Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock is a sandstone headland on the northeast coast near Shen’ao Fishing Port, in Ruifang District, New Taipei, just east of Keelung. For years it was famous for a rock arch shaped like an elephant dipping its trunk into the sea.
Please note: the “trunk” collapsed into the sea on 16 December 2023. The headland is still open and free to visit, with fine coastal views, and locals now joke that the remaining rock looks like a capybara.
Plan your visit to Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock
- Entry: free
- Open 24 hours (go in daylight)
- Time needed: about 1 hour
History of Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock
The formation is soft sandstone, shaped over thousands of years by waves and wind into an arch that became one of the north coast’s most photographed sights. Ongoing erosion undercut the arch, and on 16 December 2023 the trunk fell into the sea. The site stays open as a viewpoint, a reminder of how quickly this coastline changes.
Attractions at Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock
- The headland: the remaining rock, now nicknamed “Capybara Rock”.
- Coastal rock platforms: eroded sandstone shapes, tide pools and sea views.
- Shen’ao Fishing Port: a small working harbour next to the headland.
- North coast scenery: views along the coast towards Badouzi and Keelung.
Things to Do at Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock
- Walk out to the viewpoint: a short, rough path leads up the headland.
- Photography: late afternoon light is good on the sandstone.
- Tide pools: look but don’t take anything, and keep an eye on the waves.
- Eat seafood at the fishing port.
Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
Entry is free and the site is open at all times, but go in daylight. The path is uneven dirt and rock with no railings in places and is not wheelchair accessible. Wear good shoes, stay back from the edges and avoid it in strong winds or high seas.
How Long to Spend at Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock
About 1 hour, or half a day if you combine it with Badouzi and Keelung Maritime Plaza.
How to Get There
- By train: take Taiwan Railway to Ruifang, change to the Shen’ao Line and get off at Badouzi Station, then walk about 1 km along the coast.
- By bus: buses along the north coast road from Keelung and Ruifang stop near Shen’ao; check the local timetable.
- By car or scooter: about 10 km east of central Keelung on Provincial Highway 2, with paid parking at the port.
Arriving at Taoyuan Airport? Book a fixed-price airport transfer straight to your Keelung or Taipei hotel.
Eateries Nearby Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock
Shen’ao Fishing Port has a few simple seafood restaurants, known for squid and the day’s catch. For more choice, head to Miaokou Night Market in Keelung or the teahouses of Jiufen.
Other Attractions Nearby Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock
- Keelung Maritime Plaza: a waterfront deck in central Keelung.
- Houtong Cat Village: a former mining village known for its community cats.
- Badouzi and Chaojing Park: coastal parks next to Badouzi Station.
- Jiufen Old Street: a hillside town with teahouses and sea views.
Before your trip
- Find hotels in Keelung: the closest city base for the northeast coast.
- Get a Taiwan eSIM on Klook before you land (unlimited data, Chunghwa Telecom network).
Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock lost its famous trunk in December 2023, but the headland is still a free and scenic stop on Taiwan’s northeast coast. Go in daylight, wear sturdy shoes and treat the eroding rock with care.
Pair it with Keelung Maritime Plaza and a visit to Houtong Cat Village.