Yehliu Geopark
Stand before the Queen's Head, wander among mushroom rocks, and watch the Pacific crash against sandstone sculptures carved by wind and sea over thousands of years.
Why Visit Yehliu
Yehliu Geopark (野柳地質公園) is one of Taiwan's most famous natural attractions. A narrow cape jutting into the Pacific Ocean, it is covered in sandstone and shale formations shaped by centuries of wind erosion, wave action, and weathering. The park's star attraction is the Queen's Head — a rock formation that uncannily resembles the profile of an Egyptian queen. Alongside it, visitors can see mushroom rocks, ginger rocks, honeycomb weathering, and fossil formations.
The Queen's Head
The park's most famous formation. Over 4,000 years old, it stands about 2 meters tall and is a symbol of Taiwan's natural wonders.
Mushroom Rocks
Dozens of mushroom-shaped hoodoos dot the cape. Their thin stems and broad caps are the result of differential erosion.
Coastal Scenery
The cape offers dramatic ocean views, sea caves, and tide pools. On clear days, you can see the fishing boats along the coast.
How to Get to Yehliu
| Route | From | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus 1815 | Taipei Main Station (Kuo-Kuang) | ~70 min | ~NT$90 |
| Bus 862 / 863 | Tamsui MRT to Yehliu | ~60 min | ~NT$80 |
| Bus 790 / 862 | Keelung to Yehliu | ~40 min | ~NT$50 |
| Private Car / Tour | Direct from Taipei | ~45 min | Variable |
Tip: The Kuo-Kuang 1815 bus is the most direct route. Buy a ticket at the counter or pay with EasyCard when boarding.
Top Things to See in Yehliu
The Queen's Head
The park's most photographed formation. Its delicate neck is slowly eroding, so a visit sooner rather than later is recommended. There is often a queue for photos.
Fairy Shoe
A large rock formation that resembles a traditional Chinese shoe. It is one of the most whimsical and popular formations in the park.
Mushroom Rock Cluster
A dense group of mushroom-shaped hoodoos near the park entrance. Great for wide-angle photography and close-up texture shots.
Sea Caves & Tide Pools
At low tide, explore the small caves and tide pools along the cape. Marine life and interesting rock textures are visible up close.
Park Info & Tips
Visitor Information
- ✓ Entry fee: NT$80 for adults, NT$40 for concessions.
- ✓ Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM).
- ✓ Best tide: Low tide reveals more of the rock base and tide pools.
- ✓ Stay on paths: The rocks are fragile and protected. Do not climb.
What to Bring
- ✓ Sunscreen and a hat — there is almost no shade on the cape.
- ✓ Water — there are limited refreshment stands inside the park.
- ✓ Comfortable shoes with grip — the rocks can be slippery and uneven.
- ✓ A camera with a wide lens — the formations are best captured in context.
Yehliu Quick Facts
~70 min
Bus from Taipei
NT$80
Adult entry fee
4,000+
Years of erosion
Morning
Best for fewer crowds
Nearby Attractions
North Coast Scenic Drive
Continue along the coast to see Fulong Beach, the Golden Waterfall, and Jinguashi gold mines on a dramatic road trip.
Learn more →Jiufen Old Street
A lantern-lit mountain village with tea houses, gold rush history, and some of the most atmospheric alleyways in Taiwan.
Learn more →Keelung Harbor
A historic port city with the famous Miaokou Night Market, a scenic harbor, and the giant Buddha at Zhongzheng Park.
Learn more →The Story of Yehliu
Yehliu is a masterpiece of natural sculpture, shaped by millions of years of wind and waves. The cape's sandstone and shale layers have eroded at different rates, creating the hoodoos, mushrooms, and sea caves that visitors marvel at today. The Queen's Head, in particular, has become an iconic symbol of Taiwan's natural beauty — though its delicate neck means it may not stand forever, making a visit now all the more meaningful.
Make It a North Coast Day
Pair Yehliu with a drive along the North Coast to see the Golden Waterfall, Jinguashi, and Fulong Beach for a full day of coastal exploration.