#September2025
Set out from the Bisha/Badouzi area, sail along the Fanzai'ao coast, embracing the azure blue and cloud walls, to Shen'ao's Elephant Trunk Rock. From an offshore perspective, witness how waves have sculpted sandstone and shale into a giant elephant. This short 60-90 minute trip offers a glimpse into the vastness and tenderness of the Northeast Coast.
• Name | Fanzi'ao Coast & Shen'ao Elephant Trunk Rock (Viewing from the Sea)
• Location | Ruifang District, New Taipei City (most departures are from Badouzi/Bisha Fishing Port in Zhongzheng District, Keelung, or Shen'ao Fishing Port in New Taipei City)
• Boat Ticket | Varies depending on route and company, approximately NT$300–600 per person, charter boats are charged separately (please refer to on-site/official website announcements for details)
• Duration | Approximately 60–90 minutes; includes shoreline commentary and photo stops
• Best Season | Clear air in autumn and winter, dramatic cloud formations in spring and summer
• Warning | Due to heavy weathering, the access to Elephant Trunk Rock has long been closed; viewing from the sea is a safer and more spectacular option.
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Background and Development | The History of Wave Sculptors and "Fanzi'ao"
Fanzi'ao is nestled within the Northeast Cape Bay. The sandstone and shale layers along the coast are eroded by the northeast monsoon and wave action, gradually carving out sea platforms, sea caves, and ultimately, an arch. Shen'ao Elephant Trunk Rock embodies this kind of work: its arched shape resembles an elephant's trunk, reaching out to the sea surface. The waves, rising and falling, are its breath. In recent years, due to increased natural weathering and tourist trampling, the shoreline trail has been closed. Therefore, a roundabout boat ride offers the least intrusive and safest way to appreciate it. From the sea, the diagonal textures of the strata and the proportions of the arches become even clearer—geology is time's letter to the sea.
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Real Voyage Notes (Following the Photo Route)
① Leaving Harbor and the Cloud Wall
As the boat departed, clouds piled like cotton candy to starboard, and the mountain range stretched to port. The wind combed the waves into glittering patterns. Capturing the whitecaps at a shutter speed of 1/1000 creates a sense of speed.
② Reading the Strata Nearshore
As we approached the shore of Fanzai'ao, the grayish-white rock walls appeared as if sculpted by a knife, the dips and joints of the strata clear as a textbook. The guide pointed from the bow, "That's the seawall!"—the "geological blackboard" that only appears at low tide is now more fully visible from the sea.
③ Viewing Elephant Trunk Rock from a Distance
As the bow pointed east, the arch of Elephant Trunk Rock gradually took shape. As the waves passed under the arch, its shadow fell perfectly on the surface. The elephant truly "came to life." We changed angles on the deck several times, just to align the tip of the trunk with the horizon.
④ The "Blue" of the Return Voyage
The wind direction shifted on the return trip, and the sea surface took on a deeper indigo. The fishing villages and mountain towns in the distance seemed gently placed on a canvas. Putting down the camera, just looking at it was enough.
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8 Reasons I Recommend This Sea Viewing Trip
1. The Safest and Most Spectacular Perspective: With the shore closed, the view from the sea allows you to see the entire arch and stratigraphic lines.
2. The Short Voyage and Highly Rewarding: In less than 1.5 hours, you've seen the sea, clouds, and rocks all in one.
3. A rich variety of landforms: see sea platforms, sea caves, joints, and collapse surfaces all at once.
4. Dramatic cloud formations: The clouds over the northeast corner are truly dramatic, creating stunning photos.
5. Eco-friendly: Avoid treading on fragile rock faces, allowing nature to age at its own pace.
6. Excellent for photography: whitecaps astern, arch silhouettes, diagonal strata... a wide variety of subjects.
7. Suitable for families/elders: Wear a life jacket, sit tight, and enjoy the scenery; it's minimally tiring.
8. Easy to schedule nearby excursions: You can visit the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology, Chaojing Park, Jiufen, and other classic destinations on the same day.
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Sailing & Photography Cheat Sheet (Even with Your Phone) 📸
• Arch Alignment: Keep the tip of the elephant's trunk in line with the horizon for the cleanest images.
• Wave Motion: Stand at the stern to capture V-shaped waves; use continuous shooting mode to capture the crest of the wave.
• Stratus Trick: Exposure compensation -0.3 creates more three-dimensional cloud layers.
• Portrait: Stand about 1/3 of the way back to the sea, holding onto the railing. Remember to tuck your life jacket away and still be in the frame. This is both safe and a great story.
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Itinerary Suggestion (Applicable to both routes)
Half-Day Slow Tour
Badouzi/Bisha Fishing Port → Elephant Trunk Rock Sea View → Return to Harbor for Seafood → Chaojing Park Sea Erosion Platform → Marine Science Museum Permanent Exhibition
One-Day Classic Tour
Morning: Elephant Trunk Rock Fishing Port → Afternoon: Jiufen Old Street/Jinguashi Geopark → Evening Stroll along Keelung Harbor → End at Miaokou Night Market
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Food Review (Including Address | Post-Flight Supplies)
Bisha Fishing Port Tourist Fish Market
Address: No. 211, Beining Road, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City
My Order: Freshly Sliced Sashimi Platter + Grilled Shredded Pork Belly + Clam Soup The fish market boasts numerous stalls, all cooked to order, ensuring the fish is perfectly sweet and bouncy. Grilled food is cooked to perfection, and the sea breeze makes it even more fragrant.
Recommended: Closest to the Badouzi/Bisha Piers for boat trips, transparent pricing, ample seating, and perfect for a quick snack after taking photos at Elephant Trunk Rock.
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Safety and Environmental Tips (Must-Read)⚠️
• Wear a life jacket and attach a safety cord to your camera or phone. The sea can be rough, so hold onto the railings.
• Sun/Wind Protection: The sun and wind are both very strong, so a hat, long sleeves, sunscreen, and water are essential.
• Seasickness: Take seasickness medicine 30 minutes before departure. On board, look out into the distance instead of your phone.
• Don't litter: Strong winds can cause light objects to fall overboard. Let's preserve the blue of the northeast corner.
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Conclusion
Will Elephant Trunk Rock change again? It definitely will, as the wind and waves are constantly reshaping its lines. Therefore, the best way isn't to get close or touch, but to step back and quietly observe from the sea. That day, we were on deck, enveloped by cloud shadows, the arch rising and falling on the waves—you'll suddenly understand: the highlight of a trip isn't checking in, but the moment of witnessing time flow through the scenery. 🫶
Fanzi'ao Coast | Shen'ao Elephant Trunk Rock (Sea View) | Badouzi/Bisha Fishing Harbor Tourist Fish Market (No. 211, Beining Road, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City) | National Museum of Marine Science and Technology | Chaojing Park | Jiufen Old Street | Keelung Port
#NortheastCorner #Fanzi'ao #Elephant Trunk Rock #Sea View #Badouzi #Bisha Fishing Harbor #Shen'ao Fishing Harbor #Marine Science Museum #Chaojing Park #Keelung Cuisine #Ruifang #Jiufen #Taiwan Coastline #Geology 🌊
Post by Heinrich8588 | Sep 27, 2025
