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Yehliu Geopark is situated on the northern coast of Taiwan, approximately one hour drive from Taipei and it has rapidly become one of the island’s most iconic and visited sights. This one in the world has many beautiful rock structures that have been formed through the forces of nature such as erosion and tides among others for many centuries.
Located at the coastline, Yehliu Geopark occupies more than 1700 hectares and introduces visitors to geological stories and wonders. Yehliu Cape is the most photographed site within the geopark which is actually a slender headland over 1 700 meters stretching into the sea. Itloon includes such unique formations as the Queen’s Head rock as well as other rocks of unequal shapes and forms.
Geological Origins
Approximately 99% of rock formation at Yehliu Geopark is made of sedimentary sandstone and shale which are still the result of sea formed sediments which were deposited on the sea bed about 20 million years ago. It is desirable to mention that, at that time, this area was slowly rising above the sea level owing to tectonic processes and large-scale movements of the Earth’s crust.
The sediments formed layered structures of sandstone and shale interbedded in a horizontal sequence. Wave attack and subsequent weathering carved out various shapes in rocks in the shallow sea in the vicinity of Yehliu Cape. Influence of weather factors such as wind, water and even earthquakes to the existing structures of rocks never ceases over time.
Around the Site & Noteworthy Layouts
Queen’s Head Rock
Queens Head: honeycomb shaped hoodoo, which, indeed, looks like the side profile faces of the Queen of England is the Queen’s Head. This slanted, rather tall and measuring over 20 feet tall slender structure has become the image of Yehliu Geopark. The Queen’s Head looks unstable, standing on a small pedestal on top of which the upper part is located, but it remains intact despite the forces of nature for thousands of years.
Mushroom Rocks
This group of hoodoos shaped like mushrooms is variable in its size and structure. Some are shaped like giant mushrooms growing out of the ground, and others look like the big thumbs of man or ginger roots. These are cylindrical sandstone knobs that have been shaped gradually due to differential weathering and erosion of softer rock layers that are under the harder cap rocks.
Fairy Shoe
Fairy shoe looks like an open-toed high heel shoe , and is placed on a slim spike. Erosion slowly removed the sediments below it and weathering has not affected the sandstone over it and thus we have this slim figure like structure.
Candle Rock
The Candle Rock formation rising from an oval shaped mound is a steep pinnacle that stands about 19 feet in height. Taking the form of an erect candle-holder, this remarkably slim structure has been blown into its rocket-like shape by natural forces of erosion and earthquakes over hundreds of thousands of years.
Ginger Rocks
Ginger Rocks is a rocky formation made up of numerous groups of small, isolated rock columns resembling ginger roots. They were created by differential erosion, have a variety of warm colors ranging from earth tones to sandy beige with dark implanted stripes that resemble actual ginger roots in colors and texture.
Sea Candles
These complex mound and layered and eroded columnar structures resembling candles appear in arrays along the coast just north of the geopark. Eroded through generations from sandstone that has been worn into the lofty hoodoos, the formations look like a cluster of long, thin candles. Wave-cut platforms and the small sea caves associated with the candle spires are the other outstanding features.
Exploring Yehliu Geopark
The geopark has just over two km of trails and boardwalks which allow visitors to better view the rocks of the cape and coastal area. The present organized circular trail of the Park usually lasts for about one to two hours if one does not pause many times to look at certain rock formations and, similarly, if one, at the various vantage points, only briefly contemplates the constantly changing shoreline features.
As mentioned the main trail begins from the entrance towards Queen’s Head, parallels the rocks north of the Mushroom Rocks and Ginger Rocks and curves round. What you will find along these trails are photo spots for perfect shots including close-ups of these famous rocks. Also some of the terrain on the trails and the areas where the two trails join are steeped and there are steep steps to climb.
Unfortunately the rock structures are very delicate so from a conservation point of view no visitor is allowed to climb the rock formation and has to follow marked paths only. But getting up close to try to admire and photograph the unbelievable constructions is part of the excitement.
And what is worth noticing is the captivating view of the coasts along all the trails targeting the rock formations. Coastal cliffs, layers, sea arches, tide pools and carved platforms constitute the coast’s physiographic features. The teal and azure color of the near shore is a stark contrast to the golden rocks of Yehliu.
For the travelers with limited time, there are mini buses which transport the passengers to the specific view points so that they can take pictures at the most popular of the rocks at the cape. However, what riding a bus takes away is the wonderful ability to appreciate the entire array of bizarre geological formations the park has to offer.
When to Visit
Yehliu Geopark is accessible throughout the year while the best time to travel is during March to September. In northern Taiwan, summer is comparatively hot and humid, however, the oceanic winds temper the heat somewhat especially if you are in the Yehliu coast. The area enjoys relatively mild winters and usual showers throughout the year.
If possible, try to visit during weekdays to miss the biggest number of people. Topography may also play a role since occasional snowstorms, flooding, or storm surges can put the trail out of commission for a while. Seas are more active in summer due to typhoons thus leading to tumultuous crashing waves more so on seafront trails and platforms may be closed during these storm periods.
By recommending late afternoon as the perfect time to photograph formations the author ensures that children will see plenty of evocative rock formations along with the golden light in Yehliu. Evenings are less busy too, but sometimes thick marine layer fog clings to the coast up to midday.
Fun Facts & Records
Yehliu Geopark hosts at least a thousand sea erosion rocks, each one of which has been named based on its shape. Can you recognize how many familiar or fairy-like shapes you can find on the trails?
Out of the whole cape, the strip of land that joins the cape to the coast is simply a 30 meters strip.
Mushroom Rocks at 4, 700 years old are the oldest formations in the park which gives the park its unique appearance. But there are new stones and shapes that are evolving due to the process of erosion.
Yehliu Geopark has a record of having the most number of hoodoos which are the tall precarious spire rocks in the world in just one local area.
The Queen’s Head icon is known to be illustrated on a Taiwan postage stamp and coin.
Yehliu is occasionally subject to minor earthquakes that continue to change the shape and formation of the rocks. The Great quake of 2021 measured 7.3 leveled the Queen’s Head making it lean 2 more degrees.
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Park Essentials
Here are quick essentials to help you plan your Yehliu Geopark visit:
Entry Ticket Prices:
– Adult (ages 12+): NT$80
– Child (ages 7-11): NT$50
Seniors over 65 are free of charge
Opening Hours:
Daily 7:9.30 a.m to 5.00 p.m with extension up to 6.00 p.m for summer and holidays.
Getting There:
The geopark could be accessed by car, bus or taxi from Keelung City which is approximately 20 kilometers north of the geopark. Or take a bus from Taipei – it will take something like 1 hour and slightly more.
Dining & Shopping:
Available facilities in the park include snack bars, adult and children cafes, souvenir shops and clean toilets. The food services mostly relate to such food necessities as ice creams and light meals. Additional food menus are accessible just beyond the park area.
Lodging:
There are no hotels around the coast of Yehliu which is famous for the Stone Garden formation and cape.’ Most arrive at hotels in Keelung City or those located in northern Taiwan and tour as a day-trip.
Conclusion
Yehliu Geopark located in this country having fantastic land sceneries is much more enchanting and spectacular. It’s the only place in the world where you can find a rich variety of wonderfully exotic interesting formations – many of which against the odds are floating – in the Pacific coastline. Other than that, it is possible to learn many important things concerned with the geological history of Taiwan at Yehliu.
However, for all of Yehliu’s visual panache, the grandeur of this cone-forest is momentary only. As mentioned earlier, the process is gradual, hence, constantly transforms the shapes of the rocks and will in the end, bring about their obliteration. That they reform themselves, even icons do so and can one day fold like Queen’s Head did. Hence now has a perfect opportunity to feel this natural gift and take a look at Taiwan’s geological past by visiting Yehliu Geopark.
Sometimes it might be challenging to answer a number of questions that likely to be asked by those planning to visit Yehliu Geopark, some of the frequently asked questions include.
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FAQs
On average, how many hours would it take in order to tour the most famous sites in Yehliu Geopark?
Most of the visitors take between one and two hours strolling through the park in order to capture the famed rocks and unique coastal structures. The actual walking distance of the direction is approximately a half an hour to three quarters with sights confined to the tip of Yehliu Cape and the entrance. That extra time to stop and take photos of the rocks and ocean views should add at least 90 minutes or more if you want to picnic or take a slower pace.
Below I have included two detailed descriptions of the trails: For those wishing to consume less time, there is a shuttle bus that would take visitors directly to the Mushroom Rocks and Queen’s Head area which are the major attractions.
Is Yehliu Geopark accessible for strollers or wheelchairs?
Most of the park trail is conducive for stroller and wheelchair use. It comprises concrete pathways, wooden sidewalks and some earth roads and some few other tracks and paths. However, there are still several loose strata on cliffs related to steep terrain between the trails’ segments as well as important critical points. Chambermaids with mobility impairment can request a member of staff at the information booth to provide directions on shortcuts between important attraction sites. However, for stony irregularities and kinds of formations, be ready for uneven sections of the terrain.
What is the easiest approach to getting to Yehliu Geopark?
As mentioned above, the best and quickest way of getting to the park is via a guided day tour from Taipei. Special pick-ups from hotels of interest, as well as means of transportation, and ticketing for round trips are arranged by bus touring services. They offer experienced tour attendants to help call attention to some points of interest and to offer some cultural information. Self tours: ;Taking bus or train from Taipei main station to Keelung, then take taxi or bus No.161 to the park entrance. While significantly more expensive, this transport option takes a lot more planning but can easily be flexible to cover as many places as possible during the trip.
