Yehliu Geopark Taiwan is home to several unique geological formations along a cape stretching out on coastal Northern Taiwan.
The iconic “Queen’s Head” (女王頭) rock formation is the unofficial emblem of Wanli’s town.
The cape stretches around 1,700 meters and is part of the Daliao Miaocene Formation.
Thousands of years of geological movement forced the Datun Mountains to change their shape.
The rocks jut out into the ocean.
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You Can Drive to Yehliu Geopark, Taiwan
Yehliu Geopark Taiwan is a sedimentary rock formed by the sea and wind.
Scenic, appealing with many rock formations, the northern coastline of Taiwan has rocky outcrops.
The deep blue sea contrasts with the dramatic coastline of Taiwan.
When I took the trip to the town of Wanli, it was stunning and memorable.
I spent a great day outdoors, soaking up the sun and breathing in the lovely sea breeze.
The weirdly shaped rocks are an incredible work of nature.
When we reached the park, it was a hot afternoon, with many tourists waiting to take pictures.
We spent about two hours, but it was getting hot, so we did not get enough time to look at everything.
There are no covered walkways or shades to hide under.
We squinted as the sun reflected in the glare from the sea.
Yehliu Geopark is a Natural Wonder
Yehliu Geopark is famous for its sea-erosion landscape and is close to the sea.
The rock sculptures are a mix of sedimentary sandstone and shale.
Each formation has a distinct mushroom-shaped head poking out of the bare ground.
The figures have rather imaginative names based on their shapes.
The Queen’s Head
Taiwan’s ancient Queen’s Head, the best-known rock formation in Yehliu, is at risk of being beheaded is threatened by a crack at its base.
According to The North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Office, scientists are fighting to save the ancient rock from erosion.
A fissure was recently reported under the Queen’s head, as documented in published photos taken in 1969, 1980, 1990, and 2010, to prove that the crack has existed for over 40 years.
This “threat” is of grave concern, and a research team from National Taiwan University has observed the rock for two years.
According to researchers, the speed of weathering has maintained the same pace so far.
However, in the next decade, scientists are concerned that the neck may become too thin to support the head and might break off.
The significance of the regal name
The Queen’s Head was named for its elegant shape and supposed likeness to England’s Queen Elizabeth I. The rock has been honed by seawater and strong winds.
From 1969 to 2010, the Queen’s Head rock formation stood majestically at Yehliu Geopark, captivating visitors with its unique natural beauty.
Besides the famous Queen’s Head, there are many other remarkable formations.
There are other ‘statues” and many exciting potholes.
- Sea Candles (燭台石)
- Fairy Shoe (仙女鞋)
- Mushroom Rocks
- Tofu Rocks
- Elephant Rock
- Ginger Rocks
- Ice Cream Rock
- Kissing Rock
- Princess Head
Mushroom Rock
The Queen’s Head is the most famous mushroom rock in Yehliu Geopark, Taiwan.
The mushroom rocks are grouped on the wave-cut platform.
While supported by the thin stone pillars on the bottom, these globe-shaped rocks on the top are called mushroom rocks.
We can divide the formation process of mushroom rock into three phases:
Two broken concretions within rock layers are formed vertically to the sea level.
The erosion caused by seawater may progress along the concretions, leading to a stone pillar formation.
The formation of the mushroom rock is caused by differential erosion.
The top rock layer containing calcium is more durable, whereas the lower rock layer is softer, suffers from weathering and rain erosion, and has changed shape.
We can divide the mushroom rocks into three types according to their appearance, best described as the rock’s head and neck.
“Thin-neck rock”,” thick-neck rock” and “neckless rock”.
Many thin-neck mushroom rocks carry a heavier load on the top and may topple easily if struck by violent winds, waves, or earthquakes.
Honeycombed Rock
Honeycombed rocks are covered with different-sized holes that look like honeycombs.
They are found on top of mushroom rocks.
What causes the formation of honeycombed weathering?
The organism’s detritus on concretions causes the formation of honeycombed weathering.
The process can be divided into three phases:
The organism detritus: The concretions are covered with numerous shells and urchin detritus.
Small holes: The holes that appear on the surface of rocks are formed when organism detritus is dissolved by seawater or rock decomposition.
The formation of honeycombed rock: The decomposition process continues with weathering from seawater and sea salt, eroding the tiny holes into large ones with honeycomb-like shapes.
Ocean Erosion Pothole
It forms an ocean erosion pothole due to seawater erosion and weathering imposed on the surface notches. These are created by differential weathering.
A grain of sand may often be found inside the pothole.
Further reading material and references for Yehliu Geopark.
Visitors enjoy walking around Yehliu Geopark, marveling at the stunning rock formations and geological features that make this area a must-visit destination.
Shadows cast by the formations at Yehliu Geopark create a mesmerizing scene, highlighting the beauty of these natural wonders in Taiwan.
Rock formations at Yehliu Geopark, Taiwan, bear a striking resemblance to black mushroom heads, showcasing the diverse and fascinating landscapes found in this geological wonderland.
A close-up reveals the intricate indentation on the rock surface at Yehliu Geopark, formed over time by the relentless forces of wind and rain, showcasing the remarkable power of natural erosion.
Behold the Queen’s Head formation at Yehliu Geopark, a natural wonder sculpted by the elements over centuries, drawing visitors worldwide to admire its regal profile.
A formation at Yehliu Geopark resembles the iconic Queen’s Head, showcasing the intriguing and diverse array of rock formations in this geological wonderland.
Ecotourism 101
In ecotourism, the conservation of natural assets and the protection of the environment are essential to maintaining a site as a natural wonder.
The authorities have taken care to protect the park from abuse.
Many signs are put up, and a red line is drawn to demarcate the dangerous slope.
During the summer months, Yehliu Geopark is packed with tourists walking everywhere.
The rangers watch, monitor, and help the tourists move around.
Tourists are cautioned to step away from the red lines.
The Rangers can blow a whistle if a tourist goes beyond the safe zones.
There have been reported incidents of falling when overzealous tourists step over the rocky edge to take photos.
A couple walks toward the edge with the sea in front, embracing the beauty and serenity of nature’s vast expanse at Yehliu Geopark.
Visitors strike a pose with the unique rock formations at Yehliu Geopark, capturing unforgettable moments against the backdrop of the sea’s tranquil beauty.
A close-up reveals the intricate details of the rock surface at Yehliu Geopark, which is adorned with rivulets of water and showcases the beauty of natural erosion and weathering.
The View Around Yehliu Geopark Taiwan
I enjoyed the scenery and wished we had more time to look around.
The rock sculptures are a mix of sedimentary sandstone and shale formations.
It has a distinct mushroom-shaped head poking out of the bare ground.
The rock surface is rough and uneven.
The formations have imaginative names based on their shapes.
Next to the GeoPark is the Yehliu Ocean World (野柳海洋世界), which is an oceanarium with ocean exhibits and sea life, including dolphin and sea lion performances.
Tickets for the oceanarium can be reserved online. It is a fun addition to the more educational experience at the GeoPark.
Some small street markets are outside the park, where we get food, drinks, and souvenirs.
We got a few shrimp biscuits that are quite tasty.
How to Get to Queen’s Head Rock Formation Yehliu GeoPark Taiwan?
Yehliu Geopark Taiwan is located along the northern coast.
It is a bit remote, but it is well worth visiting.
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
Ride comfortably in 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).
The bus leaves at 9 am and returns at 5.45 pm.
By North Coast Shuttle Bus (from Tamsui (淡水, Danshui) or Keelung):
Take the North Coast Shuttle Bus NT$200 all-day unlimited rides from either MRT Tamsui Station or Keelung Railway Station.
The Geopark is on your left side, and Yehliu Ocean Park is on your right side. The entrance fee is NT$80.00
Where to buy food and snacks before heading out?
We love to buy food and snacks from the Taiwanese 7-Eleven convenience store to munch on our way.
#1 Tea Eggs are great protein snacks! I can only find these in convenience stores in Taiwan!
We love the fragrance of these hard-boiled eggs’ savory, salty scent in an aromatic tea broth.
Great hot and cold. Price: NT$10
#2 Steamed Sweet Potatoes are the perfect midday snack for your long road trips out of Taipei or even while traveling across cities!
Price: NT$25 to NT$50/based on weight
#3 Rice Balls & Curry Rice Ball if you can’t live without rice! One of the specialty rice balls features a Braised Egg in the middle.
A mix of seasoned rice surrounds this.
The egg yolk has a soft, flowy texture, just like the eggs served with Japanese ramen!
Price: NT$36 for curry rice ball, NT$35 for braised egg rice ball
#4 Taiwanese milk tea & coffee These yummy drinks are great to sip.
Although I tend to prefer Coffee drinks as too much milk gives me the runs! Price: NT$35
#5 Unique Potato Chip Flavours – 7-Eleven in Taiwan carry Sea Salt flavored charcoal chips from Mister Potato for NT$75
#6 Traditional Taiwanese Snacks7-Eleven – Look out for the Wang Wang biscuit – a salty-sweet rice cracker, and Shrimp Strips that are a perfect snack with beer!
Then there’s the Hawthorn candy, made from the Chinese Hawthorn fruit, which is excellent for aiding digestion after many meals.
At Yehliu Geopark, those who venture too close to the edge face a sheer drop into the sea, emphasizing the importance of caution and respect for nature’s powerful forces.
Travel Tips to Explore Yehliu Geopark Taiwan
- Do go early to avoid the tour bus crowd. The park opens at 8 am on the dot.
- Bring an umbrella as it can get boiling, and it rains without shelter.
- Apply sufficient sunblock. If you’re wearing a hat, it’s better to bring one with a strap, as a sudden gush of wind will lift it off. It is dangerous to chase after your hat.
- Do wear properly covered footwear as the rocks may be slippery after rain.
- Do remember to bring your camera.
- For a close-up photo with the star attraction, the “Queen’s Head,” you will need to queue for it.
- The other rock formations are equally photogenic.
- The trick is to wait patiently for sole landscape photography without people in it.
- To cover every corner of the Geopark, you need about 45 minutes to an hour, but if the queues are long, you may need a longer time.
DO NOT go beyond the red line! It is very dangerous, and there have been cases of tourists falling over.
Tip from our guide: Instead of lining up to take a photo with the queen’s head, take a photo on the opposite side. There is no need to wait in queues; the pictures look the same!
Yehliu Geopark Taiwan
Nature & Parks in New Taipei City, Taiwan
No.167-1, Kangton Rd. Yeh Liu Village, Wanli Dist., Xinbei 20744, Taiwan
Hours: Open today 8 AM–5 PM
Phone: +886 2 2492 2016
Google: https://g.co/kgs/D6SZ1tU
