Zhanghe Wetland Introduction
Zhanghe Wetland is located within the Zhonghe Interchange of National Freeway No. 3, covering an area of 6.7 hectares, with 0.9 hectares of water surface. It was completed and opened to the public in 2013, making it the first urban artificial wetland park in New Taipei City. The park was closed due to highway seismic reinforcement works and reopened to the public in December 2021. The wetland employs natural methods to create a sustainable cycle, constructed according to the existing topography and using low-carbon, energy-saving natural purification techniques, which purify wastewater before returning it to the irrigation channels, forming a continuous water cycle. By establishing various types of water areas and pairing them with different native plant species, the biodiversity of the habitat is enriched. The wetland also cultivates crops such as taro, water lily, and bamboo shoots, aimed at promoting agricultural education. The ecological diversity within Zhanghe Wetland is remarkable, with a total of 116 recorded species of butterflies and 90 species of birds, alongside over 384 plant species. It serves as home to species such as the butterfly, common rose, Taiwan blue magpie, five-colored bird, and the crested serpent eagle, and has also helped in the conservation of several endangered species such as the Wulai rhododendron. Access to Zhanghe Wetland is by appointment only, with guided tours provided by specialized staff. Visitors can apply for appointments through the New Taipei City Environmental Protection Bureau, embarking on an ecological journey in this urban corner. (Tour guide Lin Zhenxing provided)
