Landscape resources

From Bitou cape and Longdong geosites to the Cape of San Diego is one splendid coastline and a typical “Ria” landform with rock formations carved by erosion, abrasion, weathering, displacement and other natural forces. The ria landform manifests in mushroom-shaped rocks, tofu-like chessboard rocks, honeycomb rocks and other naturally formed rock formations[1].

The geological structure consists of a synclinal axis extended in the Northeast sea area. The rock alternate from shales to sandstone. Because shales are eroded by rainwater and weathered very fast, it formed unstable slopes or steep and concave marine cliffs. Bitou Cape has a various topographical view, sea cliffs, steps and shore platforms, or small mushroom rocks, interlock layer and bean curd-shaped rocks. In which, the erosion –formed striated rock formations at the Nanya area are typical attractions to many visitors. To comfortably enjoy the rich ecology and geological scenery of Bitou Cape from above, there are two well-planned hiking paths and the Bitou Coastal Coral Rock Zone where visitors can capture in their eyes the views of magnificent mountains, ocean and cape, fantastical sea erosion landscapes, majestic crashing waves, lush seaside plants and a diverse natural ecology. The trails will also offer a 360-degree elevated vantage point from where tourists will be able to fully experience the beauty of the nature surrounding them.

Toward the south, Longdong is formed by the relatively hardest Miocene sandstone in the north bank with the main composition being quartzite sandstone and shale. Longdong Cape is famous with typical steep sandstone cliffs above sea cut platforms which both amateur and professional fishermen consider the perfect sites to enjoy fishing. The fishing industry is an important economy and enjoying local seafood is a must for the tourists in this geopark. Interestingly, along three-mile stretch of golden beach between Yanliao and Fulong highlights the finest beach of the geopark as a result of sedimentation of sandstone. Annually, Fulong sand sculpture festival is a must-seen place in the summer time for visitors in this geopark.

10km east far to the Yilan County’s line is Turtle Mountain island which is known commonly as Guishan Island. It is so called due to its similar shape as a floating turtle which actually is a volcanic island. There are diverse landforms which are relatively young and composed mainly of andesite and volcanic clastic rock. They are steep cliffs, hills, peaks, erosion caves, lakes, active hot springs, cold springs and a rich of ocean ecology on and around the island. With the erosion of ocean water and the rise and fall of the tide, Turtle Island is indeed a beautiful gem in the ocean.

The Northeast Coastal Geopark is an ideal destination for environmental education sites for eroded coast and for tourists as well. All these amazing beauties make this geopark become a most visited spot along Taiwan northern coast and in the whole Taiwan in general.


Sea cliff landscape (strongly influenced by joints) at Northeast Coastal Geopark