Yehliu Geopark is famous for its beautiful coastline, mushroom-like rock formations and sea-trenches. These are consequent of sea erosion and earth movements. I was taken aback by the whole experience. Each rock formation resembled something different, from a calculator to a dragon and to the popular “Queen’s head”. The waters were so beautifully blue and had we been allowed to, we would have dived at the opportunity of experiencing them first hand in the scorching heat. Cracks along the coastline reveal the unique shading of each layer of stone and together they form stunning patterns. I could go on for paragraphs about the harmony amongst sand, stone and sea, but instead, I will allow the pictures to speak for themselves.

Hidden behind a prosperous fishing village, the cape of Yehliu is home to fascinating rock formations, extraordinary terrain and rich ecological resources. Lies between Jinshan and Wanli in northern coast of Taiwan, Yehliu Geopark stretches about 1700 meter into the ocean, holding abreast a land between 50-200 meters. Regardless you are a geologist or a lay person, Yehliu Geopark is a must-see wild nature in northern Taiwan!

Study explains that the rise of Yehliu promontory is resulted from geological forces pushed Mountain Datun out of the sea. Coupled with weathering, multiple erosion like sun, rain, wind and sea-wave attacks over time, the limestone rock showcases the stunning landscape of hoodo stones. Owing to the wildest human’s imagination, the enormous dots on the shoreline are called mushroom, candle, honeycombed, ginger, chessboard, bean curd, elephant, marine bird and even fairy slipper!

Mushroom rocks are characterized by thin stem topped by huge rock, contributed by the process of differential erosion. Rich in calcium carbonate, the heads of the mushroom rocks are more resistant to weathering and erosion compares to the necks. Thus, the heads appear larger while the necks become narrower. The iconic rock among 180 mushroom rocks that stud at the cape is The Queen’s Head. Judging from its present height, The Queen’s Head is a less than 4000 years old. Exposure to natural forces somehow has thinned the neck. Hold your camera, take as many shots as you like, but never leave your fingers on this majestic landmark so that we can conserve it for the our future enjoyment.