Guide to Visiting Yehliu Geopark in Taiwan

Author: Janice Vazquez | Last updated: February 5, 2025


A man in a rain jacket posing with a rock in the shape of a queens head
Julius posing with The Queens Head

Yehliu Geopark, located in Shimen District, New Taipei City, is a unique geological landscape shaped by wind, crustal movement, and sea erosion. It is home to iconic rock formations such as the “Queen’s Head”, “Fairy Shoe,” and “Mushroom Rocks”, drawing visitors from around the world. Given the park’s expansive size, planning ahead is essential to making the most of your visit. This travel guide provides essential information on park hours, ticketing, and must-see rock formations to help you navigate and enjoy your experience. 


Historical Background on Yehliu Geopark

Officially designated as a protected area in 1974, Yehliu Geopark has been shaped by natural forces for thousands of years. Its unique rock formations emerged as softer sedimentary layers eroded at different rates, creating the park’s striking landscapes. Situated on a narrow cape, the area was gradually sculpted by the movement of tectonic plates and the relentless forces of wind and waves.

northern coast of taiwan
North Coast of Taiwan

Today, Yehliu Geopark stands as a testament to the power of nature, showcasing a landscape that continues to evolve over time.


How to visit Yehliu Geopark

Yehliu Geopark is open every day from 8:00am – 5:00pm. Tickets can be purchased at the Ticket Office on the day of your visit. For information on guided tours or special events, visit the official ticket website for more details.

Ticket Information:

Ticket TypesDescription
Adult TicketNT$120
Half-fare Ticket
(Student (Taiwan Only or show ISI card) and Children aged 6 – 12)
NT$75
Free
(Children under age of 6)
Free

Time Needed: 2 hours

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/h5KctDC1iGTv54HS6


What to see at Yehliu Geopark

a map of yehliu geopark with pictures of rock formations
Map of Geopark

Yehliu Geopark features over 180 unique rock formations, each classified based on its shape and geological formation process. As you explore the park, keep an eye out for these distinctive rock types:

Mushroom Rocks

rocks with a tan bottom and bulbous top
Mushroom Rocks

These formations have a rounded top supported by a slender stem, giving them a mushroom-like appearance. Some of the most famous examples include:

The Queen’s Head has become an iconic symbol of the park. On a rainy and windy day, there was a 20 minute long line to take a picture with the rock formation.

a rock in the shape of a queens head
The Queens Head

The Dragon’s Head Rock looks just like a dragon’s head — don’t forget to say your prayer to get its blessing!

A rock in the shape of a dragons head
Dragons Head Rock

Taiwan Rock

a flat rock in shape of Taiwan
Taiwan Rock

Taiwan Rock was shaped by erosion, and the pattern in the center represents the real Central Mountain Range of Taiwan.

Fossils

A brown fossil with a flower in the middle
Brown Sand Dollar
A white fossil with a flower in the middle
White Sand Dollar Fossil

On the ground, there are sand dollars and long, tube-like traces that were once burrows of creatures living in the sand. Over time, as the sand hardened into rock, their traces were preserved, creating what’s known as trace fossils.


Enjoy Your Time in Taiwan

Taiwan offers an exciting mix of history, culture, and museums. I hope that you’ll find these tips to be useful when visiting Yehliu Geopark. Don’t hesitate to drop a comment to let us know what you think. 

Read our relevant posts to learn more about additional attractions to visit in Taiwan.


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