Nanya Rock Formations

　　Nanya Rock Formations are located near New Taipei City in Taiwan, China, situated along the North Coast Highway, and serve as a scenic spot on the Northeast Coast. The coastal rocks are wildly diverse in shape and can be considered the most iconic feature of the Northeast Coast.

　　This section of coastline at Nanya features steep mountain terrain and highly distinctive scenery. Most remarkably, the area is scattered with oddly shaped, naturally sculpted weathered rock patterns that resemble an outdoor sculpture museum. The vibrantly colored weathering lines add to the aesthetic charm of the Nanya rocks. When driving past Nanya, be sure to stop at the roadside parking lot, take a walk, and let the breathtaking beauty of these unusual rock formations enter your eyes and heart—fully immersing yourself in the wonders of nature.

　　The rock layers in this area of Nanya consist of Dapu Formation sandstone, which contains numerous vertical joints. These joints have eroded over time due to weathering, forming needle-like or columnar rock peaks. Influenced by the frequent wind and rain brought by the northeastern monsoon, the joints in the sandstone are easily eroded and weathered, causing iron-rich minerals within the rocks to oxidize and form striped patterns of iron oxide. Depending on the orientation and hardness of the rock joints, different rates of erosion occur. Typically, the joint surfaces and softer parts of the rock erode more easily, breaking away and gradually creating an uneven surface. Coupled with ongoing weathering, the rocks develop varying shades of color, resulting in uniquely shaped stones—some even referred to as “ice cream rocks.”

　　Nanya Rock Formations Must-visit reason: The most extraordinary rock formations along Taiwan’s Northeast Coast Continent: Asia [Asia] Country/Region: Taiwan [Taiwan] Province/State: New Taipei City [New Taipei City]