A popular photo spot in northern Taiwan is no more.

According to the New Taipei Ruifang District Office, which manages the area, Elephant Trunk Rock collapsed into the sea on December 15.

The rock formation, named after it resembles an elephant trunk, has long been threatened by erosion. It has been closed to visitors since 2010.

Shen Chuan-chou, a professor in National Taiwan University's Department of Geosciences, told Taiwan's official Central News Agency that the rock's collapse was "natural" because it was constantly affected by seawater and wind.


Did you read this?

  1. 6 Advantanges Of Drinking Hibiscus
  2. Huu Mwaka Mtaniweza Kweli? Zuchu Buys A Wig Worth Sh 11.3 Million Tanzanian Money
  3. 10 Reasons Why You Should Ditch Heels During the Rainy Season

The rock's thin, arched shape made it even more dangerous.

Elephant Trunk Rock is located on a narrow strip of land known as Shen'ao, about 10 kilometers (six miles) northeast of Taipei, in the popular tourist area of Jiufen.

Geologists have been concerned about several natural features along Taiwan's rocky northern coast, including Elephant Trunk Rock.

The "Queen's Head" rock at Yehliu Geopark, so named because it "resembles a bust of Queen Elizabeth with a long slender neck," is also in danger of collapsing.

According to Taiwan's official Central News Agency, the Queen's Head's circumference is now less than 120 centimeters and shrinking yearly.


Gozo, the Maltese island, has previously dealt with a similar situation.

In 2017, the famous limestone "Azure Window," which had been used as a set piece on Game of Thrones, collapsed into the sea.

Two years later, Malta announced plans to construct a dramatic steel archway in place of the Azure Window, but the project has yet to be completed.