After seeing a handful of photos from Yehliu Geopark, we knew we wanted to see it ourselves. Located about an hour from downtown Taipei, Yehliu was a great escape from the city and a chance to see some beautiful, unique coastal scenery.

We took the bus from Taipei Main Station. We asked the folks at the information desk in the main station how to get there and they quickly pointed us in the right direction. It only cost a few dollars and was about an hour away from Taipei on a comfortable coach bus. The bus drops visitors off at the local police station, about a five minute walk from the geopark.

When we visited on a Tuesday, there were several tour busses filled with people also visiting, but the park is big enough that it didn’t feel too crowded and it was possible to hike away from the main areas and get some breathtaking views form more secluded spots.

The park is most famous for it’s interesting rock formations that have been carved by the sea over millions of years. It’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen.

Our favorite part was the hike up the hill to the lighthouse, which few other tourists seemed interested in. One of the park’s stray dogs acted as our guide, sticking with us along the whole trail. The views of the sea and the park below were stunning.

 

We also loved watching giant waves crash into the rocks. It was windy and the waves were shooting high into the air and spraying surf wildly.

On our way back to the bus after our visit to Yehliu, we stopped at one of the restaurants serving fresh fish and got some scallops and belt fish, a recommended speciality. Yum!

Yule was an easy and worthwhile day trip from Taipei and a fun way to get away from the bustle of the city for a day.