Last updated: July 2026
Yehliu Geopark is one of Taiwan’s most remarkable natural attractions. Located on a narrow cape on Taiwan’s North Coast, the park is famous for its otherworldly rock formations, dramatic coastal scenery and instantly recognizable Queen’s Head.
The landscape was not designed or carved by people. Wind, rain, salt, waves, geological movement and millions of years of weathering gradually shaped the sandstone into mushroom rocks, candle rocks, honeycomb surfaces, sea caves and other unusual formations.
Yehliu is close enough to visit on a day trip from Taipei, but planning the visit properly makes a significant difference. The exposed coastal terrain can be hot, windy or slippery, and the park becomes crowded when large tour groups arrive.
This complete Yehliu Geopark guide explains the current ticket information, opening hours, best rock formations, recommended walking route, transportation from Taipei and Keelung, accessibility, nearby seafood and the best attractions to combine with Yehliu.
Table of Contents
Yehliu Geopark Quick Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Wanli District, New Taipei City |
| Address | No. 167-1, Gangdong Road, Yehliu Village, Wanli District |
| Standard hours | 8:00 AM–5:00 PM |
| Summer hours | May be extended until 6:00 PM |
| Adult ticket | NT$120 |
| Concession ticket | NT$60 for eligible visitors |
| Recommended visit time | 1.5–2 hours |
| Longer exploration | 2.5–3 hours, including the outer section |
| Distance from Taipei | Approximately 60–90 minutes, depending on transport and traffic |
| Best time to arrive | At opening time or before the main midday crowds |
| Famous landmark | Queen’s Head |
| Best nearby food | Fresh seafood and Wanli Crab |
| Good combination | Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen |
Opening hours, admission rules and seasonal arrangements may change. Check the official Yehliu Geopark website before traveling.
Is Yehliu Geopark Worth Visiting?
Yehliu Geopark is worth visiting for travelers who enjoy natural scenery, photography, coastlines or unusual geological landscapes.
It is particularly suitable for:
- First-time visitors to Taiwan
- Families with school-age children
- Photography enthusiasts
- Nature and geology lovers
- Travelers staying in Taipei
- Cruise passengers arriving at Keelung Port
- Visitors planning a North Coast day trip
The park is different from most of Taiwan’s other natural attractions. There are no dense forests, high mountain trails or large waterfalls. Instead, visitors walk across an exposed coastal landscape filled with naturally sculpted rocks.
Yehliu is also a convenient stop within a longer route. It can be combined with a seafood lunch, Jiufen Old Street, Shifen Waterfall, a sky lantern experience or Keelung.
You may also like:
10 Best Waterfalls Near Taipei: Shifen, Wulai, Pingxi & Yangmingshan.
Travelers who only want a photograph of Queen’s Head may complete the visit quickly. Those interested in coastal scenery, ecology and geology should allow more time to explore beyond the busiest section.
Why Does Yehliu Geopark Look Like Another Planet?
Yehliu is part of a narrow cape extending from Taiwan’s North Coast into the sea.
The rock layers contain sandstone and harder concretions. Over time, softer sections of sandstone were worn away more quickly, while harder areas remained. Wind, rain, sea spray, waves and salt continued changing the landscape, gradually forming the distinctive rocks visible today.
This process created several geological features:
- Mushroom rocks
- Candle-shaped rocks
- Honeycomb weathering
- Ginger rocks
- Tofu rocks
- Sea-eroded holes
- Wave-cut platforms
- Coastal caves and trenches
Some formations resemble familiar objects, animals or human profiles. Their names are based on these imagined shapes rather than formal geological classifications.
The landscape continues to change. Erosion has not stopped, which means the rocks visitors see today will not retain exactly the same appearance forever.
💁🏻 The 3 Areas of Yehliu Geopark
Yehliu Geopark is commonly divided into three main sections. Most first-time visitors spend the majority of their time in Areas 1 and 2.
Area 1: Mushroom and Candle Rocks
Area 1 introduces visitors to Yehliu’s distinctive geological landscape.
This section contains many mushroom rocks at different stages of development. Some have broad tops and thick bases, while older examples have thinner necks.
Look for formations such as:
- Mushroom rocks
- Candle rocks
- Ginger rocks
- Ice-cream-shaped rocks
- Honeycomb weathering
This is one of the best areas for understanding how different levels of erosion produce different shapes.
It is also a useful photography area because the rocks are numerous and spread across the landscape. However, visitors must remain inside the permitted walking zones and should never climb or sit on the formations.
Area 2: Queen’s Head and Famous Rock Formations
Area 2 contains Yehliu’s most famous landmarks.
The principal attraction is Queen’s Head, but visitors can also look for:
- Cute Princess
- Fairy’s Shoe
- Dragon’s Head
- Gorilla Rock
- Peanut Rock
- Elephant Rock
- Marine Bird Rock
This is generally the busiest part of the park. Visitors may need to queue for the standard Queen’s Head photograph, particularly during weekends, public holidays and the late-morning tour-bus period.
Travelers who arrive early should consider walking directly toward Queen’s Head before returning to explore the formations in Area 1.
Area 3: Coastal Scenery and Conservation Area
Area 3 extends farther along the cape and receives fewer visitors.
The landscape includes wave-cut platforms, sea-eroded formations, coastal vegetation and more open views. Attractions associated with this area include Pearl Rock and Twenty-Four Filial Piety Hill.
The third area is better for travelers who:
- Have at least 2 hours
- Want fewer crowds
- Enjoy coastal walking
- Are comfortable on exposed terrain
- Want broader landscape photographs
Weather conditions matter more in this section. Strong wind, high waves or heavy rain may make parts of the outer park uncomfortable or inaccessible.
👸🏻 Queen’s Head: Yehliu’s Most Famous Rock
Queen’s Head is a naturally formed mushroom rock that resembles the profile of a woman wearing an elaborate hairstyle.
The formation received its name because, when viewed from the correct angle, its shape reminded observers of the profile of Queen Elizabeth II.
Its upper section consists of harder material, while the narrower neck has been more vulnerable to weathering and erosion. The neck has continued to become thinner over time, leading to concerns about how long the formation will remain intact.
Visitors must not touch, lean against or climb on Queen’s Head. Even small amounts of repeated human contact can contribute to damage.
How to Photograph Queen’s Head
For the classic photograph:
- Follow the marked route toward Area 2.
- Join the designated queue.
- Prepare your camera before reaching the front.
- Photograph the formation from its recognizable profile angle.
- Move forward promptly so other visitors can take their turn.
A second photograph can be taken from farther away without joining the main queue. This wider perspective often produces a better image of Queen’s Head within the surrounding coastal landscape.
What Is Cute Princess?
Cute Princess is another pedestal rock with a shape resembling a young woman with a ponytail.
It is sometimes described as a possible successor to Queen’s Head because it may become one of Yehliu’s main symbolic formations in the future. However, it has its own shape and should not be treated merely as a replacement.
Looking for both formations adds interest to the visit and helps travelers see how similar geological processes can produce different results.
🚶🏻♀️Recommended Yehliu Geopark Walking Route
A planned route prevents visitors from spending too much time in the first section and then rushing through Queen’s Head.
Efficient 90-Minute Route
This route suits travelers combining Yehliu with Jiufen, Shifen or another North Coast attraction.
Visitor Center → Area 1 → Queen’s Head → Cute Princess → main coastal viewpoint → exit
Allow time for:
- 20–30 minutes in Area 1
- 30–40 minutes around Queen’s Head and Area 2
- 15–20 minutes for photographs and the return walk
Complete 2-Hour Route
Visitor Center → Area 1 formations → Queen’s Head → Area 2 landmarks → entrance to Area 3 → coastal viewpoint → return
This route provides a more complete view without requiring visitors to walk to the farthest part of the cape.
Extended 3-Hour Route
Visitor Center → Areas 1 and 2 → Area 3 → outer coastal landscape → return
Choose this route when:
- The weather is stable
- Everyone in the group is comfortable walking
- You are not following a tight day-tour schedule
- Coastal scenery is a major interest
Do not enter closed areas or cross safety lines to shorten the route.
How Long Should You Spend at Yehliu Geopark?
Most first-time visitors should allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
A shorter visit of approximately one hour may be enough to see Area 1 and Queen’s Head, but it can feel rushed when the park is crowded.
Allow closer to three hours when you want to:
- Explore Area 3
- Read the geological displays
- Take extensive photographs
- Rest frequently
- Visit with children or senior travelers
- Walk at a slower pace
Private tours often allocate approximately 90 minutes to two hours, depending on the complete itinerary and traffic conditions.
🎫 Yehliu Geopark Tickets and Opening Hours
The standard full admission price is currently NT$120.
Eligible concession tickets are currently NT$60. These may apply to qualifying children, students and visitors aged 65 or above. Identification may be required.
Children under six and certain other eligible visitors may enter free of charge under the official admission rules.
Current Operating Information
- Standard opening hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Seasonal summer hours: may extend until 6:00 PM
- Open throughout the year unless temporarily closed
- Closures may occur because of typhoons, extreme waves, natural disasters or safety concerns
Ticket policies and opening hours can change. Confirm them on the official website before publishing fixed prices in travel documents or client itineraries.
Best Time to Visit Yehliu Geopark
Best Time of Day
The best strategy is to arrive close to opening time.
Early arrival generally provides:
- Cooler temperatures
- Shorter Queen’s Head queues
- Fewer large tour groups
- Cleaner landscape photographs
- More time for another destination afterward
Late afternoon may offer softer light, but visitors must watch the closing time and allow enough time to walk back from the outer area.
Midday is usually the least comfortable period in summer because the park has limited shade.
Spring
Spring can bring comfortable temperatures, but northern Taiwan is often cloudy or rainy.
Bring a light waterproof jacket and shoes with reliable grip.
Summer
Summer can be extremely hot and humid. The rock platforms are exposed, and reflected heat can make the park feel warmer than expected.
Bring:
- Drinking water
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Breathable clothing
- Umbrella for sun protection
- Non-slip shoes
Avoid relying on the sea breeze to keep you cool.
Autumn
Autumn is one of the most comfortable periods for a North Coast day trip. It also overlaps with seasonal seafood, including Wanli Crab.
Read our complete guide to Taiwan in autumn for other seasonal destinations, food and itinerary ideas.
Winter
Winter brings cooler temperatures and strong northeast winds. Yehliu can look dramatic under cloudy skies, but visitors should prepare for rain, wind and sea spray.
A wind-resistant jacket is more useful than a light umbrella on particularly gusty days.
What to Wear and Bring
Wear comfortable shoes with textured, non-slip soles. Even when the formal paths are dry, exposed rock surfaces may be wet or uneven.
Recommended items include:
- Water
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Light rain jacket
- Compact umbrella
- Windbreaker
- Portable phone charger
- Waterproof bag for electronics
- Warm layer in winter
Avoid loose hats during strong wind unless they can be secured.
Yehliu Geopark Safety Rules
Yehliu is a coastal geological environment rather than a standard city park.
Follow these rules:
- Stay behind red warning lines and barriers.
- Do not climb, touch or sit on rock formations.
- Do not enter closed areas.
- Follow instructions from park employees.
- Keep children close near exposed coastal sections.
- Do not approach the water during strong waves.
- Do not remove rocks, shells, fossils, plants or wildlife.
- Do not operate drones without proper authorization.
- Do not assume calm-looking water is safe.
The red lines are safety boundaries, not suggestions. Waves can rise suddenly, even when the sea appears manageable.
Is Yehliu Geopark Accessible?
The visitor center and parts of the main park include accessible facilities. Accessible toilets, designated parking and a limited number of wheelchairs are available.
The main routes through the entrance area and portions of Areas 1 and 2 are generally the most manageable for visitors with reduced mobility.
However, not every formation can be reached without crossing uneven surfaces. The natural rock platforms may be:
- Rough
- Sloped
- Wet
- Exposed to strong wind
- Difficult for wheelchairs or walkers
Travelers with limited mobility should focus on the formal paths and accessible viewpoints rather than attempting the entire outer cape.
When booking a private trip, tell Justaiwantour operator in advance about wheelchair use, walking limitations or the need for frequent rest stops.
Visiting Yehliu with Children
Yehliu can be an educational family attraction because children can search for imaginative shapes while learning how wind and water change the landscape.
Useful family tips:
- Arrive before the strongest heat.
- Bring water and snacks.
- Keep young children within arm’s reach.
- Do not allow children to run across wet rock.
- Use the shaded rest area near the entrance when needed.
- Turn the visit into a rock-shape activity.
- Avoid the outermost area during strong wind.
Strollers are suitable for some formal pathways but are not practical across all exposed rock sections.
Muslim-Friendly Facilities
Yehliu Geopark provides a prayer room and facilities intended to support Muslim visitors.
Travelers requiring halal meals should plan lunch separately because restaurant certification and food preparation practices vary.
For private groups, dietary needs can be discussed before the trip so that an appropriate lunch location can be arranged.
How to Get to Yehliu Geopark from Taipei
Kuo-Kuang Bus 1815
Bus 1815 is one of the most commonly used public transport options from Taipei.
The route travels from Taipei toward the North Coast. Get off at the Yehliu stop and follow signs toward the geopark.
Allow additional time for:
- Waiting for the bus
- Traffic
- Walking from the bus stop
- Finding seats during busy periods
Schedules and boarding locations can change, so confirm the route on the day of travel.
Buses 953 and 1068
Other public routes connecting parts of Taipei with Yehliu include buses 953 and 1068.
These may be more convenient for travelers staying near their route rather than near Taipei Main Station.
Check the current stop information before departure.
Private Vehicle from Taipei
A private vehicle is the simplest option when combining Yehliu with additional attractions.
Benefits include:
- Hotel pickup
- Direct transportation
- Flexible departure time
- Luggage storage
- Easier travel for families and senior visitors
- More efficient connections to Jiufen and Shifen
- The ability to adjust the itinerary according to weather
Browse our private one-day tours in Taiwan for possible route combinations.
How to Get to Yehliu from Keelung
Travelers starting in Keelung can use bus services such as route 790 or other North Coast connections, depending on the current timetable.
Yehliu is also convenient for cruise passengers arriving at Keelung Port. A private vehicle can collect passengers at the cruise terminal, travel directly to Yehliu and return according to the ship’s boarding deadline.
When traveling independently, leave a generous time buffer. Traffic, waiting times and bus crowding can make the return journey less predictable.
🛳️ Yehliu Geopark for Cruise Passengers
Yehliu is one of the most practical natural attractions for travelers arriving at Keelung Port.
A short private shore excursion can include:
Keelung Port → Yehliu Geopark → seafood lunch → return to Keelung
A longer excursion can include:
Keelung Port → Yehliu Geopark → Jiufen → Shifen → Keelung Port
The second route requires a sufficiently long port stay. Traffic around Jiufen and the North Coast can be heavy on weekends and holidays.
See our Keelung shore excursion to Yehliu and Jiufen for a private cruise itinerary.
Travelers primarily interested in seafood can consider our Keelung seafood cruise excursion.
Always provide the confirmed ship name, docking time, final boarding time and passenger count when requesting a shore-excursion quotation.
What to Eat Near Yehliu Geopark
Yehliu and neighboring Wanli are known for fishing harbors and seafood restaurants.
Common dishes include:
- Steamed fish
- Squid
- Shrimp
- Clams
- Crab
- Seafood noodles
- Fried rice
- Seasonal vegetables
- Seafood soup
The most famous seasonal specialty is Wanli Crab.
Wanli Crab Season
Wanli Crab refers to three main varieties caught by registered fishing vessels:
- Flower crab
- Three-spot crab
- Stone crab
The main season generally runs from September into winter, although the best period differs by variety.
Guihou Fishing Harbor is one of the most convenient places to combine a seafood lunch with Yehliu Geopark.
Read our Wanli Crab Season guide before ordering. It explains how to identify the varieties, ask for the weight and confirm the total cost before cooking.
Travelers interested in other regional dishes can explore our collection of Taiwan food experiences.
Best Places to Visit Near Yehliu Geopark
Guihou Fishing Harbor
Guihou is a small fishing harbor known for seafood restaurants, coastal views and its fisherman’s market.
It is one of the best lunch stops after Yehliu.
Jinshan Old Street
Jinshan Old Street is known for local snacks, traditional shops and Jinshan duck.
It can be combined with Yehliu and a hot spring for a slower North Coast itinerary.
Jiufen Old Street
Jiufen is a former mining town famous for mountain views, narrow streets, tea houses and red lanterns.
Yehliu and Jiufen are often combined because they offer two very different landscapes: Yehliu’s open coastline and Jiufen’s hillside alleys.
Learn more about the region in our Jiufen and Shifen destination guide.
Travelers who prefer cooler evening conditions can continue to Jiufen at night.
Shifen Waterfall and Old Street
Shifen is known for its waterfall, historic railway community and sky lantern activity.
Adding Shifen creates a full-day route, so visitors should begin early and avoid spending too long at lunch.
Keelung
Keelung offers harbor scenery, colorful fishing-port architecture and the famous Miaokou Night Market.
Explore our Jiufen, Shifen & Keelung Miaokou Night Market Tour when planning a cruise visit or North Coast itinerary.
Recommended Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen Day Trip
A practical full-day route is:
8:30 AM — Depart from Taipei
Meet your private driver-guide at your hotel.
9:30–11:00 AM — Yehliu Geopark
Explore the mushroom rocks, Queen’s Head and coastal formations before the main midday crowds.
11:20 AM–12:40 PM — Seafood lunch
Continue to a restaurant near Yehliu or Guihou Fishing Harbor.
1:30–3:30 PM — Jiufen Old Street
Walk through the historic lanes, try local snacks and enjoy a tea-house or coastal viewpoint.
4:15–6:00 PM — Shifen
Visit Shifen Waterfall and release a sky lantern near the railway old street, subject to opening hours and weather.
7:00 PM — Return to Taipei
The exact schedule should remain flexible because North Coast traffic changes significantly by day.
Our Yehliu, Jiufen and Pingxi private day tour includes private transportation and can be adjusted according to your group’s interests and walking level.
Half-Day Yehliu Itinerary
Travelers with limited time can follow:
Taipei → Yehliu Geopark → Guihou seafood lunch → Taipei
This route normally requires approximately 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and lunch duration.
It is suitable for:
- Families
- Business travelers
- Visitors with an evening flight or event
- Travelers who have already visited Jiufen
- Guests who prefer a slower schedule
Should You Visit Yehliu Independently or Take a Private Tour?
Visit Independently When:
- Yehliu is your only destination
- You are comfortable navigating public buses
- You have a flexible schedule
- You are traveling on a limited budget
- Everyone in the group can walk independently
Choose a Private Tour When:
- You want to visit Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen in one day
- You are traveling with children or senior family members
- Someone has limited mobility
- You need hotel or cruise-port pickup
- You want an English-speaking local guide
- You want to include seafood or Wanli Crab
- Your available time is limited
- You want the itinerary adjusted around weather and traffic
Private transportation is especially valuable because Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen are in different areas and are not connected by one simple public transport route.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yehliu Geopark
Where is Yehliu Geopark?
Yehliu Geopark is in Wanli District, New Taipei City, on Taiwan’s North Coast. It is approximately 60–90 minutes from central Taipei, depending on transport and traffic.
How much is the Yehliu Geopark ticket?
The standard adult admission is currently NT$120. Eligible concession tickets are NT$60. Prices and eligibility rules can change, so check the official website before visiting.
What are Yehliu Geopark’s opening hours?
Standard opening hours are currently 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Seasonal summer hours may be extended until 6:00 PM. Temporary closures are possible during extreme weather.
How long do you need at Yehliu Geopark?
Allow 1.5–2 hours for Areas 1 and 2. Allow up to three hours when exploring the outer cape and Area 3.
What is the best time to visit Yehliu?
Arrive near opening time for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Autumn and spring are generally comfortable, while summer can be very hot and winter may be windy or rainy.
Can you visit Yehliu and Jiufen on the same day?
Yes. Yehliu and Jiufen are commonly combined. A private vehicle makes the route easier, and Shifen can also be added when enough time is available.
Is Yehliu Geopark suitable for seniors?
Many senior visitors can enjoy the main formal paths, but the natural terrain may be uneven, wet and exposed. Visitors with limited mobility should focus on Areas 1 and 2 and avoid the outermost sections.
Is Yehliu Geopark wheelchair accessible?
Accessible facilities and some manageable pathways are available, but not every rock formation or coastal platform is fully accessible. Contact the park or tour operator in advance when wheelchair assistance is required.
Can I touch Queen’s Head?
No. Visitors must not touch, lean against or climb on Queen’s Head or any other protected formation.
Is Yehliu safe during rain?
The formal paths may remain open during light rain, but exposed rock can become slippery. The park may restrict access or close during typhoons, strong waves or other dangerous conditions.
Can cruise passengers visit Yehliu?
Yes. Yehliu is a practical shore-excursion destination from Keelung Port. The itinerary must allow enough time to return well before the ship’s final boarding deadline.
What food is Yehliu famous for?
The Yehliu and Wanli area is known for fresh seafood, particularly seasonal Wanli Crab. Confirm the seafood’s weight, price and cooking fee before ordering.
🚗 Plan a Private Yehliu Geopark Tour
Yehliu can be visited independently, but private transportation makes it easier to combine the geopark with seafood, Jiufen, Shifen, Keelung or a North Coast hot spring.
Justaiwantour can customize the itinerary according to:
- Hotel or cruise-port pickup
- Group size
- Walking ability
- Children or senior travelers
- Wheelchair requirements
- Dietary preferences
- Seasonal seafood
- Weather
- Cruise departure time
- Other North Coast attractions
Explore our Yehliu Jiufen Shifen private tour with your preferred date, group size and destinations.
Final Thoughts
Yehliu Geopark is much more than a quick photograph with Queen’s Head.
The park offers a rare opportunity to see geological change taking place in front of you. Every mushroom rock, sea trench and honeycomb surface reflects the continuing effects of wind, salt, rain, waves and time.
For the best experience, arrive early, wear non-slip shoes, respect the safety lines and allow at least 90 minutes. Add a seafood lunch or continue to Jiufen and Shifen to turn the visit into a complete North Coast day trip from Taipei.