Xinyu Coastal Botanical Garden Introduction
The Xinyu Coastal Botanical Garden is located on the former site of the Yong'an Xue Forest Recreation Area, covering an area of approximately 6 hectares. After the recreation area's closure, it became a habitat for various flora and fauna. Following a year of investigation by the Coastal Management Office of the city government, it was discovered that there are as many as 250 species of plants and animals present, possessing values for forest recreation, ecological conservation, and environmental education. As a result, the idle land was revitalized into Taoyuan's first coastal botanical garden, which officially opened to the public on October 19, 2020. Although Taoyuan is an industrial hub, it is also committed to protecting coastal ecosystems. The botanical garden has a rich diversity of flora and fauna as well as natural forest landscapes. This includes coastal plants such as casuarina, yellow jute, and native species like morning glory; mammals such as the red-bellied squirrel and skunk; and protected bird species like the black kite, eastern imperial eagle, and little tern. In the future, the garden will collaborate with local communities, schools, and NGOs to provide various services and establish an ecological demonstration site centered on environmental education. In addition to natural ecology, the park has developed the "Xinyu Coastal Botanical Garden APP" game program aimed at students and family groups. Through ecological tours and various experiential activities, it creates 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 buildings, with no artificial lighting, and entrance signs made from driftwood from coastal areas. Old infrastructure has been removed, and surrounding weeds have been cleared, allowing visitors to stroll through and enjoy the diverse aspects 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 fragrant ginger with velvety hairs, the culinary plant known as "puledan," and the drought-resistant hairy portulaca. The Xinyu Coastal Botanical Garden, due to its proximity to Yong'an Fishing Port, Houhu River, Conch Cultural Experience Park, and Youth Experience Park, as well as its location within the Xinyu Marine Hakka Leisure Agriculture Area, can integrate surrounding attractions in the future, driving the development of the ecological tourism industry, increasing employment opportunities, stimulating economic activities, and promoting balanced development of tourism and recreation along the Yong'an Fishing Port coast. (Source: Coastal Management Office of the city government)
