[Family Travel] A Spectacular Natural Classroom: Hongmaogang Mangrove Ecotourism Area

Hi everyone, today I was surrounded by a sea of Kandelia obovata and Sonneratia alba, and suddenly I felt the overwhelming power of nature. So, where are we headed today? Keep reading to find out!

Alright!Today, traveler Xi is heading to Hsinchu County, a place she hasn’t explored in hundreds of years (exaggeration!), hehe!So why this trip? The reason is pretty silly—because the weather during the holiday was bad, and it was said to be wet all the way south, so we had to head north... Yep, that’s why we ended up in Hsinchu. Got it? (Laughs)

But, I’m also glad we went to Hsinchu for such a random reason. This trip made me feel like I’d stepped into a grand garden—I had no idea Hsinchu had so many amazing spots too!And the “Hongmaogang Mangrove Ecotourism Area” we’re sharing today not only impressed me with its beautiful environment but also allowed my little girl to put her textbook knowledge to the test.
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Speaking of the “Hongmaogang Mangrove Ecotourism Area,” let me give you a quick intro.

It was an important port during the Qing Dynasty, but later, due to silt accumulation, ships could no longer enter, and it was abandoned. Fast forward to today...the southern shore of Hongmaogang boasts a rich mangrove ecosystem, so the Hsinchu County Government turned it into the Hongmaogang Mangrove Ecotourism Area.

Are you interested? Then come along with me on this incredibly rich natural journey!GO!

First, to see the entire mangrove ecological reserve, you have to cross this mangrove bridge. Let me tell you, I don’t know if fishing is allowed on the bridge, but I saw a lot of anglers standing there with their fishing rods, waiting for a bite. Actually, there’s a sign on the bridge saying no fishing, you know?

Then, cross the bright red arch bridge spanning the north and south banks of Hongmao Creek. Soon, you’ll step into something truly rare—this area has been around for centuries, yet the mangroves here are thriving and the forest is so intact, it’s truly moving!

The entire mangrove ecological reserve has three observation pavilions and several natural wooden boardwalks, allowing visitors to get up close and observe the diverse life within the mangroves.

Next...let’s step into this naturally rich mangrove reserve and truly feel the power of nature!

Honestly...this is just the starting point of the mangrove ecological reserve, and it already gave me that feeling of “another village after the willow-lined shore”—full of anticipation!

The mangrove ecological reserve can be called the most precious natural classroom in Hsinchu County. Right now, you can see mature Kandelia obovata trees surrounded by their viviparous seedlings.

Of course...Kandelia obovata is also the most famous mangrove plant in Taiwan.

This place has extremely high natural resource value and is currently the only mangrove reserve in the country suitable for eco-tourism.

I really love the wooden boardwalks scattered throughout the mangrove ecological reserve. Through these paths, we can get much closer to the mangroves.

If you get tired, feel free to find an observation pavilion nearby, sit down, and rest for a while. The gentle sea breeze will instantly make you feel refreshed.

The mangrove ecological reserve is located near the mouth of Hongmao River (Xinfeng Creek) in Xinfeng Township, Hsinchu County, covering an area of about 8 hectares. Wow!8 hectares!That’s a really vast area.

This is also the only mangrove ecological reserve in Taiwan with well-developed observation trail facilities, allowing visitors to closely observe the rich biodiversity of the mangrove intertidal zone.

Yay!Today, we’ve been talking about mangroves left and right. But what exactly are mangroves? Let me clear things up for you!

Mangrove plants refer to trees or shrubs that grow in the muddy coastal wetlands of tropical and subtropical river estuaries, especially those from the Rhizophoraceae family. They have specialized organs such as pneumatophores, prop roots, viviparous seedlings, and salt-excreting mechanisms, forming either pure or mixed forests. (Information from the internet)

The Hongmaogang recreational area has built pedestrian paths, observation towers, and an arch bridge spanning the mouth of Hongmao Creek, allowing visitors to explore the mangroves, various crabs, shrimp, fish, shellfish, and seabirds. At dusk, you can climb the observation tower to enjoy the sunset. (Information from the internet)

Hahaha, actually, it was drizzling that day. Unless I had to stop for photos, I was holding my little girl’s hand and walking slowly under an umbrella.

The observation pavilion in front of us is two stories tall. I couldn’t wait and dashed forward, climbing up to the second floor, super excited to enjoy the view from above!

Wow wow wow!What a vast mangrove ecological reserve!We have this amazing view today thanks to the Hsinchu County Government’s dedicated maintenance. I hope it can stay this way forever.

Hmm, I looked up some info and apparently...don’t ask me to tell the difference between Sonneratia alba and Kandelia obovata, haha, because I can’t tell either!
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The Hsinchu County Government and Xinfeng Township Office designated this area as the “Hongmaogang Mangrove Ecotourism Area” to conserve its natural resources and promote tourism and leisure activities. Visitors can not only swim and enjoy the sea but also experience the mysteries of the mangrove ecosystem through an educational boardwalk journey. (Information from the internet). We’re really grateful to them.

YayUp!The Hongmaogang Mangrove Ecotourism Area is truly both fun and educational. Sis Xi is sharing a quick introduction today—definitely check it out in person if you get the chance!
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Address: No. 93, Xinshi Road, Zhongxing Village, Xinfeng Township, Hsinchu County