Shuìlián, Niushan Coast Introduction
Shuilyan is located in the coastal area of Shoufeng Township, Hualien County, surrounded by lush hills and a wide river valley basin. The Shuilyan River meanders through, and down the path along the roadside, Shuilyan Wetlands and Niushan Coast resemble a seaside secret paradise. In addition to wading, playing in the water, engaging in beach activities, and leisurely fishing, the ecological resources of this coastline are also quite rich. The coastal plant forest is an excellent place to observe the ecological landscape of the East Coast, making hiking, walking, birdwatching, and butterfly watching great options. Wandering on the expansive coastal lawn, one can feel the blue sky, white clouds, and sunshine, as time seems to come to a standstill. The origin of Niushan Huting lies on the beach south of Shuilyan, with Niushan referred to as Huting in the Amis language, meaning a pasture with large grassy areas. Niushan features a unique terrain, and the most peculiar aspect is the hillside on the southern coast resembling terraced fields, which was once a grazing area for water buffalo. In spring, the mountainsides are covered with blooming Taiwan lilies, making it a native habitat for wild lilies. The plant diversity on Niushan is rich, almost serving as a microcosm of the East Coast's plant life. In 1990, it was included in Taiwan's coastal protected area plan as a nature reserve. In winter, the beaches of Shuilyan Niushan are said to sing. In spring and summer, the beach is soft and gentle; walking barefoot on the sand, with a gentle sea breeze, one feels as if they are in "Cape Paradise," enjoying leisure and contentment. When the northeast monsoon blows, the long beach is swept repeatedly, transforming fine sand into pebbles of various colors, arranged in a certain order along the shore. As waves crash in, the pebbles are pushed towards the bank; when the waves recede, they roll down the sloped beach, producing sounds of varying frequencies, which locals refer to as the beach singing in winter. Leaving your heart on the coastline – Starlight Camping in Niushan offers small cabins for simple accommodations, as well as camping options. Lying under the starry sky, with starry lights in your eyes, listening to the sound of the tide lulling you to sleep, you might accidentally leave your heart along the coastline.
