Laomei Green Reef: A Seasonal Matcha Carpet on Taiwan's North Coast

Located in Laomei Village, Shimen District on the North Coast, the Laomei Stone Trench, also known as the "Green Reef Coast", features a large area of algae attached to the stone trenches, presenting a lush green scene. In recent years, this hidden gem has become popular online, attracting countless tourists to visit.

This unique landscape, rarely seen in Taiwan, is a favorite among photography enthusiasts and tourists. The best viewing period is from mid-March to early May each year, especially during the Qingming Festival in April, making it a truly seasonal beauty. However, due to constantly changing climate and ecology, it is recommended to check the algae growth and tide information before departure to avoid disappointment.

Stone trenches are geological terms, also known as "tidal grooves" or "sea erosion grooves." General coasts may mainly consist of sandy beaches, rocky shores, or seaweed, but Laomei Stone Trench has both fine sandy beaches and eroded rocky shores, and the erosion is very beautiful, forming a series of trenches nearly 2 kilometers long and averaging about 50 centimeters deep.

This is thanks to the eruption of the Datun volcano. The "Laomei Stone Trench" is the result of volcanic reef rocks being eroded by seawater over the years. Every spring, the trenches are covered with sea lettuce, Ulva, and other algae. The bright green algae and the azure sea reflect each other, and the strange rocks seem to be covered with a green carpet, coupled with white waves tumbling between the stone trenches, attracting countless photography enthusiasts, and it is also a popular place for graduation photos and wedding photos. Different shooting angles can capture different degrees of "green."

However, this natural beauty created by the growth of algae has been threatened by the effects of warm winters and human trampling in recent years, and is facing a survival crisis. The green stone trenches are very slippery and it is easy to slip and get injured. Please do not step on the stone trenches or damage the growing environment. It is recommended to enjoy the view from the beach, and jointly maintain this precious natural ecology to avoid slipping and injury.

If natural resources are damaged, a fine of NT$30,000 to NT$100,000 will be imposed in accordance with Article 62 of the 《Statute for the Development of Tourism》.

Laomei is a typical northern coastal fishing village. From May to August every year, Gaillardia pulchella are in full bloom on the dunes near Fugui Cape to Laomei. Gaillardia pulchella is native to North America. After being introduced to Taiwan in 1910, it spread widely in the Penghu Islands and the northern coast with its amazing reproductive power. Because of its wind resistance, tide resistance, and strong vitality, it is a good windbreak and sand-fixing plant. In addition, the flower shape is beautiful, the flower color is bright, and when the flowering season comes, a sea of flowers is formed, which is very spectacular and another special beauty.

As the temperature gets higher and higher, the fairy-tale secret realm will disappear as summer approaches. Although this matcha-colored carpet will disappear with the summer, there is a unique fine sandy beach here. Walking on this beach while blowing the sea breeze and listening to the sound of the waves, you can feel another sound of nature.

Laomei Stone Trench is also close to Fugui Cape, the northernmost point of Taiwan, so it is recommended to arrange a day trip. For lunch, you can go to Fugui Fishing Port to enjoy seafood and enjoy a leisurely holiday.

『Laomei Green Reef』

Address: Coastal area of Laomei Village, Shimen District, New Taipei City (Taiwan Route 2, 26.3 km)

Opening hours: Open all day (best pilgrimage period from mid-March to early May)

Fee information: Free

Note: Please do not step on the stone trenches to avoid being fined.

​Driving directions:

National Highway No. 3: Exit at Jijin Interchange → Taiwan Route 2 → Wanli → Jinshan → Shimen → Taiwan Route 2 Provincial Highway 26.3 km → Laomei Green Reef

National Highway No. 1: Exit at Wugu Interchange → Taiwan Route 64 Expressway → Bali Wugu (towards Tamsui) → Guandu Bridge → Zhuwei → Mangrove → Sanzhi → Shimen → Taiwan Route 2 Provincial Highway 26.3 km → Laomei Green Reef

Taipei: Shilin → Guandu → Zhuwei → Taiwan Route 2 → Mangrove → Sanzhi → Shimen → Taiwan Route 2 Provincial Highway 26.3 km → Laomei Green Reef

Keelung: Take Taiwan Route 2 Provincial Highway → Wanli → Jinshan → Shimen → Taiwan Route 2 Provincial Highway → Taiwan Route 2 Provincial Highway 26.3 km → Laomei Green Reef

​Public transportation:

Tamsui MRT Station: Take Tamsui or Keelung Bus → Get off at "Laomei" Station → Go straight through Laomei Community after getting off the bus to reach "Laomei Green Reef"

Keelung Railway Station: Take Tamsui or Keelung Bus → Get off at "Laomei" Station → Go straight through Laomei Community after getting off the bus to reach "Laomei Green Reef"