Shen'ao Elephant Trunk Rock
A natural sandstone arch resembling an elephant's trunk, sculpted by the sea, offering scenic coastal views and sunrise vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Shen'ao Elephant Trunk Rock
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A natural sandstone arch resembling an elephant's trunk, sculpted by the sea, offering scenic coastal views and sunrise vistas.
"The scenery is wonderful, but wouldn’t worth to go all that way only for the view though."
📸 Manage Photo Expectations
Recent collapses mean the 'elephant' now looks like a 'capybara'. Guards may restrict access for safety. Bring a long selfie pole!
🚶♀️ Walk from the Harbor
It's a pleasant 10-15 minute walk from Shenao Fishing Port to the rock formation.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Elephant Trunk Rock
Shenao Cape
A natural sandstone arch sculpted by erosion, resembling an elephant's trunk dipping into the sea.
Sunrise Views
Shenao Cape
Witness breathtaking sunrises over the Pacific Ocean, offering a tranquil and mesmerizing backdrop.
Shenao Fishing Port
Near Elephant Trunk Rock
A charming small port with a picturesque setting, offering a pleasant contrast to the natural rock formations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Elephant Trunk
Best Time for Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Manage Photo Expectations
Recent collapses mean the 'elephant' now looks like a 'capybara'. Guards may restrict access for safety. Bring a long selfie pole!
🚶♀️ Walk from the Harbor
It's a pleasant 10-15 minute walk from Shenao Fishing Port to the rock formation.
☀️ Seek Sunrise Serenity
For a tranquil experience and stunning views, aim for sunrise.
👟 Not for Little Kids
The path to the top isn't well-maintained and can be adventurous, so it's not ideal for young children.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Manage Photo Expectations
Recent collapses mean the 'elephant' now looks like a 'capybara'. Guards may restrict access for safety. Bring a long selfie pole!
🚶♀️ Walk from the Harbor
It's a pleasant 10-15 minute walk from Shenao Fishing Port to the rock formation.
☀️ Seek Sunrise Serenity
For a tranquil experience and stunning views, aim for sunrise.
👟 Not for Little Kids
The path to the top isn't well-maintained and can be adventurous, so it's not ideal for young children.
🌊 Explore Water Activities
Kayaking and snorkeling are popular activities around the rock formation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Shenao Elephant Trunk Rock a scenic spot with potential for beautiful sunrises, though recent rock collapses have altered its iconic shape, leading some to humorously call it a 'capybara.' While free to visit and offering a pleasant walk from the harbor, access to prime viewing spots can be restricted, and it's not ideal for young children due to the terrain.
"2nd time back, couldn't see the elephant trunk rock but the sunset scene was poetic, few people, cool wind, peaceful 🇹🇼"
Quynh Pham
"The place can be reached in 10~15 minutes on foot from the harbor. It's free. It's quite nice for the rocky formations and scenery. But you shouldn't expect too much, because you can't actually see the entire rock formation, as a guard (and rope) prevents you from getting too close. So actually, you never see it like in the official photos (or bring a long selfie pole !). Also, on weekends, it can get a bit crowded, so don't expect solitary ocean gazing, but it's nice to get away from the crowd and cliff, in order to walk along the rocky beach."
Martin Marc-Olivier
"I came for an elephant 🐘, you offer me a capybara 🤨
Let me explain why 3 stars.
I ask for the admin to update the name of the place ! Indeed, I went there 2 weeks ago, expecting to see an elephant.
It happens that last year, the front rocks collapsed. As a consequence, there is no elephant anymore, but they call it now a capybara.
No real path to reach the top. Not a problem for me since I am quite adventurous. But definitely not suited for children.
The scenery is wonderful, but wouldn’t worth to go all that way only for the view though. The small port downhill is very charming.
The place is Not easily accessible by public transportation."
KM
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The rock is located near Shenao Fishing Port in Ruifang District, New Taipei City. Public transportation can be challenging, so driving or taking a taxi from nearby towns is often recommended. From the harbor, it's about a 10-15 minute walk.
While possible, it's not easily accessible by public transport. Researching bus routes and schedules in advance is crucial if you plan to rely on them.
There is parking available near Shenao Fishing Port, which is the closest point to the rock formation. From there, you can walk to the site.
The most common approach is to park at Shenao Fishing Port and walk to the rock. Be aware that access to the closest viewpoints might be restricted.
Yes, many visitors combine a trip to Elephant Trunk Rock with visits to Shifen Old Street, Shifen Waterfall, and Zhengbin Port Color Houses.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to Shenao Elephant Trunk Rock and the surrounding area is free of charge.
The area is accessible at all times, but it's best visited during daylight hours for safety and visibility. Sunrise and sunset offer particularly beautiful views.
No, tickets are not required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit spontaneously.
Access to the very closest viewpoints might be restricted by a guard and rope due to safety concerns after rock collapses.
While the area is generally open, it's advisable to visit during daylight hours for safety and to appreciate the scenery. Sunrise is a popular time.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise offers a magical light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for photography. Golden hour before sunset can also be beautiful.
Due to restricted access, getting the iconic shot can be tricky. Some visitors use long selfie poles to capture the full formation.
Yes, the charming Shenao Fishing Port and the unique mushroom-shaped rocks nearby offer additional photo opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the expansive coastal scenery. A tripod can be beneficial for sunrise shots.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in the area to ensure compliance.
🎫 🌊 Onsite Experience
Visitors can enjoy the scenic views, take photos, and some popular activities include kayaking and snorkeling in the surrounding waters.
While some people do swim and snorkel, be aware of currents and conditions. Always prioritize safety and check local advice. 
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the path from the harbor. If you plan on water activities, bring swimwear.
Facilities are generally limited. It's advisable to use restrooms at Shenao Fishing Port before heading to the rock.
Following rock collapses, the formation no longer perfectly resembles an elephant's trunk and is humorously referred to as a 'capybara' by some visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🌊 Adventure Seekers
While the walk to the rock is straightforward, the terrain can be rugged, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of exploration. Be aware of the natural changes to the rock formation itself, which adds an element of unpredictability to the visit. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology and Evolution of Elephant Trunk Rock
While the iconic 'trunk' is the main draw, it's important to note that natural processes can alter these formations. Recent rock collapses have changed the appearance of the main feature, leading some to humorously compare it to a 'capybara' rather than an elephant. This highlights the dynamic nature of these coastal landscapes and the importance of respecting safety guidelines when visiting.
The surrounding geopark area is rich in natural beauty, offering a glimpse into Taiwan's diverse coastal geology. For those interested in natural history, the erosion patterns and rock types provide a fascinating study. The visual appeal, combined with the geological story, makes Shenao Elephant Trunk Rock a compelling destination.
Experiencing Shenao: Beyond the Rock
For the adventurous, the waters around Shenao Cape are ideal for watersports. Kayaking and snorkeling are particularly popular, allowing visitors to explore the coastline and marine life from a different perspective. The clear waters and unique rock formations create an exciting environment for these activities.
Many visitors combine their trip to Shenao with other popular nearby attractions, such as Shifen Old Street and Shifen Waterfall, making it a perfect addition to a day trip exploring the northeastern coast of Taiwan. This allows for a diverse itinerary, blending natural wonders with cultural experiences.
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