Heping Island Park (Geopark): dramatic sea rocks and ocean-air views in Keelung

Heping Island is a high-payoff coastal stop: wind, sea, open horizons, and rock formations that look sculpted by weather. The shoreline is a textbook of coastal erosion — marine cliffs, abrasion platforms, the famous “tofu rock,” and pedestal rocks, with body and trace fossils preserved in the stone. It’s one of the best “reset days” near Taipei when you want nature without a mountain hike.

Plan it as your anchor. Add one small harbor stop for photos and one food finish in Keelung, and the day feels complete.

The park sits on what was formerly called Sheliao Island, an early settlement of the Ketagalan people. In 1626 the Spanish arrived and built castles, churches and fortresses here, including San Salvador — described as the first (and only) castle in Keelung. The island took its present name “Heping” (Peace) after World War II.

Today the government-run park layers visitor facilities over that history, with a seawater swimming pool, a tour track and walkways, a service centre, and food and drink — plus accessible restrooms and wheelchair rentals.

The park charges admission and keeps seasonal hours: 08:00–19:00 from May through October and 08:00–18:00 from November through April, with last ticketing about an hour before closing. It shuts during typhoons and declared disaster closures.

From Taipei, take the train to Keelung Station, then transfer to city bus 101 or 102 (some are low-floor accessible vehicles) to the Heping Island Park stop; it’s a short walk to the entrance at No. 360, Ping 1st Road.

The park is built for unhurried wandering. A network of boardwalks and a tour track lead you out over the eroded coastline, so you can get close to the tofu rocks and pedestal formations without scrambling, and there are sheltered viewing spots where the sea spray and the views toward Keelung Islet are the whole reward. In warmer months the natural seawater pool, fed by the tides, is a draw in its own right — a genuinely unusual place to swim with the open ocean just beyond the rocks.

It also suits a wide range of visitors. Because much of the route is paved and there are wheelchair rentals and accessible facilities, it’s gentler than the typical north-coast scramble, which makes it a good pick for families and slower walkers. Time your visit for low tide and clear skies and you’ll get the fullest version of the landscape; arrive when it’s blustery and you’ll still get drama, just bring a windproof layer.

Coastal days are best when they’re spacious. Dress for wind, bring water, and keep add-ons minimal so you can slow down and enjoy the scenery.