Xiaoyeliu

Xiaoyeliu takes its name from Yehliu on the north coast, which it resembles: sandstone and shale beds tilted and then worked by sea and wind into mushroom-stalk pillars, honeycombed faces, cuestas and the rectangular jointing that Taiwanese call tofu rock. The beds run right down to the water and can be walked over. It is far quieter than its northern namesake and has a visitor centre and a coastal path.

What you actually see

• The mushroom rocks - sandstone pillars undercut into stalks by weathering.
• The tofu rock - rectangular jointing splitting the beds into blocks.
• The honeycomb faces - pitted weathering across the softer sandstone.
• The coastal path - a walk along the shore above the rock platform.

When to go

October to April is the most comfortable; summer on the rock is very hot with no shade. Early morning gives the best light. High surf makes the lower platform dangerous.

Honest expectations

The rock is slippery when wet and the platform has no barriers. There is no shade at all. It is a one-hour stop rather than a destination.

Nearby

Taitung city is south, and Dulan is north up the coast.