About Yehliu Geopark
Yehliu Geopark is a fascinating geological wonder located along the northern coast of Taiwan, in the New Taipei City district of Wanli. This unique park is renowned for its exceptional natural rock formations, created over thousands of years by the forces of erosion, wind, and sea. It has become one of Taiwan’s most iconic attractions, offering visitors a chance to explore incredible landscapes while learning about the earth’s natural history.
The park is situated on the Yehliu Promontory, which juts out into the Taiwan Strait, and spans about 1.7 kilometers in length. It is famous for its unusual rock formations, many of which have distinctive shapes that resemble animals, plants, and even human figures. The park’s geological features make it an outdoor museum of sorts, displaying the effects of wind, rain, and sea erosion on the area’s soft sandstone and limestone over millions of years.
The most famous are Queen’s Head Rock and Candle Rocks in Yehliu. These geological wonders have been eroded by wind and rain for a long time, forming the amazing landscape we see today.
Yehliu Geopark is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, photographers, and those interested in geology. Its stunning rock formations, breathtaking coastal views, and educational experience make it one of Taiwan’s most unique natural attractions. Whether you’re marveling at the Queen’s Head, learning about the forces of nature, or simply enjoying the serene surroundings, Yehliu Geopark offers a memorable experience that showcases the natural beauty and geological history of Taiwan.
Yehliu Geopark Ticlet Booth
Best Things to Do in
Yehliu Geopark is divided into three major areas. The first area has Mushroom Rocks and Candle Rocks, the second area has Queen’s Head, Dragon’s Head Rock, and Gorilla Rock, and the third area is a sea erosion platform with special rock shapes such as the Twenty-Four Filial Piety Stone.
Yehliu Visitor Center
Stop by the visitor center to learn more about the park’s geological history. The center features exhibits that explain the formation of the rock structures, the types of erosion processes involved, and the ecological significance of the area. It’s a great place to gain a deeper understanding of the natural forces that shaped Yehliu Geopark.
The most important thing before visiting is, don’t forget to pick up an English DM at the Visitor Center. This way, you can simply observe these special rocks without having to guess at their rock names. They provide information, announcement service, infirmary, lactation room, lockers, multimedia service, stroller, and wheelchair rental services, souvenirs and publications, food and beverages.
Marvel at the Queen’s Head Rock
Queen’s Head is the landmark of Yehliu Geopark, a mushroom-shaped rock. Queen’s Head is famous for its unique rock formations. The rock was named for the change in its shape that occurred between 1962 and 1963, and from a distance its graceful appearance and slender neck resemble the head of Queen Elizabeth I of England. According to government estimates, it is nearly 4,000 years old. After decades of natural weathering, the neck of the Queen’s head has become thinner and thinner. So the government commissioned a research unit to carry out reinforcement to ensure that the Queen’s head would not break.
Its shape resembles a queen’s profile, and it’s the park’s most photographed feature. Take time to snap some photos, as this natural wonder is a must-see attraction. This natural wonder has become a symbol of the park and is one of Taiwan’s most photographed landmarks. The formation is a must-see for anyone visiting the geopark.
Purchase your tickets in advance (klook). Yehliu Geopark Ticket
Yehliu Geopark Map
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Explore the Unique Rock Formations
Zone 1 and 2 are must-visit areas, home to many iconic attractions. The recommended visiting time is about 1.5 hours. If you have time, you can also follow the trail in Zone 3 to the viewing pavilion. The recommended visiting time is about 1 hour.
The park has well-maintained walkways that allow you to explore the rock formations and enjoy the spectacular coastal views. The paths are easy to navigate and provide scenic spots to pause, relax, and take in the beauty of the Taiwan Strait. Wander along the park’s walking paths to explore these fascinating formations and learn about their geological history through informative signs.
The park is home to numerous other unique rock formations. These formations, shaped by centuries of erosion, appear to depict animals, human figures, and even everyday objects, each offering visitors a chance to explore the power of nature’s creativity. Yehliu Geopark is designed to be both a natural attraction and an educational experience. Along the walking paths, you’ll find informational signs that describe the geological processes behind the rock formations, the flora and fauna of the area, and the cultural significance of the park. This makes it a great spot for both casual visitors and those with a keen interest in geology.
Rock Zone 1
▼ Candle Rock
▼ Cute Princess Rock
▼ Heart-shaped Rock
▼ Sea Urchin Fossil
▼ Potholes (Giant’s kettle)
Rock Zone 2
▼ Queen’s Head
▼ Gorilla Rock
▼ Dragon Head Rock
▼ Cockroach?
Rock Zone 3
▼ Maling Bird Rock
▼ Tofu Rock
Stingrays Rock and The Twenty-four Filial Exemplars: This zone is only open to visitors accompanied by a qualified docent. Visitors taking the Queen’s Secret Garden are allowed to enter this area.
Zone 3: Observation Pavilion
The third zone of Yehliu Geopark accounts for 80% of the entire park and has been closed for many years due to safety considerations. The third area is open only to tourists, who can go directly to the highest Observation Pavilion and see Tofu Rock on the way. It takes about 30-35 minutes to walk the entire uphill path to the pavilion at the end. The downhill journey takes about 20 to 25 minutes. If you want to continue down to the sea erosion platform, you need to make an appointment with a special guide to enter.
▼ Observation Pavilion
You’ll need to walk up some stairs at first, but not many.
If you keep walking along the path, you will come to a small hill at the end of the peninsula with a viewing pavilion on it.
Opening Hours
8:00-17:00 (18:00 final clearance)
Summer Opening Hours (announced on official website)
9:00-18:00 (19:00 final clearance)?
Price
Yehliu Geopark EntranceFee
Full-priced Ticket: NT$120
Discounted ticket: NT$60
Students (with valid student ID from Taiwanese educational institutions)
Children 6 years and older but under 12 years old
Seniors 65 years and older (regardless of nationality)
International Student Identity Card (ISIC) holders (not eligible for additional 20% group discount)
Free
Children under 6 years of age.
Wanli District residents (with ID verification).
The Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Yehliu Geopark is during Taiwan’s spring (March to May) and fall (September to November), when the weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor exploration. Summer can be quite hot, and weekends tend to be busier, so weekdays might offer a more relaxed experience. For fewer crowds and optimal lighting for photos, visiting in the early morning is recommended.
Yehliu Geopark is located about 40 kilometers north of Taipei, and it is easily accessible by car or public transportation. Many visitors opt to take a bus or tour from Taipei, making it a popular day-trip destination. It is also located near Yehliu Ocean World, a marine-themed park, so visitors often combine trips to both attractions.
Since the round trip is quite long, it is recommended to set off in the morning. Generally, locals will also arrange to visit nearby attractions, such as Yehliu, Jiufen, Shifen, Jinguashi, Heping Island Park, Bitou Cape Trail, Keelung Night Market.
The order of attractions throughout the day can be adjusted. You can arrange at least 3 attractions according to your own route. If you rent a car with a driver, to ensure a smooth trip, you can tell the driver where you want to go and he will help you arrange the order of the attractions.
How to get to?
By HSR, TRA, MRT + Bus
HSR, TRA, MRT to Taipei Main Station + Bus
■ Taipei Main Station → Transfer to Bus No. 1815 and get off at Yehliu Station.
Example: Bus No. 1815
After arriving at Taipei Main Station, find Exit of East 3 and the bus stop will be right in front of you. There are many buses going to Yehliu, so you basically don’t have to wait too long, but there are still a lot of people queuing. The one-way journey takes approximately 100 minutes. Because the bus runs on the highway, everyone needs to have a seat and cannot stand. On the return trip, the driver will count the number of seats before allowing passengers to board.
There are many buses stopping at the bus station. Find No. 1815 bus stop and queue up. It is recommended to go to Yehliu on weekdays and depart before 9 am. Because there will be a lot of people queuing after 2pm on the return trip. During weekends or consecutive holidays, many locals take the bus to Yehliu, so you may have to wait in line for a long time.
You can use Google Map or the Bus+ app to check the location of the bus stops. You need to ring the bell on the bus. But most people get off at Yehliu, so there should be others who will ring the bell. Just like when you take a bus in Taipei City, you press the bell and the bus driver will stop at the next stop.
Turn left onto Gangdong Road and walk straight along the sidewalk for about 700 meters to the ticket booth. There are 2 convenience stores along the road. It is recommended to buy water to drink, otherwise it will be very hot after entering Yehliu Geopark.
The return bus stop is just opposite. There are two bus stops. Bus stop 1815 should be on the zebra crossing. Please check the bus number on the sign before queuing.
■ Taipei Main Station → Transfer to Taipei MRT to Tamsui Station → Transfer to Taiwan Express Bus No. 716 Crown North Coast Line and get off at Yehliu Geopark (Yehliu Ocean World) Station.
■ Taipei Main Station → Transfer to Taipei MRT to Daan Forest Park Station → From Xinyi Market Bus Station, transfer to Bus No. 953 and get off at Yehliu Geopark Station.
■ Taipei Main Station → Transfer to Taipei MRT to Gongguan Station → From NTU Bus Station, transfer to Bus No. 1068 and get off at Yehliu Geopark Station.
■ Taipei Main Station → Transfer to Taipei MRT to Tamsui Station → Transfer to Tamsui/Bus No. 862 and get off at Yehliu Station.
■ Taipei Main Station → Take the Taiwan Railway to Keelung Station → Transfer to Keelung Bus No. 790 and get off at Yehliu Station.
Because you are not familiar with transportation, your round trip could take up to 4.5 hours.
About Day Tour
Because you are not familiar with transportation, your round trip could take up to 4.5 hours. If you live in Taipei, I recommend taking a day tour. This way you can have fun without worrying about which station to get off and transfer to another bus, and then you can sleep peacefully on the car. For convenience, almost all Foreign tourists will choose a day tour to Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen, or rent a car and let the driver go to Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen. Don’t doubt it, one-day tour is your best choice.
Day Tour From Taipei (klook)
■ Shifen Sky Lantern Experience (Colorful Sky Lantern Voucher) Shifen old street
■ Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, Shifen, and Golden Waterfall
■ Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen
■ Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen with Taiwanese Pastry Making
■ Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen
Car Rental with Driver From Taipei (klook)
■ Taipei Car Rental with Driver- Customized itinerary (Chinese/English/Korean/Japanese)
■ Private tour Car Rental with Driver : Jiufen , Pingxi (Chinese/English/Korean/Japanese)
🔥ChiaTe Pineapple Cake / Delivery or Airport Pickup
■ ChiaTe Bakery Pineapple Pastry-Delivery(Home / Hotel) / Airport Pickup (klook)
Prepare your trip to Taiwan?✈️Buy discounted tickets in advance (Klook)
■ EasyCard and SIM Card Package
■ Taipei 101 Observatory Ticket
■ Taipei Double Decker Sightseeing Bus
■ National Palace Museum Ticket
■ Taipei Fun Pass (Taipei 101, National Palace Museum, Taipei MRT, city buses, and 6 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle)
■ Taipei Transport Fun Pass (Taipei MRT, city buses, 6 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle routes, and Maokong Gondol)
■ Taipei Metro (MRT) Day Pass
■ (Taiwan Pass) HSR + MRT + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Day Pass
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Ticket for non-Taiwanese Discounts or Buy 1 Get 1
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Joint Ticket
■ (Taiwan Pass) Taiwan Railways + MRT + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle