Guanshin Zaojiao Ecosystem Wildlife Sanctuary Introduction
What does time look like? Standing in front of the Guanyin Coral Reef, the largest algal reef in Taiwan, the ecological masterpiece shaped by thousands of years of flowing time is truly breathtaking, making one acutely aware of humanity's insignificance. Covering an area of approximately 370 hectares, the Guanyin Coral Reef, unlike coral reefs formed by animals, is a “plant reef” formed by calcareous deposits of dead non-jointed coral algae on rocky beaches, growing at an average rate of 1 centimeter every 10 years. The algal reef group in Taoyuan once extended from Dayuan to Guanyin and then to Xinxu, but due to the development of coastal industrial zones, it has now shrunk from 27 kilometers to only about 5 kilometers. To preserve this 4000-year-old marine treasure, the "Taoyuan Guanyin Algal Reef Ecosystem Wildlife Protection Area" was designated in 2014, serving as a classroom without walls for understanding the algal reef environment. Additionally, the annual "Cherish Taoyuan Algal Reef Thousand-Person Hike" event encourages the public to actively protect this coastline. The Guanyin Coral Reef is located along the coast from the Xiaofanli Creek in Guanyin District to the mouth of Hohuk Creek in Xinxu District. In addition to being amazed by this precious millennium landscape, the rich biodiversity is one of the highlights of the Guanyin Coral Reef; so far, 10 species of algae and 129 animal species have been discovered, with animal density being five times that of Gao Mei Wetlands and eight times that of Xiangshan Wetlands, resembling a marine ecological museum in northern Taiwan. The Guanyin Coral Reef is divided into core areas, buffer zones, and sustainable use zones. When the tide recedes and the reef emerges above the water, various coastal organisms such as algae, fish, shrimp, mollusks, and green algae can be found in the intertidal zone. Walking on the wooden boardwalk leads to the mangrove education park, where one can observe mudskippers and fiddler crabs up close. Recommended nearby attractions include the century-old stone weir in Xinxu, the grasslands of Guanyin Tsao Luo Sand Dunes, and Xucuo Harbor Wetlands, showcasing the four coastal highlights of Taoyuan.
