Sanyu Ecological Conservation Area Introduction
Shadao is located 1.5 kilometers north of Eluanbi, featuring a pristine and white sandy beach that received its name due to the accumulation of fine sand forming an island. The Shadao beach is approximately 220 meters long and is primarily made up of shells, coral fragments, and benthic foraminifera that have accumulated over the years. With no streams carrying sand particles or impurities into the area, the content of shell sand reaches over 97%, making it the best among all beaches in Kenting. To protect this precious natural resource, it has been designated as an ecological reserve. Shadao forms a bag-shaped bay with a 90-degree angle, where the lower wave energy allows fine sand formed from marine biological debris to accumulate within the bay, creating an enchanting shell sand beach. Due to long-term wave action, the color of the shell sand appears bright and transparent, captivating many visitors. In order to showcase this beautiful sand, a shell sand exhibition hall has been established within the ecological area, offering guests a chance to appreciate the fine sand of Shadao. The Shadao ecological reserve, adjacent to the Pinge Highway, restricts plant communities to grow in sandy areas, resulting in a unique composition of valuable plant habitats, which can be roughly divided into coastal shrub zones and sandy herbaceous zones, making it the smallest plant ecological reserve in Kenting National Park. The shrub zone is characterized by thick fleshy leaves and thorny stems, with common plants including Lycium, Suaeda, Terminalia catappa, Podocarpus macrophyllus, and Morinda citrifolia, among which Lycium is the dominant species, often forming dense windbreaks. The herbaceous plant zone features many branches, fleshy leaves with a waxy surface to prevent moisture evaporation, and the development of adventitious roots to enhance water absorption. Common plants here include Smilax, Callery pear, and Aeschynomene, with Smilax being the dominant species. When you visit the Shadao ecological reserve, don't think of it as just a bright and clean shell sand area; there is also a group of sun-loving green plants, so don't forget to say hello to them!
