Enjoy splashing in the water, playing in the sand, and watching the sunset all at once at Gaomei Wetlands

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network Editorial Team, compiled and reported

 

Located on the southern side of the estuary of the Dajia River in Qingshui, the expansive 1,500-hectare Gaomei Wetlands feature a mix of muddy and sandy flats, interwoven with estuarine marsh areas, nurturing a rich and complex wetland ecosystem. It is also home to the largest known population of seagrass in Taiwan, forming a varied terrain of alternating wet and dry areas interspersed with vegetation. Due to the diverse terrain, the ecological variety is equally complex, mainly comprising birds, fish, crabs, and other invertebrates. Especially during the autumn and winter seasons, large numbers of migratory birds arrive—whether for a brief stopover or an entire season of wintering—adding boundless vitality to what was once considered a barren yet precious land.

During the Japanese colonial period, the area now known as Gaomei had a seaside bathing beach established by the Japanese. At that time, the Showa bus was already running back and forth along Gao Mei Road in Qingshui. In 1967 (the 56th year of the Republic of China), the construction of the Gaomei Lighthouse added a landmark attraction, which brought the number of visitors to the Gaomei Beach to its peak. However, after the official completion and opening of Taichung Port in October 1976 (the 65th year of the Republic of China), the beach gradually silted up, visitor numbers dwindled, and it was eventually closed.

Today, the once quiet Gaomei Seaside Bathing Beach (now Gaomei Wetlands), after being dormant for over twenty years, has become one of the most popular attractions in the Taichung area thanks to its rich ecological resources and the many species of migratory birds that inhabit the area. It draws large crowds of young visitors every holiday, and as dusk falls, the vibrant and dazzling sunset adds a touch of romance to Gaomei Wetlands.

 

【Info】

Gaomei Wetlands

Address: Estuary of the Dajia River, Qingshui Town, Taichung County

Opening Hours: No time restrictions

Admission: Free

 

Inquiry: 04-25263100 ext. 2670

 

Transportation Information:

 

Bus:After getting off at Taichung Bus Station, take a bus to Qingshui Station, then transfer to a Jyueye Bus bound for Gaomei and get off at the terminal Wangcuo stop. Walk for 5 minutes to reach the destination.

Train:After arriving at Qingshui Station by train, transfer to a bus heading to Gaomei and get off at the terminal Wangcuo stop. Walk for 5 minutes to reach the destination.

Car:Exit from Zhonggang Interchange on the Sun Yat-sen Freeway, connect to Taichung Port Road towards Shalu, turn onto Zhongqi Road to get on the West Coast Expressway, and follow the signs to arrive.