Heping Island Geological Park

Heping Island Geological Park is located on the east side of Keelung Harbor, serving as the gateway to the harbor. It is also the earliest place in northern Taiwan to have Western footprints and one of the earliest areas in Keelung settled by Han Chinese. This area was originally a Ketagalan tribal settlement in early times, later designated as a military restricted zone. Currently, parts of the coastal area have been opened and established as Heping Island Geological Park. The main attraction of Heping Island Geological Park is its significant sea-eroded landforms. The geology of Heping Island consists of sandstone, and the peculiar rocks and giant boulders along the coastline have been shaped into unique geological landscapes by long-term erosion from wind and sea on the windward side. These include sea erosion platforms, tofu rocks, sea trenches, sea cliffs, weathering windows, sea caves, mushroom rocks, lion head rocks, bear head rocks, and other distinctive sea-eroded features. The most famous are the 'Qian Die Fu' (Thousand-Layered Mat) and 'Wan Ren Dui' (Ten Thousand People Pile, referring to mushroom rocks) landforms. In addition to these magnificent landforms, body fossils and trace fossils exposed in the strata are treasures of Heping Island's geology. To protect these valuable geological resources, the rock restricted zone is open through scheduled and guided tours by reservation. Furthermore, Heping Island Geological Park offers outdoor pools and a sandy beach area, providing a fun space for visitors of all ages to swim, play in the water, and enjoy the sand. The 'Qin Qin Pool' allows people to observe various intertidal creatures. The park aims to minimize damage to nature by using the fewest artificial facilities, building this beautiful natural treasure with a commitment to preserving its natural ecology. After Heping Island Geological Park was incorporated into the North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area, special attention was paid to creating an accessible environment during its renovation. From the parking lot and observation deck to the beach area, wading pool, accessible pathways, and restrooms, every small detail aims to create more convenience for visitors with disabilities. In 2018, it received the Svayam Accessibility Award for Best Accessible Tourist Attraction, demonstrating its dedication to creating the most comfortable recreational environment for every visitor.