Gaomei Wetlands / Gaomei Wildlife Refuge Introduction
The Gaomei Wetlands (Gaomei Wildlife Refuge) was originally the Gaomei Swimming Beach. With the opening of Taichung Port, sedimentation increasingly accumulated at Gaomei Beach, leading to a gradual decline in visitors and ultimately the beach's closure. However, this sedimentation has given rise to the rich ecology we see today at Gaomei Wetlands. Although the area is not large, it features both muddy and sandy shorelines, and is intertwined with estuarine wetlands, fostering a diverse and complex wetland ecosystem. It is home to the largest known population of bulrush in Taiwan, creating a unique terrain with alternating dry and wet areas that support a variety of plant life. Due to its varied topography, the ecological diversity is quite complex, primarily consisting of birds, fish, crabs, and other invertebrate species. Each year during autumn and winter, large flocks of migratory birds visit, some resting briefly and others staying for the winter, adding different ecological landscapes to Gaomei Wetlands and establishing it as a new hotspot for birdwatchers. The Gaomei Bicycle Path runs alongside the Qing Shui Drain and the coastal dike to the Gaomei Wetlands, stretching 3.3 kilometers from the coastal bridge in the south to the flood control dike in the north. The path runs adjacent to the Qing Shui Drain and Gaomei Wetlands, providing a panoramic view of the wetlands while serving as a great spot for birdwatching and sunset viewing. In the future, visitors will also be able to see the wind turbines under construction along the western coast from here, making it an excellent place for recreation and relaxation for travelers. Gaomei Wetlands Visitor Center: https://hocom.tw/web/Home/index?key=69442570 Recommended attractions near Gaomei Wetlands: