To let more people learn about the resources and features of Taijiang, and actually observe and experience the beauty of the unique wetland-type national park. After 10 years since establishment, Taijiang National Park Headquarters finally officially opened up a Visitor Center on March 30, 2019 (Saturday). On the day of the opening ceremony, people and NGO organizations from various industries in the country, as well as chairmen of local communities and temples, all showed up to offer their congratulations. Taijiang National Park Headquarters organized a performance, in which classical Chinese musician Chen Chung-shen and Fong Ming Zhai Orchestra played ensemble music that created a joyous and lively atmosphere.
Walking into the Taijiang Visitors Center, the eyes are first caught by the large antique-like boat on the left. This antique-like boat is a replica of the one Zheng Cheng-gong arrived Taiwan in. The floor is entirely painted with the deep blue color of the ocean. The area in front of the service desk painted in dark colors is to depict the Black Ditch. With imageries of rivers and ocean currents, Taijiang National Park Headquarters has created the iconic impression of Taijiang - the wide and open views of the place. If you turn left and head straight, you can read the illuminated boards to see the various changes within Taijian's inland sea in the past 400 years. You’ll understand how the Luermen Harbour, where Zheng Cheng-gong landed in the past, is different to how it is today after siltation and shirking.
Count the cultural and historical zones as you stroll through them, you'll realize that the color of the ocean beneath your feet begins to fade. Footprints of birds heading out of the beach appear at the end of the path. The footprints become larger along the way, and you head into the "Taijiang Ecosystem and Habitat Experience Area". This area can be considered as a key area. The three-story-tall high ceiling provides an open view; migratory birds such as the black-faced spoonbills are soaring above your head; various models of Taijiang habitats are on the floor for you to observe - the 5 ecological habitats are mangroves, salt marsh, submerged lands, shoals and lagoons, and windbreak forests. These models of various animal inhabitants are presented in size 8 times bigger than the real creatures. The area is also called "The Great Small (Animal) World” with the purpose of letting the public first observe the characteristics of the animals indoors, so that they’ll be able to identify these features when they really see them outdoors.
Then, walk up the stairs to get to the second floor, a large exhibition area suitable for families to visit. Paintings and exhibits related to the imagery of Taijiang are placed here long term. The space of the third floor is small but beautiful. Visitors not only can gaze afar from the high balcony, but also acquire information about salt industry culture and wetlands through the interactive games and picture book animation on the electronic touch screens.
The Visitor Center is now open to visitors, except for when the center is closed every Monday. You are welcome to make time to visit the experience area meticulously set up by Taijiang National Park. See it as the first stop of the adventure into Taijiang National Park.