Guandu Nature Park

The Guandu Nature Park is a low-lying land area located in the southwest of Taipei City's Guandu area, where the Keelung River joins the Danshui (Tamshui) River. The main environments of the park are freshwater ponds, brackish ponds, swamps, rice paddies and mounds. Because of the diverse ecological environment, the area is home to numerous varieties of animals and plants.

The Guandu Nature Park was established to help preserve the precious natural resources of this land. The area of the park is about 57 hectares, including the main facility area, core reserved area, and the outdoor observation area. With the aid of wooden trails, bird-watching cabins and tour guides, the park opens the gateway to nature and allows visitors to experience the natural world close up.

On December 1, 2001, the Wild Bird Society of Taipei was entrusted by the Taipei City Government with management of the park, becoming the first nonprofit organization to do so. The Wild Bird Society's years of care for this wetland were thus officially recognized. This is an excellent example of a governmental organization and a civic organization working together to achieve environmental preservation as well as public education.

The Guandu Nature Park's Nature Center serves as the information center, exhibition center, research center, and the service center of the park. On the first floor are the biological display, auditorium, presentation room and gift shop. On the second floor are the observatory and birdwatching area, special exhibition area, classroom, and the refreshments area. The major function of the center is to promote education about wetland ecological systems. Activities such as guided tours, multimedia shows, special exhibitions, lectures, tutoring, and consultations are arranged on a regular basis.

In the Riverside Biological Area, the various aquatic plants and water-tolerant plants along the shallow Queitzekeng River form the typical riverside landscape of a wetland. Influenced by the ebb and flow of the tides, fishes and animals that have adapted to seawater are dominant in this area. Birds also feed and rest along the riverside.

The Guandu Nature Park is located in Taipei City's Beitou District. Visitors can take the Danshui Line of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network and get off at the Guandu Station.