Heping Island Geopark Introduction
Peace Island Geopark is located on the eastern side of Keelung Harbor. It serves as the gateway to Keelung Harbor and is also the earliest place in northern Taiwan where Westerners set foot. Moreover, it is one of the first areas settled by Han Chinese in Keelung. Originally, this site was a settlement of the Ketagalan people and later designated as a military-controlled area. Currently, part of the coastal area has been opened up to become Peace Island Geopark. The recreational highlights of Peace Island Geopark are the significant coastal erosion landforms within the park. The geology of Peace Island is sandstone, situated alongside the coastline with unique rock formations shaped by long-term coastal erosion from wind and waves, leading to spectacular landscapes such as wave-cut platforms, tofu rock, sea erosion channels, sea cliffs, weathering windows, sea caves, mushroom rocks, Lion Head Rock, and Bear Head Rock. The most famous formations are the "Thousand Layer Tofu" and "Ten Thousand People Pile" (mushroom-shaped rocks). In addition to the stunning geology, the fossilized biological remains and trace fossils exposed in the strata are treasures of Peace Island's geology. To protect these valuable geological resources, the rock control area is open through scheduled and reservation-based tours. Additionally, Peace Island Geopark offers outdoor ponds and beach areas for children and adults to swim, play in the water, and enjoy the sand. The tidal pools allow visitors to observe various intertidal organisms while minimizing artificial structures to reduce harm to nature, with the goal of maintaining ecological balance in this beautiful natural treasure. After incorporating into the North Coast National Scenic Area, special attention has been given to creating an accessible environment during the renovation process. From parking lots, observation platforms, beach areas, water play pools, accessible paths, to restrooms, every little detail aims to provide more convenience for visitors with mobility difficulties. In 2018, it was awarded the Svayam Accessibility Awards for Best Accessible Tourism Attraction, committed to creating the most comfortable recreational environment for every visitor.
