Shuilian, Niushan Coast Introduction
Shuilyuan is located on the coast of Shoufeng Township in Hualien County, surrounded by lush hills embracing a wide river valley basin, with the Shuilyuan Creek meandering through. Along the small path by the road, the Shuilyuan Wetland and Niushan Coast seem like a secret paradise by the sea. In addition to playing in the waves, engaging in beach activities, and leisurely fishing, the ecological resources of this coast are quite abundant. The coastal plant forest is an excellent spot to observe the ecological features of the East Coast, making hiking, strolling, bird watching, and butterfly watching great choices. Wandering on the vast coastal lawn, one can feel the blue sky, white clouds, and sunshine, with time seemingly frozen. The origin of Niushan Huting is located at Niushan Beach to the south of Shuilyuan. In the Amis language, it is called Huting, which means a ranch with a large grassland. Niushan has a unique terrain, notably with small terraced hills on the south coast, which was once a pasture for water buffalo. In spring, the slopes are blanketed with blooming Taiwan lilies, making it a native habitat for wild lilies. The flora of Niushan is rich and almost reflects a miniature version of the eastern coastal plant community. It was already designated as a natural conservation area in the coastal protection area plan of Taiwan in 1990. In winter, the beach at Shuilyuan Niushan sings—the skin-changing beach. In spring and summer, the beach is soft and warm, and walking barefoot on the sand while enjoying the gentle sea breeze feels like being in “Cape Paradise,” leisurely and carefree. When the Northeast monsoon blows in, the long beach undergoes several cycles, transforming fine sand into pebbles of various sizes and colors, arranged in a certain order on the shore. The waves surge in, pushing the pebbles towards the beach; when the waves recede, they roll down following the slope of the beach, producing sounds of varying frequencies, a phenomenon the locals describe as the beach at Shuilyuan Niushan singing in winter. Leaving your heart along the coastline—Starlight Camping. Niushan also has cabins available for simple accommodation and camping options. Lying under the starry sky, with stars filling your view, and listening to the sound of the tide as you fall asleep, it’s easy to leave a piece of your heart along the coastline.
