Laomei Green Stone Reef Introduction
The Green Stone Trench Coast located in Laomei, Shimen District, on the northern coast of Taiwan, is the only unique landscape of its kind in the country, showcasing breathtaking beauty. The term "Green Stone Trench" in geographical terms should be referred to as "tidal channel" or "sea erosion trench." These neatly arranged stone trenches are remnants of volcanic reef rocks left behind after the eruption of the Datun Volcano. Over time, the softer parts have eroded due to the continuous battering of waves, leaving the harder parts to form these trenches. This unique "trench" topography experiences its most beautiful transformation during the winter months when the northeast monsoon prevails, as the wave splashes moisten the rocky surfaces of the trenches, leading to the growth of green algae such as "sea lettuce," "split-leaf sea lettuce," and "flat stone hair." By April, as the northeast monsoon starts to wane, the trenches become covered in a lush carpet of green algae, creating the stunning "Green Stone Trench" coastal landscape. The Green Stone Trench only appears in April and May and subsequently disappears under the summer sun. This short and beautiful season often attracts professional photographers from all over Taiwan who come to capture the picturesque scenery and shoot wedding photos. The Northern Coast Scenic Area Administration also reminds visitors that the Green Stone Trench is facing a survival crisis due to foot traffic, urging tourists to remain on the beach for observation and not to step onto the stone trenches. The area above the Green Stone Trench is particularly slippery and dangerous, and any falls could lead to injury. Visitors planning to take photos are advised to first visit the Central Weather Bureau website to check the daily low tide times for the Shimen area to avoid being overwhelmed by rising tides and missing out on the beautiful green coast.
