Zhugan River Estuary Introduction
The Zhuan'an Creek Estuary Wetland covers a vast area, featuring habitats that include rice paddies, fish ponds, and freshwater marshes. This environment has fostered a thriving aquaculture industry, mainly focused on species such as periwinkles, eels, and grass shrimp. The expansive, diverse, and tranquil wetland environment, coupled with the abundant fish and shrimp brought by the tides, has also made this area a secluded habitat for birds. During the autumn and winter migration seasons, various migratory birds pass through, with thousands of waterbirds stopping here to rest or winter. Visitors can witness the elegant sight of these birds foraging and enjoy the beautiful reflections of the layered mountains on the water's surface, making it a hidden gem for birdwatching. However, in recent years, the ecological system has been altered, leading to a decline in bird populations, highlighting the importance of cherishing nature. Additionally, the sandy coastal area at the mouth of Zhuan'an Creek not only provides birdwatching and scenic views but is also a site for traditional Yilan folk activities—fishing with nets, known as "Qian Gu." This involves fishermen using bamboo rafts to pull nets around the coast during fish runs, capturing schools of fish, which are then pulled ashore by people on the beach, who share in the catch. This area is also an excellent spot for watching sunrises, with many photographers coming to capture the tranquil beauty of the warm, golden sunlight reflecting on the river's surface in the early morning.
