Matou'an Wetland Ecological Park Introduction
The Mataian Wetland Ecological Park is located at the foot of Masix Mountain in Guangfu Township, Hualien, nestled against the Central Mountain Range and surrounded by mountains on three sides. It is a natural marsh wetland that covers nearly a hundred hectares. "Mataian" or "VATAAN" is the term used by the local Amis people to refer to the tree bean, which they regard as a talisman and carry around while sowing it everywhere. The area of Mataian is thus named as "the place filled with tree beans." Walking along a narrow path, visitors will find a large sign at the entrance of the Xinlv Farm that reads "Welcome to Lotus Kingdom." As you stroll along the wooden plank paths, the scenic view unfolds stunningly before you. In the distance, the mountains rise in layers, while the clear Fudeng River meanders from south to north through the wetland, complemented by bubbling springs that create a diverse ecological environment, nourishing the rich life of this marshland. The park is home to nearly a hundred species of aquatic plants, including the locally endemic Taiwan Water Hyacinth, which blooms with small yellow flowers; the variety and number of bird species, frogs, damselflies, dragonflies, and aquatic creatures such as fish, shrimp, and shellfish are astonishingly plentiful. In recent years, Mataian Wetland has become famous for its summer landscape of lotus flower fields; during midsummer, the lotus leaves stretch across the sky, and the flowers bloom beautifully, attracting many visitors. Tourists can walk along the wooden paths to enjoy the beauty of the lotus flowers up close.
