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Known as Black Stone Nose, Wushibi is a rocky headland in northern Taiwan, often described as one of the most beautiful scenic bays on the island. 4 named hills span the proximity of Wushibi Coast Nature Reserve (烏石鼻海岸自然保留區), with Nanaolingbeifeng (南澳嶺北峰) being the highest peak at 727 meters (2,385 ft). Although the smallest hill, Wushibi (烏石鼻) is also the most prominent at 177 meters (581 ft).
Wushibi Coast Nature Reserve faces the endless Pacific Ocean and is the first stretch of sheer cliffs in the Suhua Coast Nature Reserve (蘇花海岸保護區). Guanyin Coast’s (觀音海岸野生動物重要棲息環境) dramatic bays lie directly south, with Qingshui Cliffs (清水斷崖) extending further south. From Wushibi to Qingshui, you won’t believe your eyes with the magical landscape of vertical hills, vibrant greenery, and a turquoise ocean.
Anytime is an ideal time to visit, with Wushibi Coast Nature Reserve’s annual average temperature of 72°F (22°C). January is the coldest month, with mild 63°F (17°C) daily means, while summer gets warm with 91°F (33°C) highs, so a refreshing swim in sea is the perfect respite.
Situated in Su’ao Township (蘇澳鎭) of Yilan County (宜蘭縣), Wushibi Coast Nature Reserve covers 347 ha (857 ac) of undulating land and an eroded peninsula. While you can’t access Wushibi’s gray pebble beach due to conservation efforts, you can admire the scenery from above at several observation decks stationed along the hillside trail. From the different viewpoints, you can observe the crumbling and weathered rocks from millions of years of sea erosion.
Another aspect that contributed towards erosion is the high rainfall of 4,000 mm (157 in) a year. Two seasons are particularly rainy and stormy: the winter northeast monsoon and summertime typhoons. The combination of rain, strong winds, and the fierce ocean are the perfect combined elements for weathering rocky shorelines.
The leafy landscape is gently undulating as the coastal mountains don’t exceed 727 meters (2,385 ft). As Wushibi Coast Nature Reserve’s hills are the northernmost extension of the Central Mountain Range (中央山脈), they’re less intense and much smaller than central Taiwan’s colossal and towering peaks. While Yushan (玉山) is 3,952 meters (12,966 ft), Wushibi Coast Nature Reserve's smallest hill is only 177 meters (581 ft). Besides Nanaolingbeifeng and Wushibi, the other two mountains in the zone are Nanaoling (南澳嶺) and Nanaolingxinanfeng (南澳嶺西南峰).
Wushibi has an ideal location, situated near Yilan City (宜蘭市) and close to other top attractions. Taipingshan National Forest (太平山國家森林遊樂區) is in the west, Nan’ao Broadleaf Forest (南澳闊葉樹林自然保留區) is south, and Guishan Island (龜山島) is to the northeast. Su’ao Cold Springs (蘇澳冷泉), a natural phenomenon and one of only two in the world, is located north.
The topography of Wushibi Coast Nature Reserve comprises black and green schists and limestone interlaced with gneiss. Along the pebble shores, there are washed-up collapsed boulders and broken rock from Wushibi’s headland. Wushibi’s cliffs are sharp and sheer, and the peninsula is both steep and crumbling.
A subtropical broadleaf forest of rich ground cover plants and ferns dominates the vegetation. There’s a total of 367 species of vascular plants in the whole region, 49 of which are ferns. Phoebe, ficus, and Machilus nanmu trees thrive in the dense woodlands.
Wushibi Coast Nature Reserve’s abundant forest attracts many birds, such as the five-color bird, ospreys, hummingbirds, and the white-throated laughingthrush. In addition, there are 18 groups of mammals, 19 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 113 kinds of butterflies.
Known for the Nanfangao Fishing Port that supplies 90% of Taiwan’s mackerel, Su’ao Township was once heavily guarded against coastal invasions. In 1889, the Su’ao Fort was built as protection against the French, with a keen eye on claiming Taiwan’s lands. The hillside bunker still stands today, and you can visit the remains of crumbling walls that look out onto the Pacific Ocean.
To best discover Wushibi Coast Nature Reserve and its surrounds, explore these major hiking trails and areas for fascinating views and scenic nature:
Trek the 4 km (2.5 mi) section of the Suhua Ancient Road, passing through lush broadleaf forests in the coastal hills. At the highest points of the trail, clear views of the majestic coastline stretch before you, a sight so beautiful you have to stop, stare and take it all in.
Tread onwards on the undulating road, dipping 20 meters (66 ft) above sea level and climbing to elevations of 700 meters (2,297 ft) on this old path connecting Su’ao to Hualien. A wonderfully scenic route, you’re constantly changing environments, from cliffside walks to the thick, dense groves, and admiring the scenery from above.
As the Suhua Ancient Road traces the ridgelines of Nanaolingbeifeng, Nanaoling, and Nanaolingxinanfeng, you’ll have unwavering views of Wushibi, Fenniaolin Fishing Port (粉鳥林漁港), and Dongao Bay (東澳灣) against the verdant hillside.
A natural phenomenon and largely popular attraction in Yilan County, Su’ao Cold Springs is one of two in the entire world. While the water temperature isn’t too icy at 72°F (22°C), it will feel cold at first being below the body’s natural temperature.
A wonderful retreat on those scorching summer days, there are many health benefits to bathing in cold springs. Your blood circulation will improve, causing you to focus better, and you’ll find any skin irritations will be at least partially cured. Locals and travellers love Su’ao Cold Springs for a fresh soak in the carbonated bath that leaves their skin glowing.
Discovered by the Japanese in 1928, the mineral-rich waters also hold the highest carbonic ion counts in all of Taiwan. This is why the water feels bubbly, soft, and so silky on your skin. Backed by a verdant forest and faces the ocean, so you’ll relax to the sound of crashing waves as you immerse your body in the crisp water.
Climb the coastal hill of Guishan (龜山) as you tread the Zhaoyang National Trail (朝陽國家步道) overlooking Wushibi and the Zhaoyang Fishing Port (朝陽漁港). While only 2.2 km (1.4 mi) in length, it's a steep ascent up a series of steps, but the panoramas are wonderfully worthwhile.
For most of the trail, a dense broadleaf forest of sweetgum and plum trees shade the path. However, in the clearings, you’ll have sweeping views of the bottle-green bay, rolling terrain and leafy emerald forests. At the four observation decks, admire the coastline that stretches from Wushibi towards the Guanyin coast as far as your eye can see.
Another breathtaking slice of paradise along Su’ao Township’s coastline is Neipi Beach (內埤海灘). A lesser-known spot than Dongao Bay, it's still beautifully scenic, and the soft black sand is a welcoming contrast from the usual pebble bays.
As it's a steep incline into the water and the currents are strong, swimming is not recommended, particularly with no lifeguard presence. However, that shouldn’t stop you from visiting. Grab a tea or coffee from the beachside cafe and have a moment as your take in the view and stroll across the whispering bay where the waves are fierce but a calming presence on the rugged shore.
Discover the pristine Dongao Bay, a 2 km (1.2 mi) stretch of shoreline between Wuyanjiao (烏岩角) and Wushibi. These two grassy headlands border the stunning arc-shaped beach, creating a secluded spot in this heavenly cove. Snap up all the photos on this incredibly picturesque coastline where sea-green hues, emerald foliage, and the blissful azure sky create an alluring harmony of color.
The calm waters are perfect for canoeing and kayaking, a popular activity on Dongao Bay. As you explore the reefs and marine life of the seashore, take in the beautiful view of the beach from the water. If you row further out, you’ll see locals fishing at the nearby Fenniaolin Fishing Harbor.
You’ll find Fenniaolin Fishing Harbor (粉鳥林漁港) at the southern end of Dongao Bay’s sapphire shores. While not only a dreamy bay of color, it's a convenient spot to relax and rest your legs as you satisfy your hunger or cravings with the saltiest and freshest seafood at the port.
After a well-deserved break, stretch your legs again as you keep walking along the ashen-stoned beach until you’ll find crumbling reefs extending above the intertidal zone. Try to spot the walruses splashing in the water, but refrain from swimming here, as these wild creatures pose a danger.
When visiting Wushibi Coast Nature Reserve, two convenient places to stay that offer fine attractions and stunning natural beauty are in Yilan City or Su’ao Township.
Surrounded by lush rolling hills and pristine beaches, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city life, Yilan City is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Taipei City (臺北市) residents love to take a short drive to this quiet enclave on the weekends to rejuvenate their senses.
For a tasteful blend of old and new, visit Chung Hsing Cultural and Creative Park (宜蘭中興文化創意園區), set amongst crumbling old buildings for a regenerative flair. A must-see for design lovers and those who fancy architecture and art, wander the whimsical grounds to delight in the new energy of this once-derelict place. Admire local artwork, grab a cup of coffee, or browse the skilful craft stalls in the old paper mill building.
Next, bask in the ambience of Dongmen Night Market (東門夜市), where you can find everything under the sun. From local specialities to Taiwanese staples, local cuisine, and even fashion, electronics and an assortment of games, a night market visit is a top priority when traveling in Taiwan. Don’t leave without trying Yilan’s cuisine of crispy scallion pancakes, taro mochi, and red bean shaved ice. Take a slow stroll through the pulsating evening fair, feasting your eyes on all the wonderful offerings at the night market.
You’ll probably need a breath of fresh air after the vibrant night market, so the following day, board a ferry to Guishan Island. Taiwan’s only active volcano, Guishan Island lies 10 km (6 mi) east of Taiwan’s northeast coast and resembles a turtle’s shape. Whale watching is a popular island activity, as well as dipping your feet in the clouded sea along the stunning shoreline.
A hidden gem of northeastern Taiwan, Su’ao Township is charming and authentic, a place where you want to immerse yourself in Taiwan village life set against breathtaking coastal scenery. It’s the perfect base to head to Wushibi Coast Nature Reserve, only a short drive away.
Delve into the blissful blue waters of Tofu Cape (豆腐岬), a snorkeling hotspot along the coral reef bay. Home to 100 types of coral, Tofu Cape’s underwater universe is another realm of magic. Lined by rocky boulders and eroded reefs, explore the landscape of green cliffs, but be careful. While it’s a lesser-known spot, it's gaining popularity for its tranquil environment and pristine marine ecology.
Near Tofu Cape is Nanfangao Lookout (南方澳觀景臺) which displays a grand view of Nanfangao Fishing Port, Tofu Cape, and Neipi Beach. Particularly busy at sunset, Nanfangao Lookout offers unrivaled views of this picturesque coastline backed by leafy rolling hills, endless ocean, and fishing trawlers adding pops of color to the scene. Take in the scene as you pause, be mindful, and recollect your thoughts in this inspiring part of the world.
Finally, have an adventurous day at the starting point of the Central Mountain Range. Visit Wuyanjiao, a small yet steep hill lying in the Pacific Ocean’s intertidal zone, almost touching the mainland. Thrill seekers abseil down the vertical cliff onto the gray-pebbled beach and then frolic in the blissful blue seawater.
Start your journey in Taipei and board the train to Nan'ao Station from Taipei Main Station. Due to limited public transport, it’s best to hire a taxi to drive 12 km to Wushibi Coast Nature Reserve. You can hire a car or scooter from Taipei or Yilan. It’s a 93 km (58 mi) journey or 45 km (28 mi) drive, respectively.
Explore Wushibi Coast Nature Reserve (烏石鼻海岸自然保留區) with the PeakVisor 3D Map and identify its summits.
