New Taipei City’s Pinglin District sees success in fish conservation—head to Guakengliao Creek this weekend for fish-watching and bird-spotting

▲ A black-crowned night heron at Beishi Creek in Pinglin District, New Taipei City. (Photo provided by New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau, photographed by Liu Ding-Ying)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

The June outdoor session of the “2013 New Taipei City Natural Ecology Conservation Lecture Series” will take place this Saturday, June 15, at 9:00 AM at the Fish-Watching and Fern Trail along Guakengliao Creek in Pinglin District, New Taipei City. The lecture, titled “Nature Observation and Experience – Delights by the Stream,” will be delivered by Dr. Ming-Hsiung Chang, CEO of the Conservation Research Center of Taipei Zoo, who will discuss the fish ecology in Pinglin and the surrounding natural environment. Participants may arrive on their own starting at 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM at the second entrance of the Fish-Watching and Fern Trail along Guakengliao Creek.

Liao Jung-Ching, Director of the New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau, noted that Guakengliao Creek in Pinglin District, a tributary of Beishi Creek, originates from Jiuchigen. Due to its remote location, most of the stream remains in its pristine natural state. The Fish-Watching and Fern Trail along Guakengliao Creek is rich in moisture and dense with lush ferns, nurturing a vibrant ecological environment.

▲ Successful fish conservation efforts along Beishi Creek in Pinglin District, New Taipei City. (Photo provided by New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau)

The pedestrian suspension bridge in Pinglin District spans the main channel of Beishi Creek. In recent years, the district has achieved notable success in stream conservation and fish protection. The creek now teems with fish and supports a rich diversity of birdlife, forming a local ecological food chain. Surrounded by dense woodland, the area attracts flocks of egrets, offering close-up views of little egrets, night herons, and cattle egrets. Beyond tea tasting, Pinglin also offers a precious ecological haven worth exploring in detail.

The Agriculture Bureau reminds visitors that due to the prevalence of mosquitoes in summer, it is advisable to wear light-colored long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats when hiking outdoors. Bring your own umbrella and drinking water as the weather can be hot. When playing by the stream in summer, extra care should be taken to ensure safety—enjoy your time while staying safe.