Taiwan’s most beloved tourist hotspots has ceased to exist after it lost its nose to erosion.
The Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock, located in the municipality of New Taipei City, in Taiwan which was a popular visitor attraction for selfies collapsed into the sea on Saturday, 16th December.
A video shared on China’s version of TikTok, Douyin, shows the new appearance of the famous rock formation located on Taiwan’s northern coast, after it reportedly lost its trunk due to strong waves and winds.
Yang Sheng-min, head of the New Taipei Ruifang District Office, which manages the area, said he received a report that part of the rock formation had crashed into the sea at around 2pm on Saturday.
Yang said in a statement obtained by AsiaWire from the Ruifang District Office: “At 1:55pm on 16th December, 2023, a partial fracture occurred in the elephant trunk portion of the rock due to long-term erosion by seawater and natural weathering.
“The original elephant trunk-like landscape has been lost.
“Due to the current unstable geological conditions and weather in the vicinity of Elephant Trunk Rock, access is now restricted and prohibited.
“The public is urged not to visit.
“Visitors are instead recommended to explore the nearby Chief Rock, which offers a safer viewing experience.
“Additionally, they can enjoy the scenery of the fishing port, the Sea and Sky Trail, and indulge in local seafood delicacies such as small roll rice noodles, shark fin soup, and fried whitebait.
“Furthermore, visitors can explore nearby attractions like the Shenshan Railway Bike Trail and Badouzi Station. It is advised to take any trash with them to collectively preserve the natural coastal landscape.”
The area is currently cordoned off, said media.
Authorities had set up a warning line around the area to protect it and prevent visitors from climbing onto it in 2022.
Aside from common tourists, the area attracted divers and snorkellers from all around the globe because of its coral reef and amazing scenery.
To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below. Story By: Georgina Jedikovska, Sub-Editor: Simona Kitanovska, Agency: Asia Wire Report
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