Zhanghe Wetland Introduction
Zhonghe Wetland is located within the Zhonghe interchange of National Highway 3, covering an area of 6.7 hectares, with a water area of 0.9 hectares. It was completed and opened to the public in 2013, making it the first metropolitan artificial wetland park in New Taipei City. The park was closed for renovation due to seismic reinforcement work on the highway until it reopened in December 2021. Utilizing natural methodologies, the wetland was constructed in accordance with the existing topography, incorporating low-carbon and energy-saving natural purification methods to treat wastewater, which is then recycled into irrigation channels, forming a sustainable water cycle. The establishment of various water bodies and the planting of indigenous species have enriched the biodiversity within the habitat. The wetland also cultivates crops such as bamboo shoots, water lilies, and taro, promoting food and agricultural education. The ecosystem of Zhonghe Wetland is highly diverse, with records of 116 butterfly species and 90 bird species, and over 384 types of plants. It serves as a habitat for species like the Common Mormon butterfly, the Common Yellow Swallowtail, the Taiwan Blue Magpie, the Formosan Blue Magpie, and the Crested Serpent Eagle, and has also reintroduced several endangered species, such as the Ulay Black-browed Tit. Access to Zhonghe Wetland is by reservation only, guided by specialists. Visitors can apply for reservations through the New Taipei City Environmental Protection Bureau for an ecological journey in this urban corner. (Guided tour provided by Zhonghe Wetland instructor Lin Zhenxing)
