Guantian Marsh Eco-Education Park

Tainan Attractions

兩隻水雉在互相追逐

The Guantian Watercock Breeding Area is located in Guantian District and was established with sponsorship from the Taiwan High Speed Rail. After being taken over by the Tainan City government's Agriculture Department, it was officially renamed the Guantian Watercock Ecological Education Park. The park is gradually moving towards ecological education and tourism, featuring a rich variety of aquatic plants and numerous waterbird ecosystems. The most notable species here is the watercock, which coexists with water caltrop fields. Visitors can observe the fascinating ecology of the watercock through telescopes, making it a popular spot for bird watchers. This particular watercock seen in Taiwan is unique among the eight species worldwide, as it possesses different plumage during breeding (summer) and non-breeding (winter) seasons, along with a migratory behavior. Previously, sightings were common in areas such as Yilan, Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Changhua, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, and Taitung. Due to land development and environmental destruction, it can now only be found in the water caltrop fields between Bajhang River and Zengwen River in Tainan. In 1989, the Agricultural Committee announced the watercock as a second-class precious and rare protected species.

Address：Yulong Road, Guantian District, Tainan City 720

Guantian Marsh Eco-Education Park Introduction

The Guantian Water Cock Reintroduction Area is located in Guantian District. Sponsored by the Taiwan High-Speed Rail, it was officially renamed the Guantian Water Cock Ecological Education Park after being taken over by the Tainan City Government's Agricultural Bureau. The park is progressively moving towards ecological education and tourism, featuring not only rich aquatic plants but also a variety of waterbird ecosystems. Among them, the most important bird species is the water cock, known as the "King of the Water" that coexists with the water chestnut fields. Here, visitors can observe the fascinating ecology of the water cock through telescopes, attracting numerous birdwatchers. This species of water cock found in Taiwan is the only one among the eight in the world that exhibits different plumage forms for breeding (summer plumage) and non-breeding (winter plumage), as well as migratory habits. It was once spotted in Yilan, Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Changhua, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, and Taitung. However, due to land development and environmental destruction, it can currently only be found in the water chestnut fields of the plains between the Bajhang Creek and the Zengwen Creek in Tainan. The Council of Agriculture announced the water cock as a second-level precious and rare conserved animal in 1989.

Cultural

Guantian Marsh Eco-Education Park Travel Information

Address：Yulong Road, Guantian District, Tainan City 720

Transportation Methods：Nearby train station: Longtian Station

Parking Information：Parking is available along Yulon Road.

Tickets：No admission fee.

Remarks：The park has rich ecology, making it prone to mosquito bites. It is recommended to bring mosquito repellent or wear long-sleeved clothing.

Other Nearby Attractions： Guantian Visitor Center (Administrative Center of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Siraya National Scenic Area) 、 Hatta Yoichi Memorial Park 、 Lin Family Mansion and Garden 、 Nanbao Golf Club 、 Tainan Mountain and Water Museum 、 Nanying Astronomical Education Park 、 Liu Ying Jian Shan Pi Resort

Nearby Cuisine： Longtian Distillery 、 Triumph Restaurant 、 Duck King 、 Shanhua Sugar Factory Sales Department 、 Camel Café 、 Pomelo Blossom Craft Vinegar 、 Shanhua Farmers' Association Ice Products Leisure Center 、 Liu Ying Tao Xiu 、 Minquan Wok-Fried Noodles 、 Pèichá Zhuàn