Explore the Xiaoyeliu Rock Formations

Xiaoyeliu, in Taiwan, is one of several similar Yehliu parks in Asia, and there's a reason they're all protected. The massive sandstone slabs lay one on top of the other, jutting into the sea, looking other-worldly. Instead of cloud gazing, try your hand at rock gazing, searching through the abundance of look-alike rocks for your favorites. Some of ours, as pictured in the photos above, were an octopus, a narwhal, and alien frog heads. Walk around, explore for an hour, grab a bite to eat, check out the visitor center, and don't forget to bring your camera.  

To get there, you have several options. 

1) If leaving from the Taitung Bus Station, your stop is approx. a 15 to 20 minute ride on the East Coast bus line. Please check the bus time tables and fares with the station attendants, as bus numbers are apt to change. Once on the bus, mention "Xiaoyeliu" to the driver. 

2) If you are catching the bus from any alternate pick up location on the East Coast seaside road, be aware that buses only stop if passengers are visibly waiting, and they do not adhere to the timetable. You may need to flag down a bus whenever the next one passes. Buses run loosely every 30 minutes. Once on the East Coast, there is only one bus line, so don't worry about catching the wrong one. 

3) If traveling by scooter, the visitor center is visible from the road on the ocean facing side of the road. Follow the map and keep an eye out for signs.