Guantian Water Chicken Ecological Education Park

Tainan Attractions

兩隻水雉在互相追逐

The Guantian Watercock Reintroduction Area is located in Guantian District. It was established with sponsorship from Taiwan High Speed Rail and was officially renamed the Guantian Watercock Ecological Education Park after being taken over by the Agriculture Department of Tainan City Government. The park is gradually moving towards ecological education and tourism, featuring a rich array of aquatic plants as well as various water bird species. The most important bird species here is the watercock, known scientifically as the “Graceful Pheasant-Cock,” which coexists with water chestnut fields. Visitors can observe the fascinating ecology of the watercock through binoculars, often attracting many birdwatchers. This type of watercock seen in Taiwan is unique among the eight species globally, possessing different plumages for breeding (summer plumage) and non-breeding (winter plumage), as well as a migratory habit. Previously, sightings of this bird were common in 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 chestnut fields in the lowland areas between the Bajhang River and the Zengwen River in Tainan. The Council of Agriculture announced in 1989 that the watercock is a rare and precious species of conservation category II.

Address：Yulon Road, Guantian District, Tainan City 720

Guantian Water Chicken Ecological Education Park Introduction

The Kuan Tian Water Cock Restoration Area is located in Kuan Tian District. Sponsored by Taiwan High Speed Rail, it was officially renamed the Kuan Tian Water Cock Ecological Education Park after being taken over by the Agricultural Department of Tainan City Government. The park is gradually moving towards ecological education and tourism, featuring rich aquatic plants and numerous waterbirds. Among them, the most significant bird species is the water cock, which coexists with water caltrop fields. With just a telescope, visitors can observe the ecological wonders of the water cock, making it a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. The species seen in Taiwan is the only one among the eight in the world that exhibits different breeding (summer) and non-breeding (winter) plumages and has a regular migratory behavior. At that time, sightings were reported in Yilan, Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Changhua, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, and Taitung. Due to land development and environmental damage, it can currently only be found in the water caltrop fields in the plains between the Bajhang River and Zengwen River in Tainan. The Council of Agriculture announced the water cock as a second-level precious and rare conservation species in 1989.

Cultural

Guantian Water Chicken Ecological Education Park Travel Information

Address：Yulon 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 insect repellent or wear long-sleeved clothing.

Other Nearby Attractions： Guantian Visitor Center (Administration Center of the Siraya National Scenic Area, Tourism Bureau) 、 Hatta Yoichi Memorial Park 、 The Lin Family Mansion and Garden in Madou 、 Nan Pao Golf Club 、 Tainan Landscape Garden Waterway Museum 、 Nanying Astronomical Education Park 、 Liuying Jianshanpi Resort

Nearby Cuisine： Longtian Distillery 、 Triumph Restaurant 、 Duck King 、 Shanhua Sugar Factory Sales Department 、 Camel Cafe 、 Pomelo Blossom Craft Vinegar 、 Shanhua Farmers' Association Ice Products Leisure Center 、 Liu Ying Tao Xiu 、 Minquan Stewed Noodle 、 Boba Tea House