Lailai Coast Geological Area

Updates : 2024-10-09

Introduction

Lailai Coast Geological Area is located at the southern shore of Sandiaojiao, the easternmost point of Taiwan, and it is an area stretching from Snow Mountain Range. The term “Lailai” is from the language of the Basai Tribe. Facing Pacific Ocean, Lailai Coast Geological Area is a wave-cut platform that was formed after its interlayer of sandstone and shale had been intruded by lava and after it was eroded by waves and the sea wind for a long period of time. The wave-cut platform extending for several hundred meters possesses rich intertidal ecology and diverse geological landscapes. Moreover, you can overlook scenery on Turtle Island.

Devil’s Washboard
The wave-cut platform of Lailai Coast Geological Area extends toward the sea for over one hundred meters. Looking down at the platform from the distance, you will think they are bizarre-looking black rocks that are aligned. Therefore, it is nicknamed “Devil’s Washboard.” Diverse terrains scatter on the spacious wave-cut platform, such as the largest fire dragon rock and several sea grooves. The spacious intertidal zone of Lailai Coast Geological Area has made it a popular spot for ecological observation. You can see various shrimp, crabs, fish and scallops. However, we would like to remind you not to bring these living creatures home as “souvenirs” for the sake of ecological conservation.

Great Rock Fishing Spot
Kuroshio, the warm current of Pacific Ocean, passes by the open waters of Lailai to make the area suitable for algae and plankton to grow, nourishing rich ecology for fish. Additionally, the spacious wave-cut platform, monoclinal ridge and shingle beach of Lailai have become private spots for amateur fishermen to learn from one another and enjoy fishing. No matter in the morning and evening, you can see quite a few rock fishing experts gather at Lailai Coast Geological Area.

Services & Facilities

Viewing Deck

How to Get There

Choose a transportation method based on your departure location.

Mt. Xiaozi Trail

Situated between Jingtong Station and Pingxi Station of the Pingxi Branch Line, Mt. Xiaozi is not as tall as the other mountains, but its steep stone steps are not negligible. The most adventurous route when climbing Mt. Xiaoxi is the last way to the summit on the suspended steel ladder. Once successfully climbing up this near-vertical rock walls, tourists can take a bird's-eye view over the entire Keelung River Valley. Due to its being surrounded by mountains, there are about 20 hilltops in the neighborhood, that's why it won its name as Mt. Twenty-Four Filial; and because its mountain shape is very similar to China's Mt. Huangshan, so Mt. Xiaozi is also nicknamed as the "Small Huangshan."

Tamsui River Mangrove (Hongshulin) Conservation Area

Located quite near the Hongshulin MRT station (the station just before the Tamsui Terminus) is the Hongshulin mangrove swamp, the largest area of homogenous mangrove swamp of a type called shuibitzai ; kandelia candel in Chinese. This type of mangrove, which is usually found in estuaries, has adapted to the salty waters that wash in with the tides.