Laomei Green Reef (老梅綠石槽)
Located on the North Shore of Taiwan in Shimen District, Laomei Green Reef is growing in popularity ever since it has been selected by CNN as one of Taiwan’s eight wonders (source). This incredible photogenic location is well worth the visit but the phenomenon is only visible from March to May, after the Northeast Mansoon.
Algea formed on the volcanic rock of the reefs
The green reef is a result of successive layers of algae growing up on the volcanic rock. As the algae dies, its limestone skeletons form layers that serve as foundations for the growth of new generations of algae. This is how the thin-grained algal reef that we can observe today is the result of the accumulation of life and death of the algea.
The reason those algaes are bright green is due to chlorophyll, used to capture light energy to make sugars.
This unique location has grown in popularity with the rise of social media and location sharing. Many people come to visit, take pictures and enjoy the scenery. You can even see some fisherman from time to time testing their luck.
A local fisherman testing his luck as the waves come crashing in
With many colorful flowers blooming during spring, there is a hiking trail that leads to the northern shore lighthouse.
Many of these flowers were imported from North America in the early 20th century and ended up growing rapidly on Taiwan’s North Coast.
You can observe many varieties of flowers of many different colors and sizes all along the coast while you hike the trail.
There is a trail that leads to the lighthouse and to the Laomei Fish Market
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Laomei Green Reef has to be from March to May. This phenomenon occurs when the tide lowers following the northeast monsoons and algae such as sea lettuce and green hair grows on the reef. As the weather gets warmer in May, the algae dries and dies.
As many signs warns tourists and visitors to not walk on the algae, they were put in place not only to protect people from slipping and getting hurt but more importantly in order to protect the reef itself.
Origin
The unique volcanic rock formation from Green Reef was caused by Datun’s volcanoes eruption many centuries ago. The lava reached the coast and hardened, cooled down by the waves of the sea. The constant breaking of the waves on the volcanic rocks eroded the reef into these unique shapes.
How to get there?
Address: Laomei Green Reef, Shimen District, New Taipei City.
By car:
Nat'l Hwy 3 → Jijin Interchange → Prov. Hwy 2 → Wanli → Jinshan → Shimen → Prov. Hwy 2 (26.3 km point) → Laomei Green Reef
Public transportation：
1. From MRT Tamsui Station, take the Tamsui Bus or Keelung Bus to Laomei stop and then walk straight to Laomei Community.
2. Take HSR (or TRA) to Taipei Train Station, transfer to MRT Tamsui Station, transfer to Crown Northern Coast Shuttle Bus, get off at Fugui Cape Lighthouse (Laomei Green Reef) stop. Please see bus schedule on Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus Website.
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Conclusion
I hope this article made you discover a new place and made you learn something new. For additional ressources about Laomei Green Reef, check out these articles by Josh Ellis and Alexis.