Yehliu Geopark is one of Taiwan’s most iconic natural attractions, renowned for its surreal landscape of mushroom-shaped rock formations, honeycomb weathering, and dramatic coastal cliffs.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about visiting Yehliu Geopark—from what to expect and how to get there, to what you shouldn’t miss inside.
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| Our team at Yehliu |
Plus, we’ll share our personal experience of exploring Yehliu as part of a full-day tour that also included Shifen and Jiufen.
Yehliu Geopark (野柳地質公園) is a geological park situated along a narrow cape stretching about 1.7 kilometers into the sea.
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| Yehliu Geopark aerial view |
The area is famous for its bizarre rock formations, which have been shaped by thousands of years of weathering and sea erosion.
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| Yehliu Geopark on a Friday morning |
These formations have taken on imaginative names like “Queen’s Head,” “The Dragon’s Head,” “The Bee Hive,” and “Sea Candles.”
The park is part of Taiwan’s Yehliu Promontory, which is an extension of the Datun Mountain Range.
It falls under the management of the North Coast & Guanyinshan National Scenic Area and attracts geologists, photographers, nature lovers, and curious travelers from all over the world.
The pick-up point was conveniently located at Ximen Station in Taipei, and we boarded our tour van just before 8:00 AM.
We had our quick breakfast from 7-Eleven at the corner of Emei St. and Lane 120 in Ximending.
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| This freeway in Keelung City offers a scenic view |
The ride to Yehliu took about an hour and offered scenic views of the coastline as we left the city behind.
Upon arrival, our tour guide gave us a brief orientation and some tips on how to enjoy the park while avoiding the crowds.
We were then free to explore the park at our own pace for about 90 minutes.
Yehliu Geopark is divided into three main sections, each offering unique rock formations and geological features:
1. Area I – The Entrance and Coastal Platform
This is the first area visitors encounter after entering the park. It features a flat rocky platform extending into the sea, showcasing a variety of interesting formations.
Highlights:
- Mushroom rocks
- Candle rock
- Marine potholes
- Ice Cream Rock
- Cute Princes Rock
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| Mushroom rocks |
This area is great for casual exploration and scenic coastal views. It’s also less crowded than the central zone.
2. Area II – The Iconic Formations
This is the most famous and photogenic section of the park, where you’ll find the iconic Queen’s Head—the symbol of Yehliu.
Highlights:
- Queen’s Head
- The Dragon’s Head
- Fairy’s Shoe
- The Bee Hive
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| The blockbuster Queen’s Head |
This area tends to get crowded, especially around Queen’s Head, as visitors line up to take photos. It’s the most photographed and visited section of the park.
3. Area III – The Rugged Coastline and Quiet Trails
The third section is farther out along the cape and is less visited, making it perfect for those who enjoy peace and nature.
Highlights:
- Tofu rocks
- Maling Bird Rock
- Sea-eroded troughs
- Marine fossils
- Views of the crashing waves and dramatic cliffs
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| View from Yehliu Lighthouse |
This area also features some educational signboards, and the scenery becomes wilder and more untouched. It’s ideal for a quiet walk and geological observation.
These three zones together create a comprehensive experience—ranging from accessible rock formations to surreal landscapes and quiet natural beauty—making Yehliu Geopark a truly one-of-a-kind destination in Taiwan.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
Entrance Fee: NT$120 for adults, NT$60 for children and seniors.
Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings, especially before 10 AM to avoid large tour groups.
What to Wear: Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. The area is mostly exposed and can get quite hot.
Accessibility: The paths are mostly paved, but there are some uneven areas. There are ramps for wheelchairs in the main viewing zones.
Yehliu Geopark is approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Ximending in Taipei. Travel time depends on the mode of transportation:
Option 1: Join a Tour (Recommended)
As we did, joining a guided tour from Taipei is the most convenient way. Many tours, like the one we booked via Klook, include hotel pickup or centralized locations like Ximen Station, and also stop at Shifen and Jiufen for a full day of exploration.
Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours (depending on traffic)
Option 2: Public Transportation
You can also reach Yehliu on your own:
- Take a bus from Taipei West Bus Station – Terminal A (next to Taipei Main Station).
- Hop on the Kuo-Kuang Bus No. 1815 bound for Jinshan and get off at Yehliu Stop.
- Walk about 10 minutes to the park entrance.
Duration: Around 1.5 to 2 hours total.
Cost: Roughly NT$100–125 one way.
Bring Snacks and Water: There’s a visitor center and small vendors near the entrance, but options inside the park are limited.
Watch Your Step: The rocks can be slippery when wet. Wear shoes with good grip and be careful, especially near the coast.
Respect Nature: Stay on designated paths and avoid touching or climbing on the formations. Many of them are fragile and irreplaceable.
Photo Ops: To avoid crowds in your photos, head straight to Queen’s Head first and explore the rest of the park later.
Yehliu Geopark was an unforgettable part of our Taiwan itinerary. The alien-like landscape made us feel like we were walking on another planet, and the coastal breeze was refreshing as we strolled past ancient stone sculptures crafted entirely by nature. It was the perfect way to start our day before heading to the lantern-lit streets of Shifen and the nostalgic alleys of Jiufen.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a geology nerd, or simply a curious traveler looking for unique sights, Yehliu Geopark deserves a spot on your Taiwan travel bucket list.
