Yehliu Geopark (野柳)

Yehliu Geopark (野柳) is located on the north coast of Taiwan, between the cities of Taipei and Keelung. Stretching 1,700 meters into the ocean, this cape looks like a giant turtle swimming into the sea (when viewed from above). The seashore is composed of rock layers containing different types of limestone and sandstone – over the years, erosion from sea water and rain/winds caused strange rock sculptures to form along the seashore. There are many different formations to be found here including mushroom/honeycomb/candle shaped rocks, and even a stone that looks like a queen’s head. Shown below are just a few of the interesting rock formations that can be found in Yehliu Geopark:

Sea Grooves

Natural forces (rain/wind/seawater) cause grooves to form in the rock surface over the course of many years. Different layers are clearly visible here, with the bottom layer colored an interesting purple hue.

Honeycomb Rock

Honeycomb rock formations are covered with small holes of various sizes, and appear similar to a giant honeycomb structure. They are similar in appearance to the Mushroom rock formation, but are lighter in color and have a slightly different erosion pattern.

Ginger Rock

There are many irregular concentrations of rock layers throughout the cape of Yehliu. Shown here, harder concentrations are left above the ground while softer layers are eroded by natural forces.

The Orphan

This mushroom rock eventually fell victim to the forces of nature. An egg shaped chunk of stone came loose from the top of the mushroom, and now sits alone on the sandstone below.

Skeleton Rock

Appearing as a giant skull emerging from the ocean, it is sometimes referred to as the “Old Man’s Head”

Weathering Rings

Weathering rings appear as colorful patterns on the rock surface, almost like a natural painting. This formation occurs along rock joints as they are exposed to the elements over many years.

Candle Shaped Rocks

Candle rock formations are cone shaped, with the top being a smaller size than the bottom. There is a small ball shaped rock concentration contained in the rock layer – since it is harder than the adjacent sandstone, it sits at the top of the formation while the surrounding sandstone is eroded.

Crater

Although it was formed naturally over many years, this rock formation appears like an asteroid from space that fell from the sky and crashed into the seashore with incredible force.

Shoe/Boot

This rock formation looks like a giant’s shoe (or boot) which was left behind on the seashore many years ago.

Pearl Rock

This sphere shaped rock appears visibly similar to a smooth pearl, a treasure resting in a small pool of water.

Joint Formations

As the sea cape formed, natural forces caused the formation of crevices which are called joints. They look like faults (caused by movement of the earth), but are actually caused by natural weathering and chemical reactions within the mineral substances.

Ice Cream Rock

Formed as a result of differential erosion, it is shaped like a delicious ice cream cone ready to be eaten on a hot summer day.

Many people visit this location every year due to it’s convenient location and unique landscapes/rock formations. For more information about this attraction in Taiwan, please visit the links below:

http://www.ylgeopark.org.tw/ENG/info/YlIntroduction_en.aspx

http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sNo=0002091&id=155