned her two children from a previous marriage and returned to Batan Island with her husband, where she gave birth to two sons. Soon after, a famine struck the island, and out of necessity, the family returned to Orchid Island, intending to seek refuge at the home of the wife's father, but they were rejected. The couple, with their children, wandered without a home, eventually settling on the then-uninhabited southeastern coast, where they established the present-day Yehyin village in the wilderness. The traditional houses in Orchid Island are a response to the hot and windy climate, characterized by semi-subterranean structures. Generally, they consist of three parts: the main underground house, a workspace, and a terrace. The main house, also known as the "underground house," is built 1 to 2 meters below ground level, providing warmth in winter and coolness in summer with excellent insulation. Additionally, it protects against typhoons, northeast monsoons, and earthquakes, making the elderly in Yehyin village cherish them dearly and reluctant to convert them into government housing, which allows traditional architecture to be preserved, making this the best-preserved underground house village. When visiting the old village, it is important to note that traditional underground houses are still inhabited by elders who may not be amenable to uninvited visits or unauthorized photography. It is best to stay in a guesthouse near Yehyin village the night before your visit, allowing the villagers to personally guide you through their underground houses. The strict restrictions exist because the Tao (Yami) people's hierarchy is clearly defined, and even local people without permission will be chased away by the elders for intruding. Visitors should be especially cautious and respect the lives of the local residents while traveling! More travel tips for Orchid Island.