Longdong means “Dragon’s Cave,” in Chinese, but you won’t find just the one cave here. The name refers to the shape of the coastline which is said to resemble a mythical dragon at rest. Come here to swim, dive and snorkel in the natural ocean pools of the cape or climb its steep rock walls.
Dragon’s Cave marks the tip of New Taipei City on the northeast coast of Taiwan. The cape stretches for 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) and its tilting cliffs were formed by tectonic movements over 30 million years ago. The wind and waves have shaped the sedimentary rocks over time, creating a sculpture garden in the sea.
The rugged coast has been preserved as a natural recreation area for city dwellers. If you are into swimming, snorkeling and diving, this is the place to be in summer. Those who are into geology and finding fossils are in luck too, while rock climbers love the area for its great variety of climbing routes.
Swimming is nicest between May and October. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. If you decide to follow the daredevils who jump from the steep cliffs into the pools below, make sure to only do so at high tide and check out what’s below the surface first.
If you are into scuba diving, find a spot where you safely can enter and exit the water with your gear on. Bring a diving buddy or organize a guided dive through the dive center just to the south.
Dragon’s Cave is situated in Gongliao, a district of New Taipei City. The site is accessible 24/7 and free to enter. If you drive here, be aware that the Longdong Tunnel separates Longdongwan Park, used by rock climbers, from the Longdong South Ocean Park, where the best diving is. The Visitor Center with an exhibit about the cape’s geology is also at the South Ocean Park.
If it’s not too hot or rainy, follow the Longdong Bay (Longdongwan) Cape Trail. This 2-mile (3-kilometer) track takes you along the sparkling coastline of the East China Sea and ends by the staircase below the Xilingyan Temple.
