Heping Island Geological Park Introduction
The Haien Island Geopark is located on the eastern side of Keelung Harbor, serving as the gateway to Keelung Port. It is also the earliest place in Northern Taiwan where Westerners set foot, and one of the earliest areas settled by Han Chinese. This site was originally a settlement of the Ketagalan people and later designated as a military control zone. Currently, parts of the coastal area have been opened as Haien Island Geopark. The recreational focus of Haien Island Geopark is its significant coastal erosion landforms within the park. The geopark's geology consists of sandstone, and the unique rock formations found along the coastline have been shaped over time by wind and wave erosion, creating special terrain features such as wave-cut platforms, tofu rock, sea-eroded trenches, sea cliffs, weathering windows, sea caves, mushroom rocks, Lion Head Rock, and Bear Head Rock. The most famous features are the "thousand layers" and "ten thousand people mound" (mushroom rock) landscapes. In addition to the stunning terrain, the exposed strata feature biological fossils and trace fossils that are treasures of the Haien Island geology. To protect these valuable geological resources, access to the rock control area is managed through scheduled and reservation-based guided tours. Furthermore, Haien Island Geopark offers outdoor pools and beach areas for children and adults to swim, play in the water, and enjoy the sand. The “Kiss the Water Pool” allows visitors to observe various intertidal organisms while minimizing human impacts through minimal artificial installations, aiming to preserve the natural ecology of this beautiful natural treasure. After being included in the North Coast National Scenic Area, particular attention has been paid to creating an accessible environment during renovations, from parking lots, scenic viewpoints, beach areas, water play pools, to accessible trails and restrooms, aiming to create more convenience for visitors with mobility challenges. In 2018, it was honored with the Svayam Accessibility Awards for Best Accessible Tourism Attraction, dedicated to providing the most comfortable recreational environment for every visitor.
