Yehliu Geopark

Situated on the picturesque northeast coast along a sprawling cape near Keelung, Yehliu Geopark (野柳地質公園) is home to some of Taiwan’s most famous geological wonders. Thousands of years of wave erosion and weathering have given rise to a wide variety of unearthly rock formations, all bearing distinct features.

Many of the formations in the park are named after their likeness, and some have become particularly iconic, such as the Queen’s Head, the Fairy’s Shoe, and the Ice Cream Rock. The fairy’s shoe is said to be part of the legend of the fairy who came to tame the naughty turtle (the cape itself, which from above resembles a turtle’s shape) who had caused so many shipwrecks. After taming the turtle, she accidentally left one of her shoes behind.

Upon entering the park, you can view mushroom rocks, so-named for their shape, and ginger rocks, named for their rough texture and light brown coloring. As you approach the ocean, more types of formations begin to appear – including honeycomb weathering, ocean erosion potholes, fossils, sea caves and candle shaped rocks, to name a few. A large wave-cut platform, a narrow area leveled by sea erosion, displays features such as sea grooves and joints, which are called “tofu rocks”. The park also features a scenic trail that culminates in an observation deck with resplendent ocean views.

At the entrance to Yehliu Geopark there is a market where you can buy a number of goods or eat some local foods, so bring a little pocket money. Afterwards stop by Yehliu Ocean World next door to take in a dolphin show, or make your way to Keelung for an experience of the famous Miaokou Night Market.

How to get there

From Taipei: Take bus 1815 (heading for the Jinshan Youth Activity Center) at the Kuo Kuang Bus Taipei Terminal outside Taipei Main Station (80-90 mins, NT$126). Get off at the Yehliu stop.

From Keelung: Take bus 790 (towards Jinshan) or 862 (heading towards Tamsui) from the Keelung Station bus stop (36 mins, NT$30). Get off at the Yehliu stop.

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