Taiwan is indeed a beautiful place to visit if you are looking for amazing tourist spots. Many people love to come to the northern parts of Taiwan because it is relatively untouched compared to the urban centers in the central and southern parts. While many people love going to Taipei, Kaohsiung, and other urban cities, the northern part of Taiwan also holds a couple of gemstones.
The best tourist spots that people often recommend to first-time travelers include Jinshan Old Street, Yehliu Geopark, and Laomei Green Reef. Of course, there are other equally scenic and iconic spots on the northern coast of Taiwan, but these three are the “Holy Trinity.”
Now that we’ve set the tone for this tour, let’s talk more about these amazing tourist destinations in detail and how these three places make up an amazing day trip that you’ll never forget!
Yehliu Geopark
Yehliu Geopark is one of Taiwan’s most popular tourist destinations, and it is easy to see why. This geopark is known for its interesting rock formations that have been created over the years by erosion. The rocks here are fascinating, and there are plenty of photo opportunities. The geopark is also located close to Taipei, making it a great day trip for those staying in the city.
If you are always in awe of natural attractions, then Yehliu Geopark is the best place to visit. This tourist destination is wildly popular with local tourists and foreigners, so you might expect a lot of people to see Yehliu Geopark on the same day as yours.
At Yehliu Geopark, there are guided tours which are great for first-timers because even though you are sharing this moment with lots of tourists like yourself, you will still be able to enjoy it because a guide is there to share with you all about the history and fascinating trivia about Yehliu Geopark.
For decades, this tourist attraction has successfully managed to keep its serenity and tranquility most of the time, and the government has made sure that it will be clean and tidy for all visitors to see so you can bask in the glory of natural wonders at Yehliu Geopark.
Queen’s Head Music Concerts
Another tourist attraction in Yehliu Geopark is the world-famous Queen’s Head. The Queen’s Head is a rock formation that has been shaped by erosion to look like a human head. It is one of the most iconic rock formations in Taiwan, and it is also one of the most popular photo spots in the geopark. Usually in April, there are music concerts held at the Queen’s Head, and these concerts are a great way to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Jinshan Old Street
If you are more of a paved roads fan, this one might be what you are looking for. Jinshan Old Street is a long and winding street lined with food stalls, unique shops, and people selling all sorts of goods.
Jinshan Old Street is also known as Jinbaoli Old Street. It is the oldest street in Jinshan, dating back to the Qing dynasty. The reason why this street is so famous is that it has managed to keep its old-world charm, making you feel like you have been transported back in time. This place is also known to have some of the best goods in Taiwan, especially duck meat. So if you’re a huge duck meat fan, then this place is your paradise.
Jinshan Old Street is also the perfect place to take a stroll, and you can stop by any of the food stalls for some authentic Taiwanese food or buy souvenirs. Some of the souvenirs sold here include Taiwanese products and traditional snacks.
As it is a bustling street, expect that there will be many people here, especially during peak seasons. Nonetheless, that should not ruin the experience for you as it is a good place for people-watching and just soaking yourself in the culture and daily life of one of the oldest cities in Taiwan.
In addition, the nearby Guang’an Temple is also great for a picturesque backdrop for your photos if you are not a practicing Buddhist. So if you want a touch of the Old World in the concrete jungle, then Jinshan Old Street is the perfect place to visit for you.
Guihou Fishing Harbor
The next stop on this amazing day trip is Guihou Fishing Harbor. As its name suggests, it is a scenic fishing harbor located in the Guihou Village, a quaint and beautiful village on the northern coast of Taiwan. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Wanli District and is known for its fresh seafood and its popular “Wanli crabs” or better known as “king crabs.”
During the fall, from September through November, the “Fishermen Market” in Guihou attracts thousands of visitors competing for the delectable “Wanli Crab.”These “Wanli crabs” are a type of king crab that is only found in the waters around Taiwan. They are called “Wanli crabs” because they were once only found in the Wanli District, which is now part of New Taipei city.
The Guihou Fishing Harbor is also a great place to take photos as it offers a stunning view of the ocean and the surrounding mountains. There are also plenty of photo opportunities with the traditional Taiwanese fishing boats or “sampans.”
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then this is the perfect place for you. The Guihou Fishing Harbor is a great place to relax and enjoy the fresh air and the sound of waves crashing against the rocks.
Heping Island Park
Heping Island Park, to the east of Keelung Port, is home to unique geologic features resulting from wind and sea erosion. The most famous attractions are “A Thousand Layers” and “Tend Thousand Piles,” which are made up of mushrooms (mushroom rocks). Other than these attractive formations, the fossil zone’s geological riches are also of great value. Heping Island is also home to the only natural pool in Taiwan, which was used for abalone breeding and is a great place for bird watching. The park also features an outdoor pool as well as a beach area where visitors may swim and play in the sands.
Tamsui Old Street, Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf
Tamsui is a small town located on the banks of the Tamsui River. It is known for its beautiful riverfront, which is lined with trees and has a beautiful view of the mountains. Tamsui also has a long history and is known for its architectural buildings left by the Spanish and Dutch during their occupation. The Tamsui Old Street is also lined with shops and restaurants, so you can enjoy a variety of Taiwanese food and snacks.
Fisherman’s Wharf (formerly Tamsui Second Fishing Port), on the river mouth of the Tamsui River, is famous for its evening views. The dock, unlike traditional fixed docks, moves with the tide. It can accommodate 150 fishing boats at once and is quite impressive. Visitors can also visit the Lover’s Bridge, travel on the blue highway by ferry, enjoy the beautiful fishing port along the wooden boardwalk, or climb Lover’s Tower to see Tamsui views while taking in the sunset at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Laomei Green Reef
Of course, we won’t forget the shining star of this day’s tour: Laomei Green Reef. Situated on the northern coast of Taiwan, this stunning rock formation is one of Taiwan’s most popular tourist destinations.
The Laomei Green Reef is a must-see because of its unique and beautiful rock formations. The rocks here have been eroded by the sea for centuries which helped form these naturally spectacular trenches. If you’re already planning to go here, the best time to visit Laomei Green Reef is from the months of March to May when you can really see the rock formations and the green reef in its full beauty.
Thanks to these stunning rock formations that are a product of an underwater volcanic eruption million years ago, the northern coast of Taiwan now has a distinct outline that can be seen on maps and even in space. It stretches up to 700 meters of one-of-a-kind rock structure that no man can replicate.
Overall, the Laomei Green Reef is a great place to take photos, and it is also the perfect tourist spot if you want to relax and enjoy the beautiful and unique scenery. There are plenty of photo opportunities here, so you will not be disappointed.
Some Helpful Tips While Visiting
In visiting these three amazing places for your northern Taiwan coast day tour, always remember that these are famous tourist spots, so schedule your trip accordingly especially if you are visiting during peak seasons. On the other hand, if you want to avoid the huge crowds, you can plan your trip during the off-peak season or on weekdays and you can also enjoy discounted rates for some of the attractions.
Also, if you plan to go to Yehliu Geopark, always remember to wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved. As for Jinshan Old Street, expect that it can be quite crowded during peak season, so it is best to go early or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Lastly, Laomei Green Reef is definitely a great place to take photos, but always remember to be respectful of the rocks. Do not walk where it is not allowed in order to preserve the natural state of the rocks. Just always be respectful of the environment, and you will surely have a great time.
Plan Your Trip to Northern Taiwan!
So there you have it! A quick guide to the Holy Trinity–Yehliu Geopark, Jinshan Old Street, and Laomei Green Reef will take you to the must-visit places in Northern Taiwan. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today with Edison Tours!
