Matou Wetland Ecological Park Introduction
The Mataian Wetland Ecological Park is located at the foot of Masix Mountain in Guangfu Township, Hualien. Surrounded by the Central Mountain Range on three sides, it is a natural marsh wetland covering nearly a hundred hectares. "Mataian" or "VATAAN" is the term used by the local Amis people for tree beans, which they consider a good luck charm, carrying and sowing them everywhere. This area is named "the place filled with tree beans." Following a winding path, visitors can see a large sign reading "Lai Chi Lotus Country" at the entrance to the Xinlu Green Farm. Walking along the wooden pathway, the stunning scenery unfolds. The distant mountains rise in layers, while the clear Fuden River flows from south to north, weaving through the entire wetland, creating a rich and diverse ecological environment nourished by abundant springs. The park is home to nearly a hundred species of aquatic plants, including the Taiwan duckweed, which is native to Taiwan with its small yellow flowers; the variety and quantity of birds, frogs, dragonflies, and other aquatic life such as fish, shrimp, and shellfish are astonishing. In recent years, the Mataian Wetland has gained fame for its summer blooming lotus fields; during the summer, lotus leaves blanket the area, and the flowers bloom vibrantly, attracting many visitors who can stroll along the wooden pathways to closely admire the beauty of the lotus flowers.
