Taijiang National Park covers the coast north of Anping Harbour in Tainan, about 50 sq km of land and 340 sq km of sea. Tidal flats, lagoons, mangrove swamps and wetlands shelter rare fish, crustaceans and birds, among them the endangered black-faced spoonbill. The usual way in is a boat tour through the mangrove waterways of the Sicao Green Tunnel. On land, boardwalks, viewing platforms and walking paths cross the wetlands, and entry is free. The park was created in 2009 and is Taiwan's eighth national park.
The Inner Sea and the first settlers
The park stretches along the coast from the mouth of the Yanshui River to the mouth of the Zengwen River, just north of Tainan's built-up area. Much of what you see today, including the estuaries, sandbars, old irrigation canals, shipping channels and aquaculture farms, is left over from the body of water once called the Inner Sea. When Han Chinese settlers began arriving in Taiwan in the early 1600s, this area was mostly open water.
The coast also matters to many Taiwanese for family history. It is where their ancestors are said to have landed after crossing the Black Ditch, the name for the Taiwan Strait. Several old temples stand within the park, and the Dazhong Temple is one of them. Treat them as active places of worship, with quiet voices and modest dress.
Wetlands, mangroves and birds
The park was created in 2009 and protects mostly wetlands and sea. Of its roughly 390 sq km, 50 are land and 340 are water. Tidal flats, lagoons, mangrove swamps and wetlands make up the habitat, and they are important for rare fish, crustaceans, mammals and birds.
The best-known visitor is the black-faced spoonbill, an endangered migratory bird. It is seen in the area in winter, and the stretch of coast around Sicao is known for it. The wetland setting has also shaped local industries. Salt pans, oyster farming and milkfish are part of the area's working life, and some local businesses use the spoonbill and the milkfish as their theme.
Boat tours to the Sicao Green Tunnel
Most visitors start with a boat tour. The short trip takes you through the mangrove waterways of the Sicao Green Tunnel, where the branches close over the channel. The same boat operator also runs a longer tour with several stops inside the park. It mainly operates in winter, which is also when the spoonbills are around.
The park's headquarters are on Sicao Boulevard in Annan District. They provide information and run environmental education programmes.
On foot and by bike
On land, the park has walking paths, boardwalks and viewing platforms for slow wetland walks and birdwatching. A museum and the Dazhong Temple are part of the same area. Cycling lanes link the park with Tainan, and the route runs past mangroves.
Facilities suit a family outing. There is a playground, picnic tables, barbecue grills, public restrooms and on-site parking. The entrance and a parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
If you drive north along the coast toward Kuosheng Lighthouse, note that a long concrete embankment blocks the view of the strait. To see the water you need to leave your vehicle and climb to the top of the barrier.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is there an entry fee for Taijiang National Park?
Entry to the park is free. Boat tours are run by a separate operator.
What is the Sicao Green Tunnel?
It is a set of mangrove waterways inside the park. The usual way to see it is by boat tour.
When can you see black-faced spoonbills at Taijiang?
They are a migratory bird and are seen in winter. The longer boat tour of the park mainly runs in that season.
Can you cycle to Taijiang National Park from Tainan?
Yes. A scenic cycling route runs from Tainan city through the mangroves, and the park has its own cycling lanes.
Is the park suitable for children and wheelchair users?
The park has a playground, picnic tables and kid-friendly walks. The entrance and a parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
