No need to wait for summer—the green-clad Laomei Rock Pools are here, plus a hidden gem of sea sounds scenery

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Located in Shimen District, New Taipei City, the “Laomei Rock Pools” are Taiwan’s only rock pool landscape and quite well-known. In previous years, they would only turn lush green around April, but this winter’s higher-than-usual temperatures have led to particularly thriving seaweed, which had already greened up most of the area by early January. Now, as we approach March and the season gradually shifts into spring, these green seaweeds are even denser than they were in January—just snap a photo to capture the unique natural beauty of vast green algae.

▲ This year’s warm winter has brought an early green to Laomei Rock Pools. (Photo provided by netizen leelee_fung. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

▲ The unique green scenery of Laomei Rock Pools. (Photo provided by netizen wing630308. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

These neatly arranged volcanic reef rocks have been shaped by long-term wave erosion into nearly 2 kilometers of longitudinal grooves, about 50 centimeters deep—truly spectacular. Each spring, the green seaweed clings to the originally gray-black rock pools of Taiwan’s northern coast, as if draping them in a vast green carpet. In the past, they were at their most beautiful and lush around April and May, then turned white and withered under the summer sun before regrowing the following year. This once-a-year cycle of life creates a seasonal spectacle unique to the northern coast.

In addition to the spectacular expanse of green rocks at Laomei Rock Pools, there is also a hidden photo spot along the coast—a protruding stone jetty that extends toward the sea, much like the once viral Hsinchu hidden gem “Sea Sounds.” When waves crash ashore, the white foam contrasts beautifully with the calm gray stone jetty. If you have a chance to visit Laomei Rock Pools, be sure to check out this seascape spot too.

▲ A hidden photo spot strikingly similar to Sea Sounds. (Photo provided by netizen gavenlu. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Laomei Green Rock Pools
By car: From the North Coast Highway at km 27, look for the overpass near Zhutantang and turn left to enter the Laomei village.
By bus: Take a bus from Tamsui to Jinshan or Keelung (operated by Taiwan Motor Transport) or a bus from Tamsui to Jinshan (operated by Tamsui Bus), and get off at Laomei Station.