Xinyu Coastal Botanical Garden Introduction
Xinyu Coastal Botanical Garden is located on the site of the former Yong'an Snow Forest Recreation Area, covering approximately 6 hectares. After the recreation area ceased operations, it became a habitat for various plants and animals. A year-long survey conducted by the Coastal Management Office of the government found that there are as many as 250 species of flora and fauna, highlighting its value for forest recreation, ecological conservation, and environmental education. Therefore, the 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 known for its industrial cluster, it is also committed to protecting coastal ecology. The botanical garden boasts a rich ecosystem of flora and fauna and natural forest landscapes. This includes coastal plants such as Casuarina, Hibiscus, and native species like the Milkwort. Mammals like the Red-bellied Squirrel and the Skunk, and protected bird species such as the Black-winged Kites, Crested Goshawks, and Little Terns can also be found here. In the future, the garden aims to collaborate with local communities, schools, and NGOs to provide various services and construct an ecological demonstration site focused on environmental education. In addition to natural ecology, the park has developed the "Xinyu Coastal Botanical Garden APP" for students and families, incorporating ecological tours and various experiential activities to create an educationally meaningful ecological environment, allowing the public to experience nature and ecological education in an environmentally friendly manner. The park is designed with minimal human interference and structures, lacking artificial light sources, and the entrance signs are made from driftwood in coastal areas. Existing hard infrastructure has been dismantled, and weeds around the paths have been removed, allowing visitors to enjoy the diverse characteristics of the forest. In the botanical garden, visitors can see various mechanisms of coastal plants that are wind-resistant and drought-tolerant, such as the aromatic sea ginger, the culinary herb known as Portulaca, and the drought-resistant purslane. The Xinyu Coastal Botanical Garden is situated near Yong'an Fishing Port, Hohuk Stream, and the Conch Cultural Experience Park, as well as the Youth Experience Park, and is within the new Hakka Leisure Agriculture Area. In the future, it can integrate surrounding attractions to promote the development of the ecological tourism industry, increase employment opportunities, stimulate economic activities, and foster balanced development of tourism and recreation along the Yong'an Fishing Port waterfront. (Source: Coastal Management Office of the government)
