The Cool Joy of Streamwater: A Weekend of Fish-Watching and Fern-Viewing in Pinglin’s Jingualiao

▲ Spend a weekend on an ecological stream tour in Pinglin. The photo shows a “stream closure for fish conservation” initiative. (Photo provided by New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau)

Reported by Travel Center / Taipei

With the blazing sun radiating intense heat, do you want to escape into a green world shaded by swaying leaves? Or listen firsthand to the cool, joyful melody of a babbling stream? Perhaps catch a glimpse of fish gracefully gliding through the water? The New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau is hosting an outdoor session of its “2013 New Taipei City Natural Ecology Conservation Lecture Series” in June, with the session taking place on Saturday, June 15th at 9:00 AM at the Jingualiao Stream Fish-Watching and Fern Trail in Pinglin District, New Taipei City. The lecture will be led by Dr. Ming-Hsiung Chang, CEO of the Conservation Research Center of Taipei City Zoo, who will speak on “Natural Observation and Enjoying Streamside Delights,” sharing insights about the fish ecology in Pinglin and the surrounding environment.

Agriculture Bureau Director Liao Rong-ching noted that forests and streams are vital natural resources on Earth. With overlapping mountain ranges and intertwined forests and streams, the Jingualiao Stream in Pinglin District, New Taipei City, is one of the tributaries of the Beishi Stream. Originating from Jiuliu Gen, the area remains largely undeveloped due to its remote location, preserving much of its natural landscape. The Jingualiao Stream Fish-Watching and Fern Trail features abundant moisture and lush ferns, fostering a rich ecological environment. In addition, Pinglin’s waterside pedestrian bridge spans the main channel of the Beishi Stream. Thanks to successful stream closure and fish conservation efforts, the stream teems with fish and is rich in birdlife, forming a local ecological food chain. The surrounding dense woods attract flocks of egrets to nest, allowing visitors to observe little egrets, night herons, and cattle egrets up close. A visit to Pinglin not only offers tea tasting but also a precious ecological experience worth exploring in detail.


▲ A close-up view of the beautiful night heron. (Photo by Liu Ding-ying, provided by New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau)
 

The Agriculture Bureau reminds visitors that summer brings many mosquitoes. When hiking outdoors, please wear light-colored long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats, and bring your own sun umbrella and drinking water due to the hot weather. Extra care should also be taken for safety when playing by the stream in summer.

(Those who have not pre-registered may join the event on their own at the second entrance of the Jingualiao Stream Fish-Watching and Fern Trail between 8:30 and 9:00 AM on June 15th.)