Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Aogu Wetlands & Forest Park
The sprawling 15-sq-km wetland park known as Aogu (Áogǔ Shīdì Sēnlín Yuánqū) in-
cludes mud beaches, marshes, lagoons, fish farms, beefwood forests and tracts of thick
shrub. Dozens of bird species can be spotted here with nothing more than one's naked
eyes. These include drongos, egrets, cranes, ducks, cormorants, hawks and eagles. In
total, 245 species have been recorded in the wetlands, with the majority being migratory.
Aogu is easily reached off Hwy 17 if you have your own vehicle, but be aware that the
reserve is a maze of dirt roads.
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Guanziling (Kuanziling)
06 / POP 2000
Only three places in the world can lay claim to having mud hot springs, and Guanziling
in the hilly northern Tainan is one of them.
The Guanziling area is essentially one long dip off County Rd 172 on leafy Township
Rd 96. The village, on the eastern end of the dip, is divided into lower (the older part of
town) and upper sections that are joined by a series of stone steps for walking. There's an
ATM in the 7-Eleven in the lower village.
It's possible to visit Guanziling as a day trip from Tainan or Chiayi. Should you want
to stay here, there are a few hotels remaining from the Japanese era in the lower village.
The posher resorts are in the upper village.
Sights
On the ride up to Guanziling the road passes two popular Buddhist temples, the expans-
ive
Dasian Temple
(Dàxiān Sì) and the Ming-dynasty era
Biyun Temple
(Bìyún Sì) ded-
icated to Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. The latter commands excellent views over the
plains.
Red Leaf Park
PARK
(Hóngyè Gōngyuán)
This Japanese-built park boasts clear, unspoiled views of Dadongshan
and the sight of maple leaves changing colours in autumn. To reach the park, head up
