Budai Haomei'li Wetland is an important coastal wetland on the southwestern shore of Budai Township, Chiayi County. The Executive Yuan designated the Haomei Liao Nature Reserve here in 1998, and the registered Haomei Liao Important Wetland covers approximately 959 hectares. The site features century-old mangroves, tidal channels, sandbars, and a lagoon, forming a key habitat for wintering migratory birds and for fish, shrimp, and shellfish spawning; a wooden boardwalk through the mangroves lets visitors observe fiddler crabs, mudskippers, and other intertidal life up close.
The Executive Yuan designated the Haomei Liao Nature Reserve in 1998; the registered Haomei Liao Important Wetland (national-level) covers approximately 959 hectares. The mangrove forest within the reserve is more than a century old, with about 25 hectares surviving today, dominated by grey mangrove (Avicennia marina). Note that Taiwan's main wintering habitat for the black-faced spoonbill is the Zengwen River estuary at Qigu in Tainan, not Haomei Liao — birdwatching here centers instead on species such as black-winged stilts, sandpipers, plovers, egrets, and herons.
Highlights of Budai Haomei'li Wetland
Haomei'li Wetland is located along the southwestern coast of Budai Township and is one of the key protected wetlands in Chiayi County. The wetland encompasses tidal channels, mudflats, sandbanks, and mangroves, creating a diverse range of habitats that support feeding and roosting for numerous resident and migratory birds. Within the Haomei Liao Nature Reserve, a wooden boardwalk trail passes through the mangrove ecosystem, where visitors can observe fiddler crabs, mudskippers, and other intertidal life.
Winter (roughly October through April the following year) marks the peak season for migratory and overwintering birds, with the black-faced spoonbill the most sought-after rarity. Black-winged stilts, common teals, sandpipers, and plovers also gather in large numbers, drawing birdwatchers from Taiwan and abroad. Bring binoculars, keep your distance, and minimize noise to avoid disturbing the birds.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Hours
- Budai Township is about 30–40 minutes by car from Chiayi city. Public transit is limited; driving is the most convenient option.
- The wetland is a nature reserve; note any entry regulations for restricted areas. Do not trample vegetation or feed wildlife.
Nearby Connections
- Dongshi Fisherman's Wharf is north of Budai Township; combine both for a half-day coastal itinerary.
- Salt-field heritage and fishing industry resources are plentiful along the Chiayi coastline; consider extending your visit to explore sites related to the Budai salt flats.
Source: Publicly available ecological survey data from the Chiayi County Government and wetland-related sources. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Haomei Liao Wetland designated a protected area?
The Executive Yuan designated the Haomei Liao Nature Reserve in 1998, and it is classified as a national-level important wetland.
Can you see black-faced spoonbills at Haomei'li?
Haomei Liao is not the primary wintering ground for black-faced spoonbills, which mainly gather at the Zengwen River estuary in Qigu, Tainan; birdlife here more typically includes black-winged stilts, sandpipers, plovers, egrets, and herons.
How long does the Haomei Liao mangrove boardwalk take to walk?
The wooden boardwalk through the mangrove ecosystem is flat and takes about 30 to 40 minutes to complete.
What makes the landscape of Haomei Liao Wetland distinctive?
The wetland combines century-old mangroves, tidal channels, sandbars, and a lagoon, forming an important habitat for fish and shellfish spawning and for wintering migratory birds.
Sources
- 好美寮溼地－維基百科 — 保護區公告與紅樹林歷史
- 好美寮自然保護區－雲嘉南濱海國家風景區 — 地形特徵與常見鳥種（未列黑面琵鷺）