Lao Mei Green Reef Introduction
The Green Stone Trench Coast located in Laomei, Shimen District, on the north coast, is the only special landscape of its kind in Taiwan, breathtakingly beautiful. The term "Green Stone Trench" should technically be referred to as "tidal trench" or "wave-cut trench" in geographical terms. These neatly arranged stone trenches are remnants of volcanic reef rock left behind by the eruption of the Datun Volcano, which, after long-term wave erosion, resulted in the softer parts being worn away, leaving behind the harder sections and forming trenches. This unique "stone trench" geographical landscape flourishes during winter when the northeastern monsoon is prevalent. The waves nourish the rock surfaces of the trenches, leading to the growth of green seaweeds such as "stone kelp," "fissured stone kelp," and "flat stone hair." By April, as the northeastern monsoon subsides, the trenches become covered with a vast expanse of green seaweed, creating a stunning "Green Stone Trench" coastal scenery. Green Stone Trench appears only in April and May, after which the seaweed disappears under the summer sun. This brief yet beautiful season attracts many professional photographers from across Taiwan to capture its beauty and take wedding photos. The North Coast National Scenic Area Administration also reminds visitors that the Green Stone Trench is facing a survival crisis due to foot traffic, so they hope tourists will enjoy the view from the beach without stepping onto the trench area. The upper section of the trench is also quite slippery and dangerous; a slip could lead to injury, resulting in a regrettable situation. Visitors planning to take photos should first check the daily low tide times for the Shimen area on the Central Weather Bureau website to avoid being caught by the rising tide and missing the chance to capture the beauty of the green coast.
