Yehliu Geo Park, Taiwan - travel experience, post, guide, blog and photos

Taiwan: Alishan National Park, Kaohsiung, Sun Moon Lake, Tainan, Taipei, Taitung, Taroko National Park, Yehliu Geo Park

Yehliu Geo Park, Taiwan: Geological wonder
by Prakash Bang, Editor in Chief

Yehliu Geological Park resides within a cape 1.7 km long and is home to some of the most famous eroded rock formations in the world. Due to the rather soft limestone composition of the rock layers, this area is prone to erosion from a combination of sea water, waves and wind forces. The constant effect of these factors over time has resulted in a geological landscape that seems to be out of this world.

Both a museum and scenic attraction, the Geo Park offers extensive information on the natural geological processes that created these rock formations. Many formations have been given names representing their shapes, such as the “Mushroom Rocks”, “Sea Candles”, and “Fairy Shoe”. The most iconic rock is the “Queen's Head”, which, true to any noble monarch, only reveals its majesty when viewed from the proper angle.

Due to the constant erosion caused by wind and waves, the rock formations are in a delicate state of transformation. What we see today may not be the same years ahead.

We left for Yehliu from Taroko National Park at around noon. After an hour's downhill drive we joined the east coast. From there on we were running parallel to the pristine blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. After driving for an hour or so, we made a stop at Yilan Cake factory. It's a 'must stop' for locals as well as tourists whilst on the coastal road.

The managers of the factory were kind enough to show us around and explain the process of making their world famous 'cow's tongue' cakes. Well don't get me wrong, but the name comes from the shape of their cakes. They are wafer thin, hand-rolled and baked to perfect crispiness. These cakes are available in many flavours, each competing equally for a space on your palate. When it was time to bid the managers goodbye, we were surprised with a gift - a collection of their cakes and other goodies. I still cherish the fond memories.

From Yilan it took us 3 hours to reach the Yehliu Geo Park. The sky was overcast, but thankfully there was no rain. We spent an hour exploring the many formations.

When in Taiwan, consider it a ritual to release a sky lantern. An hour’s drive from the park got us to Shin Fen village, popular for their sky lanterns.

Along the railway track that bisects the village, scores of shops sell paper lanterns. Once you have chosen the colour of your lantern (every colour has a meaning... for love, health, friendship, etc.) you are given a marker to scribble on the 4 sides of the lantern. You then hold the lantern, ignite the burner, and release. Thrilling indeed to see your lantern go up in the sky and away as far as the eyes can see.

It was time to head for Taipei, our last destination in Taiwan.

Before checking in our hotel Riviera, we made a point to have dinner at an Indian restaurant named India Palace. It was nice to dig in good Indian food after having spent days mingling with oriental cuisine.

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