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LOOKING TO VISIT YEHLIU GEOPARK FROM TAIPEI?

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.

Our experience at Yehliu Geopark

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.

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.

How was Yehliu Geopark formed?

The 1700 meter cape that is now Yehliu Geopark was formed when Datun Mountain was pushed up and out of the sea by geolocigal forces.

The cape is covered in hoodoo rock formations (similar to Bryce Canyon in Utah, but different at the same time) and was formed when softer rock was eroded by the sea.

Rock formations in Yehliu Geopark

A lot of the rock formations at Yehliu Geopark have cute, fun names based on what they look like. While I don’t have pictures of all of them, and won’t be listing every single one, here are a few:

• Carp Rock
• Cute Princess
• Ginger Rock
• Queens Head
• Mazu Cave
• Mushroom Rock
• Elephant Rock
• Fairy’s Shoe
• Queen’s Head II
• Gorilla Rock
• BBQ drumstick
• Pineapple Bun

Where is Yehliu Geopark in Taiwan?

Yehliu Geopark is on the north coast of Taiwan in the Wanli District, about an hour from Taipei.

It’s more north than Jiufen and right on the coast. It’s a little cape, the Yehliu Promentory. Yehliu Ocean World is right next door. Here are some likely travel distances:

• New Taipei City to Yehliu Geopark: 45 minutes
• Jiufen Old Street to Yehliu Geopark: 40 minutes
• Taipei City to Yehliu Geopark: 35 minutes
• Keelung City to Yehliu Geopark: 25 minutes
• Yangmingshan National Park to Yehliu Geopark: 15 minutes

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.

Here is the address: 207, New Taipei City, Wanli District, 港東路167-1號

Yehliu Geopark entrance fee

The entrance fee to Yehliu Geopark will set you back about NT$120, or $4USD (ish). It’s a nice budget activity near Taipei.

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.

Yehliu Geopark opening hours

Yehliu Geopark is open daily from 8-5.

How much time to spend at Yehliu Geopark?

I would say 2-4 hours should be good, depending on how fast you walk and if you go up the trail in the woods. It’s a good half-day trip from Taipei.

Best time to visit Yehliu Geopark

Yehliu Geopark is great to visit any time of year but you’ll want to go first thing in the morning to help avoid some of the crowds.

Later in the afternoon might be good for that, too just be sure to give yourself a couple of hours before it closes.

Is Yehliu Geopark worth visiting?

Yes! This is a fun little place to get outside not far from Taipei and see some weird rock formations. We love a good weird rock.

Can you touch the rocks at Yehliu Geopark?

Nope! While it may be tempting, it is prohibited to touch any of the rock formations at Yehliu Geopark.

A day trip to Yehliu Geopark from Taipei

Visiting Yehliu Geopark as a day trip from Taipei is super easy and there are other things you can do nearby. There isn’t a ton right by the Geopark but there are things closeby.

Here are some other things you can do sort of near Yehliu Geopark:

• Yangmingshan National Park
• Jinshan Shitoushan Park
• Waimushan Seaside Scenic Area
• Dawulun Beach
• Lovers’ Lake Circular Trail at Lover’s Lake Park
• Keelung Night Market

Where to stay in Taipei

Meander Taipei – I stayed here and absolutely loved it! They have dorms and private rooms and it was so good for meeting people without being a party hostel. It’s near Ximending.

Meander 1948 – This is a beautifully modern hostel conveniently located above a 7-Eleven near Taipei Main Station!

Taipei 109 Hostel – This is another nice, modern hostel near Ximending. There isn’t much for a common area so it might not be the best if you want to meet people or socialize.

Star Hostel – This is another beautiful modern hostel near Taipei Main Station. This is a hostel with sustainability practices aimed at reducing waste.

Other Taipei area posts you may like

Spirited Away To The Hills Of Jiufen: What To Do In Jiufen

Modern Toilet: Taipei’s Toilet Restaurant

Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf + 4 Other Cool Things To Do In Tamsui

Spend An Afternoon at Huashan 1914 Creative Park

7 Ways To Spend One Day In Taipei

5 Of The Best Day Trips From Taipei

Elephant Mountain And Fairy Footprint: Two Best Hikes In Taipei

Everything You Need To Know To Go To The Pingxi Lantern Festival

Hiking Teapot Mountain In Taiwan: A Great Day Hike From Taipei

Have you been to Yehliu?  What did you think of it?  Do you want to go?