Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock

Tourist attraction
★ 4.9 (12K+ reviews) • 246K+ booked
Discover the captivating allure of Shen'ao Elephant Trunk Rock in New Taipei, a once-iconic natural wonder along Taiwan’s North Coast. Nestled in the Ruifang District of New Taipei City, this geological marvel was shaped by years of wind and sea erosion, resembling an elephant with its trunk dipping into the ocean. Although the trunk collapsed in December 2023, the site continues to draw travelers from around the globe for its breathtaking coastal views and unique rock formations. This must-visit destination offers a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts and those looking to immerse themselves in the scenic beauty of Taiwan's rugged coastline.
See more
See more
Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock, New Taipei City, Taiwan

The best of Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock

Bucket-list experiences

New Taipei: DPS Dream Practitioner - Elephant Trunk Rock SUP Stand Up Paddle Experience
$ 74.95
National Museum of Marine Science and Technology Ticket in Keelung

National Museum of Marine Science and Technology Ticket in Keelung

Bestseller
Easy refund
Instant confirmation
★ 4.8 (2,114)
From $ 7.29
$ 8.59
Taipei: Yehliu & Jiufen & Shifen Day Tour (Depart from Ximen/Taipei 101)

Taipei: Yehliu & Jiufen & Shifen Day Tour (Depart from Ximen/Taipei 101)

Bestseller
Easy refund
Instant confirmation
★ 4.8 (1,113)
From $ 46.20
35 off
Sale
Keelung: i OCEAN Admission Ticket

Keelung: i OCEAN Admission Ticket

Easy refund
Instant confirmation
Book now for today
★ 4.7 (895)
$ 10.70
$ 12.85
Keelung Heping Island Park E-ticket

Keelung Heping Island Park E-ticket

Bestseller
Easy refund
Instant confirmation
★ 4.8 (1,131)
From $ 2.59
Heping Island, Shifen and Jiufen Day Tour from Taipei

Heping Island, Shifen and Jiufen Day Tour from Taipei

Bestseller
Easy refund
Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (812)
From $ 61.09
New Taipei Gold Museum E-Ticket

New Taipei Gold Museum E-Ticket

Easy refund
Instant confirmation
Book now for today
★ 4.6 (437)
From $ 3.45
One-day tour to Yehliu/Jiufen Old Street/Shifen Old Street (Cantonese speaking tour guide)
$ 29.95
$ 42.85
Jiufen Red Lantern Prayer Experience Ticket

Jiufen Red Lantern Prayer Experience Ticket

Easy refund
Instant confirmation
★ 4.2 (13)
From $ 10.70
$ 14.99
Taipei: Private Tour to Jiufen, Yehliu Geopark, and Pingxi

Taipei: Private Tour to Jiufen, Yehliu Geopark, and Pingxi

Easy refund
Instant confirmation
★ 4.9 (123)
$ 141.35
Buy 3 get 18 off
Sale
Traditional Qipao Experience in Jiufen

Traditional Qipao Experience in Jiufen

Easy refund
★ 4.5 (122)
From $ 25.75
25 off
Sale
Taipei: Private Full-Day Northern Taiwan Tour from Taipei

Taipei: Private Full-Day Northern Taiwan Tour from Taipei

Private group
Easy refund
Instant confirmation
★ 5.0 (39)
From $ 128.49
Exclusive price
Sale

Make it a getaway

Just Live Inn Keelung

Just Live Inn Keelung

Instant confirmation
★ 4.6 (283)
From $ 81.31
Evergreen Laurel Hotel Keelung

Evergreen Laurel Hotel Keelung

Instant confirmation
★ 4.6 (1,052)
From $ 164.71
Adagio Jinguashi

Adagio Jinguashi

Instant confirmation
★ 4.6 (52)
From $ 143.76
$ 201.38
Hotel BEGINS

Hotel BEGINS

Instant confirmation
★ 4.9 (37)
From $ 109.53
Daybreak

Daybreak

Instant confirmation
★ 4.2 (5)
From $ 220.08
$ 231.23
CF Kite Homestay

CF Kite Homestay

Instant confirmation
★ 3.8 (37)
From $ 50.73
$ 72.16
H& Jiufen The Ocean Theory

H& Jiufen The Ocean Theory

Instant confirmation
★ 4.9 (73)
From $ 80.1
$ 123.82
Rose Villa

Rose Villa

Instant confirmation
★ 4.6 (71)
From $ 81.32
$ 102.21
Kyufun Komachi

Kyufun Komachi

Instant confirmation
★ 4.8 (108)
From $ 96.41
Happy House B&B, Juifan

Happy House B&B, Juifan

Instant confirmation
★ 4.2 (176)
From $ 92.56
Jiufen Chiu Chunt Dint

Jiufen Chiu Chunt Dint

Instant confirmation
★ 4.8 (271)
From $ 110.95
Gold Stone Crescent Moon Light

Gold Stone Crescent Moon Light

Instant confirmation
★ 4.4 (9)
From $ 162.84

All that's good & tasty

Skyline Teahouse in Jiufen

Skyline Teahouse in Jiufen

Bestseller
Easy refund
★ 4.5 (366)
$ 21.39
$ 25.65
Jioufen Teahouse|Artist Teahouse in Jiufen
$ 32.95
$ 47.15
SIIDCHA Teahouse-Jiufen View

SIIDCHA Teahouse-Jiufen View

Easy refund
Book now for today
★ 4.0 (6)
$ 21.39
$ 25.65
Jiufen Seaview Restaruant-Ruifang District, New Taipei-Skyline Restaurant

Jiufen Seaview Restaruant-Ruifang District, New Taipei-Skyline Restaurant

Easy refund
Instant confirmation
Book now for today
★ 5.0 (1)
From $ 20.35
$ 21.45
Evergreen Laurel Hotel Keelung-Sea View Cafe-buffet

Evergreen Laurel Hotel Keelung-Sea View Cafe-buffet

Easy refund
Instant confirmation
Book now for today
★ 4.0 (1)
From $ 42.85

More to explore

Private City Transfers between Taipei and Jiufen or Shifen

Private City Transfers between Taipei and Jiufen or Shifen

City transfers
Easy refund
Instant confirmation
★ 4.8 (213)
$ 65.49
Taipei - Jiufen Old Street Bus Ticket | Taipei Bus

Taipei - Jiufen Old Street Bus Ticket | Taipei Bus

Easy refund
Instant confirmation
★ 5.0 (1)
$ 3.85

Why people love Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock

4.9 /5
12K+ reviews
Read all reviews
Reyhan ******
3 days ago
thank you for this enjoyable trip. hoping to see you again Taiwan. thank you to our guide, Bratt, for the wonderful journey. 🫰🫰
Nikki ****
2 days ago
Excellent day trip out of Taipei! The itinerary was well planned and all places were worth visiting. our tour guide, Nana (Josefina) was terrific. She went above and beyond to provide us all with the best services and experiences. We couldn’t thank her enough. Our driver was also wonderful even though he couldn’t communicate with us in English. He did his best to accommodate us and made us feel safe and comfortable. This trip was definitely one of the highlights of our first Taiwan trip.
2+
Klook用戶
3 days ago
we joined the tour on a day had whole day crazy rain. Though, our guide crystal still paid her 100% effort and high energy level to lead us and gave us information on the places we visited, recommendations on foods and souvenir. Nice tour to visit these wonderful places. Just a note, I thought it’s bilingual but mainly English.
JuinRen ***
4 days ago
Thanks.. Very good experience. Really looking forward to join next time. Nice tour guide. All the best
2+
純子 **
4 days ago
Our guide, Zhang Jingrong, told us very interesting stories about Taiwan on the bus, and he spoke good Japanese, so we were very reliable. The tour was packed with content, so we kept a close eye on the clock as we rushed, but he told us interesting stories about the parks, waterfalls, and each place. On the bus, he made a reservation in advance for a wonderful tea shop in Jiufen, our final destination, so we were able to enjoy tea without having to wait in line. Thanks to that break, we were able to climb the stairs in Jiufen with energy. When we got off, he also explained about the nearby night market, and was really helpful until the very end. It was my first time booking a tour online, so I was a little worried, but there were no problems and it was a very enjoyable trip. Thank you!
2+
Klook User
5 days ago
What an amazing experience to be in this place. This place is majestic especially at night, I also love the atmosphere of most shops here and the free tastes are good!
Tat ************
5 days ago
Crystal was our tour guide and is very enthusiastic throughout the trip. We had a fun time with the trip and experiencing a lot of different variety of activities.
Sook ********
5 days ago
Imma our tour guide was the best. It was the rainiest day ever but she was very fun, energetic and gave lots of insightful tips and stories yet not overstepping boundaries. Very professional and casual vibes. She would be the perfect tour guide if I were to describe a tour guide characteristics. The bus and all stops and etc were the best it could get aside from the rain being a bummer. Yehliu was skippable for me and I actually skipped the waterfalls and just rested on the bus. Imma offered us group buys for some items to make sure we didn't waste time waiting for food etc. It was very helpful. Bus was clean and very well kept. It was full. We got on from the ximending location which was 1 bus full and it was said to be much better as the taipei main station was said to be a super big group with 5 groups. if it is going to rain the full day , bring an umbrella and also buy their raincoat offered everywhere. It is good quality for TWD100. the disposable raincoats we get that are plastic etc, won't help much. Theirs are good quality.

Nearby places to go

909K+ visitors
825K+ visitors
268K+ visitors
389K+ visitors
200+ visitors
616K+ visitors
247K+ visitors
71K+ visitors
2M+ visitors

FAQs about Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock

When is the best time to visit Shen'ao Elephant Trunk Rock in New Taipei?

How can I get to Shen'ao Elephant Trunk Rock from Taipei?

Is it safe to visit Shen'ao Elephant Trunk Rock?

What local cuisine should I try when visiting Shen'ao?

What is the best time of day to visit Shen'ao Elephant Trunk Rock for great views?

What transportation options are available to reach Shen'ao Elephant Trunk Rock?

What safety tips should I keep in mind when visiting Shen'ao Elephant Trunk Rock?

What to know before visiting Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock

Remarkable Landmarks and Must-Visit Sights

Elephant Trunk Rock

Although the iconic Elephant Trunk Rock has collapsed, the area remains a must-visit for its breathtaking coastal scenery and fascinating geological formations. The natural arch, once resembling an elephant's trunk, was sculpted by the relentless forces of wind and seawater. Today, visitors can still enjoy the stunning views and explore the surrounding rock formations, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

Jiufen

Just a short drive from Shen'ao, Jiufen is a delightful hilltop village that transports you back in time. Wander through its narrow alleyways, savor local delicacies, and sip tea in traditional teahouses while soaking in panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Jiufen's rich history and charming atmosphere make it an unmissable destination for anyone exploring Taiwan's northern coast.

Yehliu Geopark

Yehliu Geopark is a geological wonderland that will leave you in awe. Home to the famous 'Queen’s Head' rock, this park features an array of unique rock formations shaped by natural forces over millennia. As you stroll through the park, you'll gain fascinating insights into the region's natural history, making it both an educational and visually stunning experience. Don't forget your camera—every corner of Yehliu is a photo opportunity waiting to happen!

Cultural and Historical Significance

Shen'ao and its neighboring areas are steeped in cultural and historical richness. The landscape, sculpted by natural forces over thousands of years, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. The collapse of the iconic Elephant Trunk Rock serves as a poignant reminder of the ever-evolving nature of our planet.

Local Cuisine

When visiting Shen'ao and Jiufen, make sure to treat your taste buds to an array of local Taiwanese delicacies. Don't miss out on taro balls, herbal rice cakes, and the renowned Jiufen peanut ice cream roll. The bustling night markets are a culinary paradise, showcasing the unique and delightful flavors of the region.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The Shen'Ao Promontory, part of the Fanzi'Ao Mountain, was once a restricted military zone and only became accessible to the public around the year 2000. Today, it stands as a beloved tourist spot, rich in history and natural beauty.

Scenic Views

The cape at Shen'ao offers breathtaking vistas of Taiwan's northern coastline. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Keelung, Ruifang, and the charming tourist town of Jiufen in the distance.

Geological Features

The lower part of the mountain near the shoreline is adorned with unique rock formations, akin to those found at Yehliu and Peace Island. These formations have been meticulously shaped by thousands of years of weathering and erosion, creating a geological wonderland.

Culture and History

The Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock has long been a significant natural landmark, sculpted by nature over centuries. Although its collapse in 2023 marked the end of an era, the site remains a powerful testament to the region’s rich geological history.

Local Cuisine

While exploring the area, be sure to savor the local Taiwanese cuisine. Nearby Jiufen is a haven for food lovers, offering street foods like taro balls, fish balls, and herbal teas, each providing a unique taste of the region’s culinary heritage.