Table of Contents
If you haven’t noticed the trend, I didn’t know tons about what I was going to do on this whole Asia trip. I knew general things, but nothing about them. I did know that I wanted to go to Yehliu Geopark, though. The park is a bunch of weird rock formations on the northeast coast, a great day trip from Taipei.
It wasn’t crazy busy when I was there, but there was still a crowd. With umbrellas, of course, because it was rainy. At first, at least. Forgoing the rock formations right away, we headed to the trail through some woods first. It led up the hillside with nice views of the coast on both sides. It was an easy walk with stairs all the way up and a little table to rest at the top. Be prepared, it can get pretty warm here, even in January.
After returning from that, it was time to explore among the rock formations. By now it was starting to dry up and the sun was shining. The path split, so we went to the right first. This is where the famous Queens Head is and it got the name because from the right side, it looks like the silhouette of a queens head.
There is also a line in front of it so you can get the perfect picture without people behind you! There is actually a guard standing by it that will yell at you if you’re in the way. Not that I know from experience or anything. If this isn’t an Instagram friendly location, I don’t know what is.
I liked the area to the left much more. but I’m not entirely sure why. There was one rock that looked like a whale’s tail and I really loved that one. I think there were fewer people on that side, too. It was an enjoyable place to just wander around for an afternoon and I would definitely recommend making a stop there if you have time.
Yehliu Geopark is very reminiscent of Goblin Valley State Park in Utah. Of course, they are made of different types of rock, but both have the weird mushroom-y look that feels more like Mars. You can also easily combine Yehliu with a trip to Jiufen or Shifen since they’re all on the east coast.
Where is Yehliu Geopark
Yehliu Geopark is on the northeast coast of Taiwan, about an hour from Taipei.
How to get to Yehliu Geopark from Taipei
Go to the West Bus Station Terminal A at Taipei Main Station and get a ticket to Yehliu Geopark from the KuoKuong window. It should be about 96 NTD.
Yehliu Geopark entrance fee
The entrance fee to Yehliu Geopark will set you back about NT$80, or $3USD (ish)
What to do at Yehliu Geopark
There aren’t tons of things to do at Yehliu Geopark, but the main thing to do is, of course, see the formations. There is a little boardwalk that will take you through the bottom area of the formations. You can also hike up the little hill to look out over the formation area and ocean.
Other helpful things:
- The park is open from8-5
- Wear good walking shoes, sunscreen, and bug spray. THe bug spray is more for the summer.
- You don’t need a full day. A half day would be good, then you could go to Jiufen in the afternoon. It makes a great day trip from Taipei.
- I would recommend going earlier in the day so it’s not as busy or as hot.
Overall, I would say Yehliu Geopark is a fun place to go if you want to do something outside. It’s easy to get to from Taipei and it won’t break the bank. Head there early in the morning to avoid crowds and finish the day in Jiufen before having dinner at a night market.
Have you been to Yehliu? What did you think of it? Do you want to go?
We were in the area on our bike trip, but by this time in the trip we were incredibly beat. I got 2 flat tires in the same day and it was raining all day so we skipped it. Next time though! Looks cool!
Oh wow, sounds like a rough day! I probably would have skipped it too, then.
Yup, would surely love to visit this place.
It’s a pretty cool place!