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Standing on the Tamkang Road Provincial Highway No. 2, Shimen Cave is a notable landmark in Shimen District, New Taipei City. The origin of its name dates back to the Japanese colonial era when the unique sea erosion landscape amazed the Japanese, who then named this place "Shimen Village," which has been used as the local township name ever since. 【Geological Wonder】 In terms of geomorphology, it is officially known as a "sea erosion arch." A million years ago, the eruption of the Datu Volcano Group accumulated thick volcanic debris and lava, which was later washed away by heavy rains and re-deposited along the coast in layers, forming a small hill. After undergoing stratum compression, vertical "joints," or fissures, emerged. Coupled with the northeast monsoon and frequent typhoons in the summer, these powerful forces of nature stirred up massive waves that endowed the sea spray with strong erosive energy. Over time, as the seawater continuously pounded and eroded along the joints and bedding planes, the rock layers crumbled into the sea, gradually transforming from an initial sea erosion groove into a sea erosion cave, and finally evolving into the present-day sea erosion arch. Although formed through sea erosion, Shimen Cave's position is noticeably higher than sea level due to recent crustal movements that have uplifted the ground. This elevation, about a dozen meters above sea level, serves as a testament to the dynamic changes in the Earth's surface. Observing more closely, one can see clear layered rock formations with a mix of fine sand, volcanic debris, and pebbles of varying sizes within each layer. This mixture indicates that the initial accumulation of the rock layers likely resulted from landslides triggered by heavy rains, with the ensuing mudflows rushing down rapidly. The diverse materials were carried along at such a swift pace that they had no time to settle individually before being deposited at the foot of the mountain or along the coast, resulting in the current jumbled layers of fine sand and larger pebbles. 【Natural Ecology】 Entering Shimen Cave, one is greeted by the breathtaking view of the sea and sky. Although there is only a small but picturesque beach with shell sand, it evokes memories of Kenting. In the shallow coastal reefs, numerous fish and hermit crabs can be spotted. The coastal rocks, adorned with seaweed, display a vibrant green hue, and occasionally, local residents can be seen harvesting seaweed there. Walking along the coastal trail, which features observation platforms and pavilions, offers a panoramic view of the sea. Every year, between April and May, native Taiwanese lilies and stone lettuce bloom, decorating the area above Shimen Cave and creating a spectacular sight. A visit to Shimen Cave allows one to witness a diverse range of ecosystems, revealing the rich and varied face of Shimen's coastal landscape.