Migratory birds frolic, abalones are plump and delicious—now’s the perfect time for a winter trip to Gongliao!

▲ Triangular Lighthouse.

Photos and text / New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau

If you think there’s nothing to do in Gongliao, a coastal area near New Taipei City, in winter—you’re sorely mistaken!The New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau, Agriculture Bureau, and China Times Travel, in collaboration with local small farmers and fishermen, will launch the “Gongliao Sea Mini-Tour Winter Expedition,” “Farmer-Led Farm Fun,” and “Tianliaoyang Wetland Paddy Fields” tour packages.These experiences will let you savor the sweet and tender abalones of Gongliao in winter, pick fresh produce from eco-friendly local farms, and even visit the migratory birds that pass through Gongliao each winter. The three unique Gongliao winter tours include the Sea Mini-Tour Winter Expedition (original value over NT$850, discounted to NT$550), Farmer-Led Farm Fun, and Tianliaoyang Wetland Paddy Fields (combined original value over NT$1,600, discounted to NT$1,300). With only 1,000 limited spots available for these winter tours, these amazing deals show visitors that Gongliao in winter is truly a hidden gem—and the perfect time to visit!

▲ Birdwatching at Tianliaoyang.

In addition to the Ocean Music Festival and beaches, Gongliao in New Taipei City also boasts the Tianliaoyang Wetland at the lower reaches of the Shuangxi River. With streams, trees, grasslands, and rice paddies, the diverse habitat makes it the richest area for migratory river birds along the Northeast Coast, attracting numerous bird species. Over 220 bird species have been recorded at Tianliaoyang, and winter is the best time for birdwatching. The Little River and Hehe Grain Barn, together with local farmers, have successfully revived the area’s terraced paddy fields in recent years, putting great effort into environmental conservation and local ecological protection.

“Tianliaoyang Wetland Paddy Fields” invites visitors to experience the pristine beauty of this wetland up close, watching these elegant migratory birds stroll lightly, and joining in the care of this unspoiled landscape. “Farmer-Led Farm Fun” lets you pick fresh seasonal produce in organic gardens, roll up your pants to work in the fields, and even try your hand at DIY activities like making grass figurines or tasting local snacks.

▲ Gongliao specialty seafood “abalones.”

The cold ocean currents of winter and the warm Kuroshio Current of summer converge and circulate in the waters around Gongliao, nurturing a rich abundance of marine life. Among them, the winter delicacy “Gongliao Abalone (local abalone)” is especially tender and sweet. With active guidance from the Agriculture Bureau and the efforts of the Gongliao District Fishermen’s Association and local fishermen, breeding techniques have been improved to reach export-quality standards for Japan. The “Gongliao Sea Mini-Tour Winter Expedition” not only lets you enjoy the freshest and most delicious seafood, but also includes a visit to the exclusive “Gongliao Marine Resources Restoration Area.” This area focuses on abalone seedling breeding research and the cultivation of marine fish fry. Through professional guided tours, visitors can learn more about the ocean, get closer to marine life, and develop a stronger awareness of ocean conservation. This exclusive tour package ensures that visitors to Gongliao in winter will return with unforgettable memories and rich experiences!

▲ Stone houses in Ma’ao Fishing Village.

The limited-edition Gongliao Winter Tour packages are available in just 1,000 spots, with discounted bookings opening at 12:00 PM on December 8. You can register online 24/7 via the China Times Travel websitehttp://www.cts-travel.com.twor the New Taipei City Tourism Websitehttp://tour.ntpc.gov.tw, or call China Times Travel to book at (02)25589667 (service hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM).

For more information on Gongliao mini-tours in New Taipei City, please visit the New Taipei City Tourism Website.>>http://tour.ntpc.gov.tw/