Meihao Liao Wetland

　　The Meihao Liao Wetland is situated between the mouths of the Bazhang River and Longgong River in Budai Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan. It is currently protected as a wetland conservation area under both the “Yunlin–Chiayi–Tainan Coastal National Scenic Area” designated by the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, and the “Meihao Liao Nature Reserve Plan” under Taiwan’s Coastal Natural Environment Conservation Program approved by the Executive Yuan in 1987. The reserve features floating islets, lagoons, casuarina forests, and mangrove landscapes along the northern bank of the Longgong River. With its fish farms and nearby salt pans, the area attracts numerous migratory birds that come here to overwinter, nest, and forage every year, creating a spectacular sight.

　　The mangroves in the Meihao Liao Wetland have a history of over a hundred years. During the Japanese colonial period, Japanese botanist Kinpei Shimizu mentioned in his book “Trees of Taiwan” that the Japanese government should designate this area as a natural monument forest. In 1987, during the development of mechanized salt fields by Taiwan Salt Industrial Corporation in the Meihao Liao Wetland, an earthen dike was built through the mangrove forest, resulting in the removal of about one-third of the mangroves. Today, most of the mangroves outside the dike have withered, while those remaining inside cover only around 25 hectares. The main vegetation now consists mostly of sea hibiscus, mixed with small amounts of other species such as Melastoma candidum, Cerbera manghas, Ixeridium dentatum, and Suaeda maritima. To preserve the original wetland landscape, the Executive Yuan approved the implementation of the “Taiwan Coastal Natural Environment Conservation Program” in 1987, establishing the “Meihao Liao Nature Reserve.” It has since become a renowned destination for wetland sightseeing.

　　Meihaoliao Wet Land Must-visit reason: One of Taiwan’s most important wetland reserves Continent: Asia Country/Region: Taiwan Province/State: Chiayi County City: Budai Township