By Chi
Along with Jiufen & Shifen, Yehliu Geopark is another prime spot in the North of Taiwan that you cannot miss out. Yehliu Geopark is a 1,700 long cape located in Yehliu Village of Wanli Town, which is home to a large number of unique geological formations. The shale and sedimentary sandstone and other special formations were formed 10 to 25 million years ago due to the radical shifting of the earth’s crust along with the impact of wind erosion and sea level in the climate change era. The most iconic formation is called “Queen’s head” (女王頭) and other stones with any funny names based on their shape that you could possibly think of such as Fairy’s Shoes, Mushroom Rock, Japanese Geisha, Candle Rock etc. Yehliu Geopark is divided into three main areas as follow:
Area 1: Mushroom Rock, Ginger Rock, Candle Rock and Ice Cream Rock
Area 2: Iconic rocks: Queen’s Head and Dragon’s Head
Queen’s Head Rock is the icon of Wanli Town, it is around 4,000 years old and it is the oldest rocks in the area.
Area 3: Pearl Rock, Marine Bird Rock
Located on the other side of Yehliu Island, this area is where the rocks are shaped by the sea tides.
Next to the geopark is the Yehliu Ocean World oceanarium which displays exhibitions about ocean, marine life including dolphin and sea lion performances. This place offers visitors the chance to observe sea life in an underwater glass tunnel, which could be a fun addition to the more educational experience at the geopark.
Although the closing time is 6PM, you can stay as long as you want to enjoy the spectacular sunset scene and if you have some extra time, you can visit the nearby market called “Gift of Yehliu’ to enjoy the freshly-caught seafood and local souvenirs.
Overall, Yehliu Geopark is a destination that you shouldn’t miss when visiting the North Coast of Taiwan, we strongly encourage tourists to travel with ethics and avoid any actions that could damage the site, please treasure the natural beauty that mother Earth grants us.
Information:
Ticket price: NTD 80/adult; NTD 40 for children (6-12 years old) and Taiwanese students with valid ID; Free for disabled/children of height under 115cm/children below 6 years old.
Opening time: 8AM to 5PM, the operation may be extended to 6PM from May to August.
Tips: Be prepared to do lots of walking, it is best to equip yourself with a pair of comfortable walking shoes and hiking poles. Dress lightly and sporty, dress and heels are not recommended.
How to get there?
By Long Distance Bus:
From Taipei West Bus Station - Terminal A (located at Taipei Main Station), go to the KuoKuang (國光) window and purchase a ticket for NT$96 to Yehliu Geopark (野柳地質公園). The journey takes around 90 minutes, and the bus will drop you on the main road just outside the park entrance. Walk down the lane on the left side to enter.
By Shuttle Bus:
Take a shuttle bus from Ximen to Yehliu, followed by the Ying Yang Sea, 13-Layer Remains, Golden Waterfall, Jiufen (九份), and Shifen Old Streets (十分老街), leaving at 9AM and returning at 17:45.
By North Coast Shuttle Bus (from Tamsui (淡水) or Keelung):
Take the North Coast Shuttle Bus NT$200 all day unlimited rides from either MRT Tamsui Station or Keelung Railway Station.
Comments