A hidden gem admired even by Oscar-winning directors: Could there be a March car in Hualien’s Shimen Cave?

▲ A naturally-formed stone cave resembling a March car, crafted by nature’s artistry. (Photo/IG)@wen_long_linPlease do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

By Reporter Cao Yuehua / Comprehensive Report

The East Coast of Taiwan is hailed as the island’s last piece of untouched land, and Hualien is a top choice for travelers seeking seaside views. Among the region’s attractions, the Shimen Recreation Area in Fengbin Township remains relatively mysterious compared to hotspots like Qixingtan and Shitiping, yet it featuresa stone cave shaped like a “March car,”a natural coincidence that amazes all who see it. This unique formation caught the eye of Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese, who used it as a filming location for *Silence* and even described it as “very magical, with an eternal quality.” The appeal of Shimen Cave is undeniable.

The uniquely shaped Shimen Cave is located within the Shimen Recreation Area in Hualien. The park lies north of Shitiping, at the foothills of Qishan and Maogongshan mountains. The name “Shimen” (Stone Gate) comes from a nearby sea erosion cave that resembles a gate.In addition to the sea erosion cave, the area also features sea erosion gullies and platforms, making it a composite version of Baxiandong and Taroko. The Shimen Cave is also a popular spot for local anglers. Nearby Shimen Beach, with its rocky shoreline, boasts rich marine ecosystems that serve as a haven for algae, along with frequent sightings of fish and shrimp—making it a living geography classroom.

▲ Be sure to check the tide schedule before exploring Shimen Recreation Area. (Photo/IG)@zzjjwwoPlease do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

Aside from its striking terrain, another highlight of Shimen Recreation Area is its uniquely shaped cave landscape. Among these, the small March-shaped cave is especially popular. Visitors often joke that they’ve arrived at a car showroom with no staff—where you can enjoy a test drive without any sales pitch.This Shimen Cave is actually a natural sea erosion cave, standing 5 meters tall and about 18 meters wide, with openings on all four sides.No matter where you peer out from, the view is distinctive—like stepping into a hidden paradise—with nothing but azure coastline beyond the cave entrance.

If you’re planning your next adventure to explore a hidden gem, consider a trip to Shimen Recreation Area to see if you can spot the little car. You can also experience the way local residents once told time by observing the sunlight streaming into the cave. One final reminder for those planning to go:swimming is prohibited on reef terrain, and you must check the tide schedule in advance to avoid arriving when the cave is flooded.

▲ The outline of the car becomes more visible when photographed from a distance. (Photo/IG)@osharebunnyPlease do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

Shimen Cave (with March car pattern)
Location: Inside Shimen Recreation Area; No. 3, Shimen, Shitiping, Gangkou Village, Fengbin Township, Hualien County (next to km 60.4 on Provincial Highway 11)