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Plan your visit to Yehliu Geopark: Timings, location & more

Yehliu Geopark is one of northern Taiwan's most distinctive coastal landscapes, known for its unusual rock formations sculpted by wind, waves, and erosion. Located on a narrow cape along the North Coast, the park is home to the famous Queen's Head, Mushroom Rocks, Sea Candles, sea caves, and dramatic coastal cliffs. Most visitors spend around 1.5–2 hours exploring the park, while day tours from Taipei often combine Yehliu with nearby attractions such as Jiufen and Shifen for a full day of sightseeing.

Yehliu Geopark at a glance

  • Hours: Generally open daily, with operating hours varying slightly by season.
  • Location: Yehliu Cape, Wanli District, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
  • How long to allow: Around 1.5–2 hours for Yehliu Geopark; a full day if visiting as part of a North Coast day tour.
  • Best time to visit: Weekday mornings generally offer a quieter experience, while spring and autumn provide comfortable conditions for walking outdoors.
  • Main highlight: The Queen's Head, Yehliu's most recognisable rock formation and one of Taiwan's most photographed natural landmarks.
  • Terrain: Mostly outdoor coastal trails with uneven and exposed sections. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
  • Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, families, geology enthusiasts, and travellers looking for an easy day trip from Taipei.

Where and when to go

How do you get to Yehliu Geopark?

Address: No. 167-1, Gangdong Road, Yehliu Village, Wanli District, New Taipei City, Taiwan.

Yehliu Geopark sits on a 1,700-metre-long coastal cape in northern Taiwan, around the Wanli area. Its location makes it easy to include in a North Coast day trip from Taipei, particularly when combined with attractions such as Jiufen, Shifen, or other coastal stops.

By bus: From Taipei, you can take Kuo-Kuang Bus 1815 to Yehliu, or buses including 953 and 1068 to the Yehliu Geopark stop. From Tamsui, the 716 Crown Northern Coast Shuttle Bus and 862 also serve the area.

By train + bus: Travel to Keelung Station by Taiwan Railways, then take Bus 790 to Yehliu.

By car: From Taipei, follow Provincial Highway 2 towards Jinshan and Yehliu. Drivers can also approach via National Freeway 1 or 3 before continuing towards the coast.

By day tour: A guided or private North Coast day trip is a convenient option if you want to combine Yehliu with several attractions without arranging multiple bus connections yourself.

Which entrance should you use?

Yehliu Geopark has a main visitor entrance serving guests arriving by public transport, car, and organised tours.

Main Entrance

Location: No. 167-1, Gangdong Road, Yehliu Village, Wanli District

Best for: All visitors, including independent travellers, families, and day-tour groups.

What you'll find: The visitor centre, ticketing facilities, information services, restrooms, parking, and access to the park's geological trails. The visitor centre also provides services including lockers, stroller and wheelchair rentals, and an infirmary.

When is Yehliu Geopark open?

Period: Year-round

Regular opening hours: 8am–5pm

Summer hours: 8am–6pm in July and August, according to the park's official visitor information.

Recommended arrival: Arrive in the morning, particularly if you're visiting on a weekend, public holiday, or as part of a day trip.

How long to allow: Plan around 2–3 hours for Yehliu Geopark itself. This gives you enough time to explore the main geological areas, photograph the famous formations, and walk along the coastal trails without rushing

When is it busiest?

Yehliu tends to be busiest during:

  • Weekends
  • Taiwanese public holidays
  • Chinese New Year
  • School holidays
  • March–May
  • October–November

The North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Administration operates visitor-flow management during particularly busy periods, including March–May and October–November.

If you want a quieter experience, choose a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning and arrive close to opening time.

How much time do you need?

Visit typeRouteDurationWhat you get

Quick visit

Main geological formations

1–1.5 hours

Queen's Head and key rock formations

Standard visit

Geological trails + viewpoints + education centre

1.5–2 hours

A more complete Yehliu experience

Leisurely visit

Geopark + photography + education centre

2–3 hours

Time to explore at a relaxed pace

North Coast day trip

Yehliu + Jiufen + Shifen

Full day

Three of northern Taiwan's best-known attractions

How do you get around Yehliu Geopark?

Walking trails

Yehliu is primarily explored on foot. Clearly marked paths lead visitors through the main geological areas and viewing points.

Viewing areas

Designated viewing areas allow visitors to observe the formations while helping protect fragile geological features.

Geological Education Center

The education center provides additional information about Yehliu's rock formations and the natural processes responsible for shaping the cape.

Photography spots

The Queen's Head and other distinctive formations provide popular photography opportunities. Follow designated paths and viewing areas when taking photographs.

What to see at Yehliu Geopark

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Queen's Head

See Yehliu's most famous natural formation, shaped by years of coastal erosion. The narrow neck and distinctive profile make it the park's most recognisable landmark and a popular photography spot.

Mushroom Rocks

Walk among clusters of mushroom-shaped rocks created as softer layers of rock were gradually worn away. Their unusual shapes and textures demonstrate the ongoing geological processes that define Yehliu.

Sea Candles

Look for the distinctive Sea Candle formations, where harder rock remains standing as the surrounding material is gradually eroded by wind and water.

Tofu Rocks

Discover the park's angular tofu rocks, named for their block-like appearance. Their unusual shapes are another example of the effects of weathering and erosion along the cape.

Fairy Shoe

Look out for the Fairy Shoe, one of Yehliu's smaller and more unusual natural formations. Like many of the park's landmarks, its distinctive appearance comes from long-term geological processes.

Sea caves and coastal cliffs

Explore the rugged coastline and observe sea caves, cliffs, exposed rock surfaces, and other formations shaped by the Pacific Ocean.

Facilities and accessibility

🚻 Restrooms

🍽️ Food and refreshment options near the visitor areas

🎁 Souvenir shops

🪑 Rest and seating areas

ℹ️ Visitor information services

📚 Geological education facilities

♿ Accessible areas and pathways in selected sections

Some areas of Yehliu are easier to navigate than others. The park includes outdoor coastal paths with uneven surfaces, slopes, and exposed sections, so visitors with mobility concerns should plan their route according to their needs.

Wheelchair and stroller access may be limited in some geological viewing areas because of the natural terrain.

Rules and restrictions

What you need to know before you go

Stay on designated paths: Some geological formations are fragile and protected, so visitors should use marked trails and viewing areas.

Do not climb on rocks: Climbing or standing on protected formations can damage the landscape and create safety risks.

Watch the coastline: Yehliu is an exposed coastal environment. Stay behind barriers and follow safety signs around cliffs and sea-facing areas.

Photography: Personal photography is generally permitted, but visitors should avoid entering restricted areas for photographs.

Children: Young children should remain supervised throughout the visit.

Not allowed

❌ Climbing on protected geological formations

❌ Entering restricted areas

❌ Damaging or removing rocks

❌ Ignoring safety barriers and warning signs

❌ Littering

Practical tips

  • Allow 1.5–2 hours for a standard Yehliu visit.
  • Wear comfortable shoes with good grip.
  • Bring water, especially during warmer months.
  • Carry sunscreen and sun protection for exposed coastal sections.
  • Arrive earlier in the day for a quieter experience.
  • Keep to designated paths and viewing areas.
  • Allow extra time if photography is a priority.
  • Check weather conditions before travelling.
  • If visiting from Taipei, consider a day trip that combines Yehliu with Jiufen and Shifen.
  • Keep children supervised around coastal viewpoints and uneven terrain.

What else is worth visiting nearby?

Jiufen Old Street

Why visit: Explore historic hillside lanes, traditional tea houses, local snacks, and views over the mountains and coast.

Best combined with: Yehliu on a full-day North Coast itinerary.

Shifen Waterfall

Why visit: Walk through a forested landscape to one of northern Taiwan's best-known waterfalls.

Best combined with: Shifen Old Street and Yehliu.

Shifen Old Street

Why visit: Explore a historic railway town with local food stalls, shops, and railway tracks running through the centre.

Best combined with: Shifen Waterfall and Yehliu.

Jinshan

Why visit: Discover a historic North Coast town known for traditional streets, local food, and nearby coastal scenery.

Best combined with: Yehliu when exploring the wider northern coastline.

Eat, shop and stay near Yehliu Geopark

Yehliu visitor area: Food stalls, restaurants, cafés, and refreshment options can be found around the Yehliu visitor area, making it convenient to grab a meal or snack before or after exploring the geopark.

Seafood: Yehliu's coastal location makes seafood a popular choice in the surrounding area. Visitors can find local seafood restaurants serving Taiwanese dishes and fresh catches.

North Coast food stops: If you're visiting Yehliu as part of a day trip, Jiufen provides additional opportunities to try traditional Taiwanese snacks, desserts, tea, and street food later in the itinerary.

Yehliu is worth adding to a Taipei itinerary if you want to experience a side of Taiwan beyond temples, city attractions, and shopping districts. Its unusual rock formations, dramatic coastline, and easy combination with Jiufen and Shifen make it particularly appealing as a day trip.

For travellers short on time, a guided North Coast day tour is an efficient way to combine several attractions without arranging transportation between each stop. For independent travellers, Yehliu can also be explored at a slower pace as a standalone coastal excursion.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Yehliu Geopark

Most visitors should allow around 1.5–2 hours to explore the main geological formations, trails, and viewpoints. Photography-focused visits may take longer.

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About Yehliu Geopark

Timings

Getting There