Xinwu Coastal Botanical Garden Introduction
Xinyu Coastal Botanical Garden is located at the former site of the Yong'an Snow Forest Recreation Area, covering an area of approximately 6 hectares. After the recreation area ceased operations, it became a habitat for various flora and fauna. Following a year-long survey by the Coast Management Engineering Office of the government, it was discovered that there are as many as 250 species of plants and animals, providing value for forest recreation, ecological conservation, and environmental education. The previously idle land has been revitalized to become Taoyuan's first coastal botanical garden, officially opened to the public on October 19, 2020. Although Taoyuan is primarily an industrial hub, it is also committed to protecting coastal ecosystems. The botanical garden features a rich diversity of flora and fauna, along with natural forest scenery. This includes coastal plant species such as Casuarina equisetifolia (Australian pine), Hibiscus tiliaceus (beach hibiscus), and native species like Stephania japonica (flowing boots vine), as well as mammals like the red-bellied squirrel and skunk, and protected bird species such as the black-winged kite, crested serpent eagle, and little tern. In the future, collaborations with local communities, schools, and NGOs will provide various services, establishing the garden as an ecological demonstration site centered on environmental education. Besides natural ecology, the park has developed the "Xinyu Coastal Botanical Garden APP" game program targeted at students and family groups. It includes ecological tours and various experiential activities, creating an educational ecological environment where people can experience nature and ecological education in an environmentally friendly manner. The planning of the garden minimizes human interference and built structures, with no artificial light sources. Additionally, entrance signs are made from driftwood found in coastal areas. Existing hard facilities have been removed, and weeds around the pathways have been cleared, allowing visitors to enjoy the diverse aspects of the forest. Within the botanical garden, one can observe various mechanisms of coastal plants that resist wind and drought, such as the aromatic beach ginger (Zingiber zerumbet), the culinary plant Scaevola taccada, and drought-resistant portulaca (Portulaca oleracea). Because the Xinyu Coastal Botanical Garden is close to Yong'an Fishing Port, Houhu Creek, the Conch Cultural Experience Park, and the Youth Experience Park, and is located within the Xinyu Ocean Hakka Leisure Agricultural Zone, it has the potential to integrate with surrounding attractions to promote the development of ecological tourism, increase employment opportunities, stimulate economic activities, and facilitate balanced development of coastal tourism and recreation at Yong'an Fishing Port. (Source: Coast Management Engineering Office, Taoyuan City Government)
