Yehliu Geopark (野柳地質公園) is a famous coastal geological park located on the north coast of Taiwan in the town of Wanli, New Taipei City. It is renowned for its unusual and dramatic rock formations created by millions of years of marine erosion, weathering, and tectonic activity.
Highlights
- Unique rock formations: The park’s bedrock is mainly sandstone and shale, sculpted into hoodoos, mushroom rocks, honeycomb patterns, and wave-cut platforms.
- Queen’s Head: The most iconic and photographed formation, resembling the profile of a queen. It is carefully protected and often has a queue for photos.
- Other notable shapes: “Fairy Shoe,” “Candle Rock,” “Sea Candles,” “Ginger Rocks,” and the “Beehive” honeycomb textures.
- Coastal scenery: Panoramic ocean views, tidal pools, and seabirds are common sights along the headland.
Visitor information
- Opening hours: Typically open daily; check the park’s official site or local notices for current hours and holidays.
- Admission: There is an entrance fee. Reduced rates may apply for seniors, students, and children.
- Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, walking paths, viewpoints, and sheltered interpretation signs explaining geology and ecology.
- Safety: Stay on designated paths and observation areas—many formations are fragile and edges can be slippery. Strong winds and waves can be hazardous; follow posted warnings.
Best time to visit
- Mornings and weekdays are less crowded; sunset offers dramatic light for photography but can be windier.
- Avoid high tide and stormy weather for safety and best visibility of formations.
Conservation and etiquette
- Yehliu’s rocks are fragile and slowly eroding; do not climb on or touch delicate formations, especially the Queen’s Head.
- Follow signs, respect barriers, and dispose of trash properly to help preserve the site for future visitors.
Getting there
- By car: About 1.5–2 hours from central Taipei depending on traffic. Parking is available near the park.
- By bus: Regular buses run from Taipei (e.g., from Taipei Bus Station or nearby MRT stations) to Wanli/Yehliu; local shuttle services also operate.
- Organized tours: Many day-trip tours from Taipei include Yehliu plus nearby attractions.
Nearby attractions
- Jinshan Old Street and seafood restaurants
- Nanya Rock Formations (south along the coast)
- Yehliu Ocean World (aquarium/theme attraction)
- Bitou Cape and the Northeast Coast National Scenic Area for more coastal hiking and scenery
Why visit
Yehliu Geopark offers a compact, accessible showcase of coastal geology and striking natural sculptures that are both beautiful and scientifically interesting. It’s an excellent half-day destination for photography, geology enthusiasts, families, and anyone who enjoys dramatic seaside landscapes.
