The park was formerly a military restricted zone that served as an artillery command post.
The mudstone terrain at Tardyhill is a result of the collision between the Eurasian Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate.
The badland topography here is geologically similar to the better-known Tianliao Moon World, but on a more compact, coastal scale.
Several old military bunkers have been repurposed as interpretive stations for hikers.
The site experiences significant soil erosion, which constantly alters the shape of the cliffs after heavy rainfall.
Tardyhill Natural Park (Luo-di-li) is a unique geological site in Mituo District featuring rare mudstone badlands formed by crustal uplift. Once a military base used by the R.O.C. Air Force, the area retains original fortifications, including bunkers and observation towers. Visitors can traverse the park via a network of wooden boardwalks and trails that snake through the eroded clay terrain. The landscape is characterized by steep, rugged cliffs and barren rock formations devoid of dense vegetation. Panoramic views of the Taiwan Strait are available from the park's highest points. The geological composition makes it prone to rapid erosion, leading to the dramatic gullies and ridges present today. The site serves as a preserved remnant of Taiwan's coastal mudstone ecosystem.
The raised viewing platform at the summit providing a wide-angle perspective of the craggy badlands against the sea.
Carry plenty of water as the white mudstone reflects heat and the park has limited canopy cover.
Use the provided wooden boardwalks exclusively to prevent personal injury and to protect the fragile soil structure.
Visit during the shoulder season to avoid the intense humidity and peak typhoon activity.
Attempting to climb off-trail on the loose mudstone slopes, which is both dangerous and damaging to the landscape.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes due to uneven terrain; stay on marked paths to prevent erosion and for safety.
