Yehliu Geopark's headland extends roughly 1.7 kilometers into the North Coast. Prolonged action of waves, sea wind, and variations in rock hardness has sculpted a diverse array of marine erosion landforms — mushroom rocks, candle rocks, and tofu rocks among them. The Queen's Head, whose profile resembles a side-view silhouette, has become one of the world's most recognizable rock formations, drawing both geological researchers and general visitors alike.
Highlights of Yehliu Geopark
The park is administered by the Tourism Administration's Northern Region Office, and the geological strata belong to the Miocene Taliao Formation of interbedded sandstone and shale. Wave erosion cutting along joints, combined with differences in rock hardness, has formed mushroom rocks with narrow bases and bulbous tops; candle rocks result from differential weathering of pyrite nodules, their surfaces showing ring-like patterns resembling candlesticks. The entire headland is divided into three touring zones, all connected by well-paved walkways.
The Queen's Head's neck has been growing thinner from years of weathering, and management periodically publishes neck-circumference measurements to track the erosion rate — a concrete case study in observing dynamic landform change. Beyond the rock formations, tidal pools host barnacles, crabs, and other creatures that can be observed up close, though touching the rocks anywhere in the rocky zone is prohibited to preserve the landforms.
How to make the most of your visit
Practical information
Getting there & timing
- Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport runs buses from Taipei MRT Tamsui Station and Keelung Train Station to Yehliu; check Kuo-Kuang's official timetable for schedules.
- By car, take the Jijin Interchange off National Freeway 1 onto Provincial Highway 2 heading north. The park has a paid parking lot that fills quickly on weekends — arriving early is recommended.
- Opening hours and admission fees are subject to the official announcements of the Tourism Administration's Northern Region Office; certain areas may be temporarily closed in severe weather.
Nearby connections
- Heading east along Provincial Highway 2 connects to Jinshan Old Street; heading west back toward Tamsui links to Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf — both fit naturally into a North Coast day-trip itinerary.
- Wanli District is also known for Wanli Crab (stone crabs), and during the autumn season (approximately September–November) you can enjoy freshly caught crabs at local restaurants.
Sources: Tourism Administration Northern Region Office, Yehliu Geopark official website, and Wikipedia entry for Yehliu Geopark. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.