Precarious future: The battle to save Taiwan's Queen's Head

Neo-Space International has used 3-D technology to record the measurements of the rock twice each year so that it can be reproduced.

One replica already stands at the entrance to the park and has become a tourist attraction in itself.

Park administrator Kuo Chenling played down fears over the rock breaking down.

"Even in the worst scenario, a toppled 'Queen's Head' could be placed in a museum and attract tourists," he says, adding that there were other rocks in the park which drew visitors, including some in the shape of an elephant, a shoe and a peanut.

But with tourists to the geopark bringing in an estimated Tw$700 million ($21.54 million) of business each year to the 2,000 residents of Yehliu, some say losing the natural icon would be both an emotional and financial blow.

"It has been there since I was a kid," says 73-year-old Liu Pilan.

"Lots of people in Yehliu depend on tourism for their livelihoods. I'm afraid tourists would show less interest if the 'Queen's Head' fell down," he adds.

"I would be heartbroken if it breaks off, we cannot do without it."

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