According to the latest ecological surveys, Tainan currently has at least 3 wetlandprotected areas at the national park level. Among them, Taijiang National Park is globally famous for its Black-faced Spoonbill habitat, attracting over 10,000 ecological enthusiasts each year for bird watching. Want to know how to visit Tainan's most representative national parks and wetlands in one day?
- Taijiang National Park Headquarters: The only wetland-type national park in Taiwan, Learn more
- Sicao Green Tunnel: Take a small boat through the mangrove waterways, Learn more
- Tsengwen Reservoir Nature Park: Taiwan's largest reservoir and ecological reserve, Learn more
- Qigu Salt Field Wetland: One of the main habitats for Black-faced Spoonbills, Learn more
More eco-tourism recommendations, View full guide.
When it comes to Tainan's national parks, many people might be surprised — that's right, Tainan does have a national park! Established in 2009, Taijiang National Park is Taiwan's eighth national park and the only one that covers urban wetlands. It's not only an important habitat for the Black-faced Spoonbill but also holds rich salt industry history and fishing village culture. Let's explore this ecological treasure trove in Tainan together!
Highlights
The biggest characteristic of Taijiang National Park lies in its perfect combination of diverse ecological systems and cultural landscapes. It boasts Taiwan's largest wetland ecosystem, including salt fields, river mouth marshes, mangroves, and sea grape forests. Every year during autumn and winter, thousands of Black-faced Spoonbills fly south from the north to spend the winter here, creating a spectacular ecological wonder. In addition, the park preserves complete salt industry cultural landscapes, such as Qigu Salt Mountain and ancient salt evaporation fields, allowing visitors to experience Taiwan's hundred-year salt industry history. The fish pond ecological demonstration area in the park also showcases a sustainable model of traditional aquaculture coexisting with the natural environment.
Recommended Places
Qigu Salt Mountain
Qigu Salt Mountain is one of the most representative attractions within Taijiang National Park and a famous landmark in Tainan. This white mini-mountain made of piled salt is approximately 20 meters high, equivalent to a seven-story building, resembling a snow-white hill from a distance. The park features salt sculpture art exhibitions, salt field experience areas, and observation decks where visitors can touch coarse salt firsthand and learn about traditional salt-making processes. Visiting during sunset is especially recommended — the evening glow reflecting on the white salt mountain creates an unforgettable scene. The salt museum beside the mountain is also a great place for educational fun, displaying the complete history of Taiwan's salt industry development.
Black-faced Spoonbill Ecological Display Hall
Located in Qigu District, the Black-faced Spoonbill Ecological Display Hall is the best place to learn about this endangered bird species. Through multimedia interactive facilities and specimen displays, the hall provides detailed introductions to the Black-faced Spoonbill's migration routes, feeding behaviors, and conservation history. The hall's biggest highlight is the observation platform on the second floor, where high-powered telescopes can be used to observe the elegant figures of Black-faced Spoonbills during the bird-watching season (October to March each year). The best viewing time is from December to January, when more than 2,000 Black-faced Spoonbills have been recorded nesting here at peak times — a truly spectacular sight.
Sicao Wetland
Sicao Wetland is the core conservation area of Taijiang National Park, boasting rich mangrove ecosystems. Rare mangrove plants such as Olive Mangrove, Sea Grape, and Red Mangrove grow here, serving as important habitats for waterfowl. Taking a small boat tour through the Sicao Canal is recommended — passing through waterways covered by mangroves provides a dreamy "green tunnel on water" experience. Fiddler crabs, mudskippers, and various waterbirds on both sides of the canal create a vivid ecological picture. The canal tour takes approximately 30 minutes, and boatmen will patiently explain wetland ecological knowledge, making it perfect for family visits.
Taijiang Academy
Taijiang Academy serves as the headquarters of Taijiang National Park and is a green building that integrates environmental protection concepts. The campus features an outdoor ecological pond, environmental education exhibition center, and souvenir shop. The most distinctive feature is the "stilt house" architectural design of the building itself, which adapts to the wetland environment while minimizing ecological disturbance. The headquarters regularly hosts ecological guided tours and environmental education activities that visitors can participate in for free, gaining deeper understanding of Taijiang Wetland's natural and cultural value.
Lumenmen Tianhou Gong
Though Lumenmen Tianhou Gong itself is not part of the national park, it is located within the recreational area of Taijiang National Park and is an important historical and religious site. This over 300-year-old Mazu temple serves as the faith center for Tainan's coastal residents. Legend has it that when Koxinga (Zheng Chenggong) landed in Taiwan, he stationed troops here. The temple architecture features exquisitely carved beams and pillars, preserving many precious historical artifacts. It is recommended to combine it with Sicao Wetland in the same day's itinerary — first worship and pray, then explore the wetland ecology.
Practical Information
Transportation: From Tainan City, you can take Tainan Bus route 99 directly to Qigu Salt Mountain, which takes approximately 1 hour. For self-driving, exit at the Madou Interchange on National Freeway 1 and take Provincial Highway 171 to reach the area. The park has a large parking lot. For Sicao Wetland, take a bus from Tainan Railway Station to Sicao Station, then walk approximately 10 minutes to the boat boarding point.
Admission Fees: Taijiang National Park itself is free to enter. Qigu Salt Mountain admission is NT$150 (including the Salt Museum), with a concession ticket of NT$100. The Black-faced Spoonbill Ecological Display Hall is free. Sicao boat tour is NT$200 per person, NT$100 for children. Taijiang Academy is free to enter.
Opening Hours: Qigu Salt Mountain is open daily from 08:00 to 17:30. The Black-faced Spoonbill Ecological Display Hall is open from 09:00 to 17:00, closed on Mondays. Sicao boat tours operate from 08:00 to 16:30. Taijiang Academy is open from 09:00 to 17:00, closed on Mondays.
Travel Tips
1. The best bird-watching season is from October to March each year, with the largest number of Black-faced Spoonbills appearing from December to January. It is recommended to view them during early morning or evening when bird activity is most frequent.
2. Summer weather in Tainan is hot. Please ensure proper sun protection and bring sufficient water for outdoor activities. Wearing lightweight long-sleeved clothing is recommended for both sun and mosquito protection.
3. There are often mosquitoes at the Sicao Wetland boat boarding point. Bringing mosquito repellent is recommended. The boats are hand-rowed small vessels, so visitors who cannot swim need not worry — safety measures are in place.
4. Qigu Salt Mountain is in a remote area with few restaurant options. It is recommended to bring your own food or finish your meal in Tainan City before heading there.
5. It is recommended to plan a one- or two-day itinerary to deeply experience the wetland ecology and salt industry culture. Accommodation can be chosen at homestays near Qigu to experience the tranquil fishing village nights.
Taijiang National Park may not be as famous as Kenting or Taroko, but the wetland scenery, salt industry culture, and ecological beauty it presents are definitely worth exploring firsthand. Here, you can watch Black-faced Spoonbills gracefully foraging under the sunset, feel the hardships and wisdom of our ancestors in salt evaporation, and experience a different side of Tainan.
