Situated on a cape on the northern coast of Taiwan, Yehliu Geopark is among the country’s most popular natural attractions. Spanning a 1,700-meter long area and 250 meters at its widest point, the park has been dubbed as the most “Mars-like” terrain on Earth!
Indeed, walking around Yehliu Geopark is almost like being in another planet! Rocks of unusual shapes, colors, and sizes dot the landscape, along with sea caves and bowl-shaped potholes. All year round, numerous local and foreign tourists visit this famous destination, which is located in Wanli District of New Taipei City.
Discover the Natural Beauty of Yehliu Geopark
Millions of years of erosion, weathering, and other natural processes have led to the formation of the Yehliu Geopark that we know today. Seen from above, many people say that it looks like a giant turtle diving into the sea, hence the nickname: “Yehliu Turtle.”
Park Areas and Facilities
Yehliu Geopark is operated by the North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Administration. It is divided into three main areas, with the first and second areas featuring rock formations, a Visitors’ Center, and other facilities. Meanwhile, the third area features a cuesta (hill) trail that visitors can explore!
A trip to the park’s first and second areas may take just one hour, whereas the third area may need more time to cover — around one and a half hours. In any case, guests can adjust their activities depending on their available time and itinerary.
Visitors Center
Serving as the starting point for exploring Yehliu Geopark, the Visitors’ Center provides information and facilities. There’s an exhibit showcasing the history and geological features of the park. The center also offers multilingual guide services for guests, along with complimentary Wi-Fi, charging services, and other amenities.
Shopping and Dining
Hungry visitors can head to Yay! Cafe at the Visitors’ Center for food and drinks. Meanwhile, those who are looking for souvenirs can go to Yehliu Shop, which is also at the Visitors’ Center, and at Queen’s Bookstore, which is located in the park’s second area.
Other Facilities
Aside from the above, the park provides other facilities and services, including: Muslim prayer rooms, a nursing room for parents, electric vehicle charging stations, and equipment rental services (i.e. wheelchairs and baby strollers) at the Visitors’ Center. As for the restrooms, there are restrooms near the ticket office, at the Visitors’ Center, and beside Queen’s Bookstore at the second area.
Rock Formations
At this point, let’s take a look at what makes Yehliu Geopark a top tourist destination: the rock formations. Thanks to millions of years of natural weather and geological processes, the park has plenty of interesting rock formations that visitors love to explore!
Queen’s Head
Without a doubt, the Queen’s Head is the park’s most popular feature… so much that it has become one of the country’s most iconic images! A natural formation that clearly resembles a woman’s head profile, this rock clearly lives up to its name!
Cute Princess
Resembling a young girl sporting a ponytail, there’s a rock that’s called “Cute Princess” in the park. Interestingly, some people say that Cute Princess is the “successor” to Queen’s Head!
Other Rock Formations
Yehliu Geopark features other interesting rock formations, such as: Mushroom Rocks, Ginger Rocks, Fairy’s Shoe, Dragon’s Head, Peanut Rock, Beehive, and Sea Candles. As you may have guessed, each formation has been named after the thing(s) it most resembles!
Opening Hours
The park is open all year round, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. During summer, the closing time is extended to 6:00 pm, but on holidays like Lunar New Year’s Eve, the park closes earlier than the usual time. It’s best to check the park’s official website and social media channels for the latest information and announcements.
Tickets and Prices
Tickets to enter Yehliu Geopark include full-priced tickets, discounted tickets, general group tickets, and student group tickets.
Full-priced Tickets
Issued to general visitors of the park, a Full-priced Ticket costs TWD 120 each.
Discounted Tickets
Seniors who are 65 years old and above, children ages 6-12 years old, and students may avail of Discounted Tickets for TWD 60 each only. The discount applies to all seniors, regardless of nationality.
As for the students, they need to have a valid student ID from a Taiwanese educational institution. For International Student Identity Card (ISIC) holders, they may avail of Discounted Tickets, but they would not be eligible for an additional 20% group discount.
General Group Ticket
For groups of 30 or more general visitors, the park offers a General Group Ticket that costs only TWD 96 each.
Student Group Ticket
Groups of 30 or more students may avail of the Student Group Ticket, which costs only TWD 48 each. Each student must have a valid ID from a Taiwanese educational institution.
Free Entrance
Some visitors can enter the park for FREE. Yay! Those who qualify for free entrance include the following:
- Children below 6 years old;
- Residents of Wanli District (with ID verification);
- Persons with disabilities (with relevant certification) and one accompanying guardian;
- Tour guides and tour leaders (with proper identification);
- Volunteers that have “Honorary Volunteer Cards,”
- Officials entering the perk on official business; and
- Participants of the “Thousand Hands to Yehliu” activity program, which is limited to elementary schools in New Taipei City and the Zhongshan, Zhongzheng, and Anle Districts of Keelung City.
NOTE: For guided tours involving groups of 20-30 people, it is recommended to book at least 7 days in advance, to ensure the best schedule and to prepare an optimal guided experience.
Guidelines for Visitors
Based on the park’s official website, all visitors must adhere to these rules and regulations:
- Follow the park’s queuing regulations and directional signs at all times. Cutting in line is not allowed.
- Do not climb over or cross safety railings, for your own safety.
- Visitors who are using camera tripods must make sure that they are not obstructing other people’s right of way. The park management has the right to remove any deliberately placed items in the park.
- Do not disturb or try to photograph wild birds using disruptive behavior (e.g. placing bait, playing bird calls, or throwing stones).
- Respect other visitors and staff members at all times. Using inappropriate language and exhibiting aggressive, illegal, dangerous, or destructive behaviors are strictly prohibited.
Violations and Fines
In line with Taiwan’s laws, the park prohibits the following activities. Committing these acts would result in hefty fines for violators.
Smoking
In accordance with the “Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act,” smoking is prohibited throughout the park. Those who violate this rule will be fined TWD 2,000 to TWD 10,000.
Operating Drones
Yehliu Geopark is designated as a no-fly zone. Based on Article 118-1 of the “Civil Aviation Act,” operating a remote-controlled drone without proper authorization would be subject to fines ranging from TWD 300,000 to TWD 1,5000,000!
Prohibited Behaviors
Furthermore, the park prohibits the following behaviors, as stated in Article 64 of the “Tourism Development Act.” Violations are subject to fines ranging from TWD 5,000 to TWD 1,000,000:
- Crossing park safety barriers or warning lines without authorization;
- Littering paper, fruit waste, chewing gum, cigarette buts, and other general refuse (including betel nut residue);
- Disposal or burning of garbage or waste materials without authorization;
- Creating excessive noise, burning, or damaging trees and plants; and
- Collecting plants, wild animals, fish, hermit crabs, fossils, shells corals, stones, or shell sand (with the exception of local fisherman who have valid permits from relevant authorities).
In addition, Article 62 of the Tourism Development Act prohibits unauthorized climbing or damaging of natural geological formations. Violators are not only required to pay fines up to TWD 500,000 — but also to restore the site or reimburse restoration costs. In case restoration is not possible, they may be asked to pay additional fines up to TWD 5,000,000!
Contact Information: Yehliu Geopark
For more information about visiting Yehliu Geopark, you can get in touch with the park’s management through these contact details:
Address: 20744, Taiwan, New Taipei City, Wanli District, 167-1
Telephone: +886 2 2492 2016
Email: neospace1326@gmail.com
Website: http://www.ylgeopark.org.tw/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yehliugeopark/?locale=zh_TW
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