Budai Wetland Ecological Park (formerly Nanbudai Wetland) Introduction
Nanshubudai Wetland is located in the southern part of the urban area of Budai Township, Chiayi County, within an idle salt flat that was once part of the Budai Salt Field's sixth district. The total area (including lagoon waters) is approximately 1,385 hectares. It is bordered to the north by the Western Coastal Highway and the Zhanliao Channel, to the east by Taiwan Route 17 and Budai Junior High School, to the south it crosses Longgong Creek to Taiwan Route 17, and to the west is bounded by lagoon waters. Hundreds of years ago, Nanshubudai Wetland was a shallow water area of the Dapeng Inner Sea (now the remaining Haomei Lagoon). It later transformed into fish ponds due to land reclamation by early settlers. In the 1930s, during Japan's southern expansion, the demand for salt, known as the mother of industry, increased dramatically, leading to the forced expropriation of private fish ponds for salt fields. After the end of Japanese rule, during the 1950s and 1960s, the salt production industry brought about a brilliant era known as the "Platinum Years" for southwestern Taiwan's coastal region. However, with changes in Taiwan's social and economic structure, the salt industry could not withstand the global competition due to the liberalization of salt imports. Taiwan Salt Company finally announced the cessation of all salt fields in 2002, marking the end of the development of Taiwan's salt industry. Today, the abandoned salt fields, which have been idle for many years, have gradually transformed into wetlands that attract large numbers of migratory birds, including both winter and summer visitors. Particularly from September to April each year, this area becomes one of the most important habitats for wild birds along the southwestern coast. A variety of bird species can be observed at Nanshubudai Wetland, such as the black-faced spoonbill, white spoonbill, and red-billed gull, making it a wonderful place to explore the rich biodiversity.
