On the northern coast of Taiwan, where the Datun Mountain range meets the Pacific, sits one of the strangest landscapes you’ll ever walk through. Yehliu Geopark is a 1,700-meter cape of sandstone formations carved by thousands of years of wind, salt spray, and ocean erosion into shapes that look more like Mars than Earth. The signature formation — the Queen’s Head, a regal silhouette of stone that looks remarkably like a crowned head in profile — is the photograph that draws most visitors. The wider park is a continuous tableau of mushroom rocks, candle rocks, tofu rocks, fairy slippers, ginger rocks, ice cream rocks, and dozens of other named formations.
For travelers, a Yehliu Geopark day trip from Taipei is one of the most distinctive easy excursions in northern Taiwan. The park is 1–1.5 hours from central Taipei by bus, NT$120 entry, and reasonably navigable in a 2-hour visit. Combined with Jiufen for a coast-and-mountain day, it’s one of the most popular tour-combo day trips offered by Taipei tour operators.
This guide covers a Yehliu Geopark day trip for 2026: how to get there, what to see, the Queen’s Head specifics, tickets, weather considerations, and how to combine with other northern coast stops.
Yehliu Geopark at a Glance
- Location: Wanli District, New Taipei City — northern coast of Taiwan
- Distance from Taipei: ~50 km north
- Travel time: 1–1.5 hours each way by bus
- Best transport: Kuo-Kuang Bus 1815 from Taipei West Bus Station
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily (last entry 4:30 PM)
- Admission: NT$120 adult; reduced for students/seniors
- Time at park: 2–3 hours
- Highlight: The Queen’s Head rock formation
- Best combine with: Jiufen + Shifen for a full coast-and-mountain day
- Best season: Spring and autumn (mild weather; less rain)
What Is Yehliu Geopark?
Yehliu Geopark (野柳地質公園) is a 1,700-meter cape of sandstone formations on Taiwan’s northern coast, in the Wanli District of New Taipei City. The cape is part of the Datun Mountain range and stretches into the Pacific Ocean. The unique formations are the result of differential erosion: harder layers of rock resist weathering, while softer surrounding rock erodes away, producing the distinctive mushroom, candle, and head-shaped silhouettes.
The park has been gazetted as a protected geological site, with formations dated as old as 4,000 years. The most famous of these — the Queen’s Head — has been slowly eroding throughout the 20th and 21st centuries; her “neck” is now visibly thinner than in older photographs and scientists project that she’ll eventually collapse.
For travelers, Yehliu offers about 2 hours of dramatic walking through these formations, with elevated viewpoints and walking paths winding among the rocks. Photogenic at any time of day; particularly stunning in clear morning light or golden hour.
How to Get to Yehliu Geopark from Taipei
Option 1: Kuo-Kuang Bus 1815 (Recommended)
The standard public transport route. Easy and direct.
- From Taipei Main Station, walk to Taipei West Bus Station Terminal A (near Taipei Main Station).
- Board Kuo-Kuang Bus 1815 bound for Jin Shan Youth Activity Centre.
- Get off at Yehliu Stop.
- Walk 5–10 minutes to the park entrance.
Travel time: 1–1.5 hours.
Cost: About NT$95 each way (NT$190 round trip).
Frequency: Every 20–30 minutes during the day.
Option 2: Bus 862 (Alternative)
Bus 862 from Taipei via the Wanli area. Less direct than Bus 1815 but works as a backup.
Option 3: Organized Tour
Many tour operators run combined Yehliu + Jiufen + Shifen day trips from Taipei in air-conditioned minibuses. Pickup from central Taipei or your hotel. Most include:
- Round-trip transport
- English-speaking guide
- Yehliu Geopark entry
- Lunch (sometimes)
- Stops at Jiufen and Shifen
Cost: NT$1,500–2,800 per person.
Advantage: No logistics hassle, all three destinations in one day, English-speaking guide.
Disadvantage: Less flexibility, locked to group pace.
Option 4: Taxi or Private Driver
NT$2,000–3,500 each way; expect a long day with multiple stops. Useful only for groups of 3–4 with specific scheduling needs.
Option 5: Rental Car / Scooter
Possible but rare for tourists. The drive from Taipei is straightforward (about 1 hour). Parking is available at the park.
Yehliu Geopark Tickets and Hours
Tickets
- Adult: NT$120 (about US$4)
- Student / Concession: NT$60
- Children under 6: Free
- Seniors over 65 with valid Taiwan ID: Free
Online pre-booking via Klook or KKday sometimes offers small discounts.
Hours
- Open: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
- Last entry: 4:30 PM
- Park closes earlier in winter (4:30 PM or 5:00 PM depending on season)
- Closed: Typhoon days and rare maintenance days
What to See at Yehliu Geopark
The park has three main areas:
Area One: The Mushroom Rocks
The first area you encounter after entering. Hundreds of mushroom-shaped rocks scattered along the path. Some larger than houses; some small enough to climb over.
Area Two: The Queen’s Head and the Iconic Formations
The famous area with the Queen’s Head, Fairy Slipper, Ice Cream Rock, Candle Rocks, and the Princess’s Head (a smaller female-profile rock). Most visitors spend the most time here.
Area Three: The Tofu Rocks and Ginger Rocks
Further out along the cape. Less crowded; the rocks here are more abstract and less posed. Worth the walk if you have time.
The 10 Most-Photographed Rock Formations
- The Queen’s Head (女王頭, Nǚ Wáng Tóu): The signature formation. Multiple ridges in a profile that looks like a crowned female head.
- The Fairy Slipper (仙女鞋): A slipper-shaped rock allegedly belonging to a fairy.
- The Princess’s Head (公主頭): A smaller female-profile rock formation.
- The Ginger Rocks (薑石): Rocks resembling pieces of ginger root.
- The Mushroom Rocks (蘑菇石): The mushroom-shaped formations of Area 1.
- The Candle Rocks (燭台石): Tall pointed rocks resembling candles.
- The Sea Candles: Smaller candle formations near the ocean.
- The Ice Cream Rock (冰淇淋石): A rock resembling a tilted ice cream cone.
- The Elephant Rock (象石): An elephant-shaped formation.
- The Kissing Rock (接吻石): Two rocks that appear to be kissing.
The Queen’s Head — The Headline Formation
The Queen’s Head is the single most-photographed formation in northern Taiwan. The silhouette resembles a stylized profile of a crowned queen — high forehead, elegant nose, distinct chin.
How to See It
Follow the signs to “Queen’s Head” (signage in English and Mandarin). You’ll see the queue stretching from the rock. Visitors line up to take photos at the official photo spot.
Don’t Touch the Queen
The rock is fenced off about 1.5 meters away. Don’t try to climb onto her or touch her — both for safety and for preservation. The Queen’s neck has been thinning over decades; touching accelerates the damage. Park staff monitor the area.
Photo Tips
- Stand on the marked photo spot to align with her profile.
- Best with the sky behind her (the ocean direction).
- Best in soft morning light (8:30–10:30 AM) or late afternoon (3:30–5 PM).
- Avoid the midday flat sun.
The Queen Is Aging
Erosion is real and ongoing. Scientists project that the Queen’s neck will eventually thin enough that she collapses. Could happen in years, could be decades. Don’t postpone seeing her.
Best Time to Visit Yehliu
Best Time of Day
- 8:30–10:30 AM: Calmest crowds; gentle morning light; good for photography.
- 3:30–4:30 PM: Late afternoon; golden hour light; second-quietest window.
- 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM: Peak tourist crowds; hot midday sun.
Best Season
- Spring (March–May): Mild, less crowded, occasional rain.
- Autumn (October–November): Best overall — comfortable, dry, fewer tourists.
- Summer (June–August): Hot, humid, typhoon risk. Bring sun protection.
- Winter (December–February): Cool, often gray, windy. Mountain cold blowing off the sea.
Best Day
Tuesday–Thursday for calmest crowds. Saturday afternoons are crowded with day-trip tour groups.
What to Bring to Yehliu
- Sunscreen: Essential. The exposed rock area has no shade.
- Hat with a strap: Coastal wind is sharp.
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle: Refill at the park entrance.
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes: Rough rock surfaces.
- Light jacket: Even in summer, sea breeze can be cool.
- Camera or phone with good zoom: Some formations require a 24mm equivalent or wider lens.
- Phone charger: Heavy photo use.
- Snacks: Light lunch available at the park entrance; cheaper to bring your own.
- Light rain jacket / umbrella: Coastal weather changes fast.
Combining Yehliu with Other Stops
The classic Yehliu day-trip combo:
Yehliu + Jiufen (Most Popular)
The standard tour route. Yehliu in the morning (calmer), Jiufen in the afternoon and evening (lantern-lit dusk).
- 9:00 AM: Leave Taipei.
- 10:30 AM: Arrive Yehliu. Walk the park.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at Yehliu fishing village or local restaurant.
- 1:30 PM: Bus/private transfer to Jiufen.
- 3:00 PM: Arrive Jiufen. Walk Old Street.
- 5:30 PM: Lanterns light up at Jiufen.
- 7:30 PM: Return to Taipei.
This is the most-booked tour day trip from Taipei.
Yehliu + Jiufen + Shifen (All-Day Tour)
Add Shifen Waterfall and sky lantern release in the mid-morning before Jiufen.
- 8:00 AM: Leave Taipei.
- 9:30 AM: Yehliu.
- 11:30 AM: Shifen for lantern release.
- 1:30 PM: Lunch.
- 3:00 PM: Jiufen.
- 7:30 PM: Return to Taipei.
A full long day. Common as a guided tour.
Yehliu Solo Half-Day
If you just want Yehliu, a 4-hour round trip works:
- 9:00 AM: Leave Taipei.
- 10:30 AM: Yehliu.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch.
- 1:30 PM: Return bus to Taipei.
- 3:00 PM: Back in central Taipei.
What to Eat at Yehliu
The Park’s Food Court
Small food court near the park entrance offering seafood, noodles, rice bowls, and snacks. NT$150–300 per meal.
Yehliu Fishing Village
Walk back through the fishing village adjacent to the park. Several seafood restaurants offer fresh local seafood. NT$300–600 per person for a substantial meal.
Wanli Town
The nearby town of Wanli has more restaurants. Worth a stop if you’re driving.
Bring Your Own
Bring a packed lunch from Taipei. Picnic on benches near the park entrance.
Tips for a Better Yehliu Visit
Arrive early. 9:00–10:00 AM avoids the worst crowds and the midday sun.
Walk the full park. Don’t stop after the Queen’s Head — Area 2 and Area 3 have plenty more to see.
Watch the marked safety zones. The cape has slippery rocks and ocean spray. Stay on marked paths.
Don’t touch the rocks. Especially the named formations. Erosion is real.
Bring sun protection. Even on cloudy days; the wind and reflected light can burn.
Take the photo, then enjoy. Don’t queue 30 minutes for one Queen’s Head photo; take it from a different angle and move on.
Tide matters. Some formations are more visible at low tide. Check the local tide chart if you’re a photo enthusiast.
Watch for typhoons. The park closes in heavy weather.
Bring cash for the bus. EasyCard works on Bus 1815. Cash backup recommended.
Carry trash out. The park has bins but limit waste.
Yehliu vs. Other Day Trips from Taipei
Yehliu vs. Jiufen: Yehliu is geology + ocean; Jiufen is lantern village + mountain views. Different vibes; many travelers do both on the same day.
Yehliu vs. Shifen: Yehliu is rock formations; Shifen is sky lanterns and a waterfall. Different experiences.
Yehliu vs. Yangmingshan: Yehliu is coastal/geological; Yangmingshan is volcanic/mountain. Both are full day trips depending on depth.
For first-time visitors with a single day-trip slot, Jiufen + Shifen is the more iconic photo combo. Yehliu is the better choice for geology enthusiasts and travelers who’ve already done the iconic stops.
Common Mistakes
Arriving at midday on a Saturday. Tour groups everywhere; Queen’s Head queue is brutal.
Trying to climb the Queen. Don’t.
Forgetting sunscreen. The cape is exposed; sunburn happens fast.
Skipping Area 3. Many visitors stop after the Queen’s Head and miss the further formations.
Going during a typhoon. Park closes.
Not bringing water. Pricier at the park than at 7-Eleven.
Skipping lunch at the fishing village. Fresh seafood is one of the trip’s quiet wins.
Related Taipei guides
- Jiufen Day Trip from Taipei: The Complete Guide
- Tamsui Day Trip from Taipei: Sunsets, Seafood & Ferries
- Wulai Day Trip from Taipei: Waterfalls & Atayal Culture
- Keelung Day Trip from Taipei: Night Market & Port Views
- Houtong Cat Village: How to Visit from Taipei
- Yangmingshan Day Trip: Hiking & Hot Springs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Yehliu Geopark?
A geopark on Taiwan’s northern coast featuring unique sandstone rock formations carved by erosion. Famous for the Queen’s Head, Fairy Slipper, mushroom rocks, and other named formations. Free to enter the surrounding area; NT$120 admission for the park itself.
How do I get to Yehliu from Taipei?
Take Kuo-Kuang Bus 1815 from Taipei West Bus Station (near Taipei Main Station) toward Jin Shan Youth Activity Centre. Get off at Yehliu Stop. Travel time 1–1.5 hours. NT$95 each way.
How much does Yehliu Geopark cost?
NT$120 for adults; NT$60 for students/seniors; children under 6 free. Add NT$190 round-trip bus from Taipei.
What’s the Queen’s Head at Yehliu?
The most famous rock formation in the park — a sandstone profile that looks remarkably like a crowned queen’s head. Slowly eroding; her neck has thinned over decades and she’s projected to eventually collapse.
How long does a Yehliu visit take?
2–3 hours for a thorough walk through the park. Total day trip from Taipei (including transit) is 4–6 hours.
Can I combine Yehliu with Jiufen?
Yes — it’s the most popular combination. Yehliu in the morning, Jiufen in the afternoon and evening. Either as a guided tour (NT$1,500–2,800) or as a DIY public-transport day.
Is Yehliu Geopark worth visiting?
Yes for travelers interested in geology, photography, or coastal landscapes. The Queen’s Head and surrounding formations are genuinely unique. Skip if you have only 3 days in Taipei and want the iconic Jiufen + Shifen day trip instead.
When does Yehliu close?
5:00 PM daily (last entry 4:30 PM). Closed during typhoons. Earlier closing in winter months.
What should I wear to Yehliu?
Comfortable closed-toe shoes for rocky surfaces. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses). Light layers; sea breeze can be cool. Light rain jacket as backup.
Final Take
A Yehliu Geopark day trip is the geological highlight of the Taipei area — unique rock formations, ocean cliffs, and the iconic Queen’s Head all within 1.5 hours of central Taipei. Combine with Jiufen for the classic coast-and-mountain day trip, or visit solo for a focused 4-hour excursion. Arrive early (before 10 AM), bring sun protection, walk the full park, and don’t touch the Queen.
