Elephant Rock makes the coast feel alive. Heping Island Geopark in Keelung is the kind of place where the shoreline and the rocks tell you a story, from erosion shapes like Elephant Rock to the site’s UNESCO World Geopark status that focuses on real geology you can walk around.

What I like most is how straightforward it is to learn what you’re seeing, not just snap photos and move on. A possible catch: the basic entry ticket doesn’t cover every area, including restricted spots and Alabao Bay.

I also like the clean, no-drama entry. Your QR code gets scanned at the counter, and the price is $3.80 per person, which makes this an easy add-on day in northern Taiwan. One consideration: audio guide hire and things like souvenir/extra photo costs are not included, so plan to rely on your own eyes and any on-site education programs.

Key Things That Make This Geopark Ticket Worth Your Time

• Elephant, Mushroom, and Candlestick Rocks: classic erosion landmarks in one park area
• UNESCO World Geopark focus: geology + education, not just sightseeing
• Sea-erosion landforms and fossils: you’re walking through time in stone
• 71 hectares to explore: enough space for a real stroll and slower pace
• Hiking trails + coastal views: good for a one-day outdoor reset
• On-site education programs: workshops, lectures, and field-trip style learning may be available

Heping Island Geopark Basics: Peace Island in Keelung

Heping Island Geopark is in northern Taiwan, in Keelung City, and it’s built around one big idea: the geology is the main attraction. The park spans about 71 hectares, so you’re not just stopping at one viewpoint. You’re moving through a living classroom of rock shapes shaped by wind, waves, and time.

The park is known for sea erosion landforms, unusual rock formations, and fossils. That matters because it changes how you experience the coastline. Instead of seeing the ocean as scenery, you start noticing the clues the shoreline leaves behind.

You’ll also find endemic flora and fauna in the park, plus hiking trails that let you take your time. If you like places where nature and science overlap, this one fits well.

What You Pay $3.80 for (And What You Don’t Get)

The ticket is simple: you’re buying the Heping Island (Peace Island) Geopark Entrance Ticket. At $3.80 per person, the value is mostly in access—especially in a UNESCO-designated setting where the main attractions are spread out.

What’s included:

• Entry to Heping Island Geopark

What’s not included:

• Souvenirs or any extra photograph costs
• Audio guide hire (so bring your own plan for learning: signage, any available education sessions, or your phone)
• Restricted access
• Alabao Bay (explicitly not included)

If you’re the type who wants a guided story on every stop, plan to spend time reading on-site information or catching an educational program when it lines up. If you’re fine with self-guided sightseeing, this ticket is a bargain.

QR Code Entry: How to Actually Get In

This is one of those attractions where the logistics are refreshingly clear.

When you arrive, you’ll redeem your physical ticket using the QR code. Present the QR code at the ticket counter, and you’ll receive your entry ticket.

Based on the experience reported for this booking type, there’s no special rigmarole once you have the QR code ready. That’s the kind of smooth entry that helps when you’re trying to fit Keelung into a larger Taiwan plan.

Practical note: admissions for children under 6 are free with an ID card, so if you’re traveling with kids, keep that document handy.

A Real One-Day Plan: Walking Between the Rock Icons

The ticket is valid for 1 day, and the park is open daily (with seasonal hours—more on that below). With a day pass, you can build your own pace, but the core highlights cluster around the famous erosion-rock landmarks.

Here’s a way to structure your day so you don’t feel like you’re rushing through the geology:

Start With Orientation at the Entrance

Give yourself a little time right after entry to get oriented. The park is spread across a sizeable area, so you’ll enjoy the day more if you pick a direction early and then loop back at a slower pace.

Think of this as setting your mental map: where you’ll first find the rock icons, and how you’ll work your way toward the coastline sections.

Elephant Rock: The Classic Erosion Landmark Stop

Elephant Rock is one of the signature stops, and it’s exactly the kind of formation that makes the rest of the park click. The point isn’t just the shape—it’s the fact that it exists because of natural erosion processes over long periods.

When you stand here, look at how the rock’s form relates to the shoreline. It’s a helpful starting point because once you understand erosion as the cause, the other formations make more sense.

Possible drawback: if you’re expecting a fully indoor, museum-style explanation, you’ll need to rely on what you can observe outdoors and any on-site educational materials.

Mushroom Rock: Notice the Shape Differences

Next, head toward Mushroom Rock. In a park like this, small differences matter. A formation that looks like a mushroom cap isn’t just a fun photo. It suggests uneven erosion—parts that resisted weathering longer, and parts that were worn down faster.

If you like comparing shapes, this stop works well because it turns your walking route into a “rock-by-rock” lesson.

Candlestick Rock: Finish the Icon Set

You’ll also want to visit Candlestick Rock, another landmark created by long-term erosion. By the time you reach this one, you’re probably already noticing patterns: how the sea and wind shape what you’re seeing.

This is a great point in the day to slow down. You’ll get more out of the coastline if you pause and connect the dots between each formation and the forces that made it.

Work In Time for Trails and Coastal Erosion Views

After you’ve hit the big three rock icons, spend time on the park’s numerous hiking trails. The trails are what help you feel like you experienced the place rather than just collecting landmarks.

The park is also known for sea erosion landforms across the coastline. Even without a formal itinerary with numbered stops, you’ll likely find additional points where the rock meets the sea in interesting ways.

The best use of the trails is simple: take your time and let the coastline and rock formations “teach” you. If you rush, you’ll miss the cause-and-effect details.

The Geology Education: Why This UNESCO World Geopark Feels Different

Heping Island Geopark is recognized as a UNESCO World Geopark, and that designation isn’t just decorative. It signals that the place has meaningful geological features and that the site aims to share those features with visitors in a responsible way.

Here’s what that means for your experience:

• You’re not just looking at pretty rocks.
• You’re seeing erosion processes, landforms, and fossils that help explain how the coast changed over time.
• You may have access to educational formats such as workshops, lectures, and field trips.

Even if you don’t join a structured session, the park’s educational intent affects the vibe. You’ll see information oriented toward understanding geology, and that makes your self-guided walk more rewarding.

One more thing I’d keep in mind: the park covers about 71 hectares, and you’re moving through outdoors spaces. That’s part of the learning. The best way to “get it” here is to walk, compare shapes, and watch how the coastline frames everything.

Nature Walk Perks: Flora, Fauna, and Endemic Life

This isn’t only a rock-and-coast show. The park includes diverse flora and fauna, including species endemic to the region.

You don’t need to be an expert biologist to appreciate this layer. When a geopark has both geology and living ecosystems, you get a fuller sense of why the place matters. Rock formations create micro-environments, and the coastline supports different types of vegetation than inland areas.

If you enjoy quiet moments—pausing on a trail, spotting small plants, or just taking in the natural setting—this park gives you that space. It’s also a good break from city touring in Keelung.

Opening Hours and Last Entry: Plan Around Daylight

Timing matters here because the park has last entrance rules, which differ by season.

Open hours:

• May 1 to Oct 31: 8:00–19:00, last entrance at 18:00
• Nov 1 to Apr 31: 8:00–18:00, last entrance at 17:00

If your day in Keelung is tight, I’d aim to arrive with enough buffer to walk the main rock stops without sprinting. Since you’re doing it in a 1-day window, you want daylight to spare for trails and coastline views.

Outdoor pool hours (if you’re passing through):

• May 1 to Oct 31: 8:00–18:00
• Nov 1 to Apr 31: 8:00–17:00

The pool isn’t the reason to come, but if your schedule includes downtime, it can help you plan around what’s open.

Practical Tips So You Don’t Waste Time at the Park

This ticket experience is mostly about simple access and following on-site notices.

A few practical points based on the rules provided:

• Present your QR code at the ticket counter to receive your entry ticket.
• Follow park entry notices and outdoor pool notices when relevant.
• Expect that restricted access areas are off-limits with this admission.
• Plan around the fact that Alabao Bay is not included.

Bring an easy mindset: this is a self-guided day that works best when you let the geology slow you down. Also, since souvenirs and photos may carry extra costs, you might want to decide in advance if you’re doing light shopping or just focusing on the sights.

And because this place includes hiking trails, wear footwear that works on walking paths. Even without knowing trail difficulty, uneven outdoor ground is part of any hiking-style area.

Who This Geopark Ticket Fits Best

Heping Island Geopark is a strong match if:

• You like natural science sites where you can see the evidence in real formations.
• You want a low-cost stop in Keelung that still feels like a full experience.
• You prefer walking and independent pacing over scheduled, scripted tours.
• You’re the type who enjoys reading signs and connecting a shape to a process like erosion.

It may not be ideal if:

• You only want a highly structured, guided narrative.
• You’re hoping this ticket includes audio interpretation or full coverage of every area like Alabao Bay.

Should You Book This Heping Island Geopark Entry Ticket?

If you’re in Keelung and you want a value-packed outdoor day, I’d book it. The $3.80 price is hard to beat for entry into a UNESCO World Geopark with recognizable landmarks like Elephant Rock, Mushroom Rock, and Candlestick Rock. The QR-code entry also sounds smooth, which matters when you’re balancing multiple stops.

I’d especially recommend booking if you’re curious about how coastlines change and you enjoy learning by walking. Just go in knowing it’s an entry ticket, not a fully packaged guided experience—and you should plan around what isn’t included, like restricted access and Alabao Bay.

If you want a simple, affordable way to experience UNESCO geology in northern Taiwan, this one fits the bill.

FAQ

How much does the Heping Island Geopark entry ticket cost?

The ticket price is $3.80 per person.

How long is the ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for 1 day. You’ll want to check availability to see the starting times.

How do I enter the park with my booking?

You redeem the physical ticket using the QR code. Present the QR code at the ticket counter to receive the entry ticket.

What are the opening hours?

From May 1 to Oct 31, it’s 8:00–19:00 with last entrance at 18:00. From Nov 1 to Apr 31, it’s 8:00–18:00 with last entrance at 17:00.

Is an audio guide included with the ticket?

No. Audio guide hire is not included.

Does the ticket include Alabao Bay?

No. Admissions do not include Alabao Bay.

Are there any restricted access areas?

Yes. Admissions do not include restricted access.

Are children under 6 admitted for free?

Yes. Children under 6 can get free admission with an ID card.

Is the outdoor pool included in the ticket?

The ticket is for park entry only. The outdoor pool has its own open hours, but the pool isn’t listed as part of what’s included with the ticket.

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