【台中 高美濕地】Gaomei Wetlands in Taichung, Taiwan
Gaomei Wetlands (高美濕地), located in Taichung, is a popular tourist destination known for its tall white wind turbines, boardwalks, little crabs running around in the wetlands, and breathtaking sunsets.
I recently visited Lavender Cottage with my partner and friends, Nik and Greg. On our cab ride back home, our driver suggested we check out Gaomei Wetlands to watch the sunset. The funny thing was that my mom had also recommended that we check out the place earlier that same day. So I took it as a sign of fate and asked if everyone wanted to go check it out. When everyone agreed, I asked our driver to take us there instead of dropping us off back home.
However, when we arrived, the boardwalk was closed due to renovations, and the weather was overcast, with huge clouds covering the sun. Despite everything, we made the most of our visit and still had so much fun.
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getting to Gaomei Wetlands
CAR
If you’ve rented a car, driving is the most convenient way to reach Gaomei Wetlands, as they are located in a remote area.
There are plenty of parking spots available for visitors near the entrance.
There are parking spots available for your convenience
TAXI OR UBER
If you prefer not to rent a car, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available.
Simply input “Gaomei Wetlands” as your destination, and you’ll enjoy a direct, hassle-free ride.
BUS
For public transportation, the quickest option is the 309 Shuttle Bus from Taiwan Boulevard Yuanzi Street Intersection (梧棲觀光漁港).
After 25 stops, exit at No. 18 Windmill, then prepare for a scenic 30-minute walk to the wetlands.
Be sure to check the bus schedule in advance, as wait times can vary.
For a seamless and stress-free experience, consider booking a Private 12-hour Day Tour from Taipei.
This guided tour includes Gaomei Wetlands along with other must-visit spots in Taichung, providing convenience and expert insights.
It’s perfect for those who want to skip the planning and avoid the hassle of renting a car or navigating public transportation.
➯ Book your private tour here!
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Gaomei Wetland's history
Gaomei Wetlands was originally called Gaomi during the Qing Dynasty. The name was later changed to Gaomei Wetlands during the Japanese colonial period.
With over 300 hectares, this huge area includes land nourished by the nearby Dadu River, which accounts for roughly one-tenth of its size. The unique geography of the wetlands is categorized into seven distinct zones, supporting a rich diversity of plant and animal life.
The wetlands’ special soil composition — with a mix of mud and sand — creates an ideal habitat for a wide variety of species. Visitors can observe birds, fish, crabs, and invertebrates, as well as one of the few places where wild ducks thrive, making it the perfect paradise for birdwatchers.
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what to do at Gaomei Wetlands
boardwalk under construction
Even though the boardwalk was under construction, we decided to explore the area and still had an amazing time.
We observed crabs going into their homes from a distance, walked along the paths and also watched the white wind turbines slowly spinning in the sky.
Also, this is a pretty cool spot to fly your drone. We flew my drone and captured some amazing footage of the wetlands. Make sure to check out the drone footage below!
rent YouBikes
Biking is my favorite way to explore a new area.
When we visited Gaomei Wetlands, the afternoon heat was intense, and everything felt quite spread out. Walking under the blazing sun would’ve taken forever, so renting a bike was the perfect solution!
If you’re looking for a fun and efficient way to explore the area, I highly recommend hopping on a YouBike.
With a bike, you can enjoy the refreshing breeze, cover more ground quickly, and easily find the perfect spot to relax and take in the stunning scenery.
🚲 TIP 💨
You can find YouBike rentals near bus stops.
Simply type in 'YouBike' on Google Maps, and it will show you all the bike rental locations around the area.
看夕陽在海角明珠
sunset at
Cape Pearl
Speaking of bikes, you can reach the Gaomei Wetlands Bikeway with your bike and head over to Cape Pearl to watch the sunset.
It's the best scenic spot ever.
We bought some snacks at 711 before heading over to Gaomei Wetlands and enjoyed them while watching the sunset (✨favorite memory✨).
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know before you go
ADMISSION
Gaomei Wetlands is free to visit!
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Fall or Winter months.
The best time of the day would be late afternoon to watch stunning sunsets or early morning to avoid crowds
PERFECT FOR
Families. Hanging out with friends. Couples. Bird lovers.
PET POLICY
Pets are allowed!
PUBLIC FACILITIES
There is one public bathroom available at Gaomei Wetlands Public Bathroom (高美濕地公共廁所)
ESTIMATED TRIP DURATION
2 - 3 hours
WHAT TO WEAR
Sandals to take your shoes on and off easily if you're heading into the wetlands, and/or sneakers to walk around
WHAT TO BRING
Water, mosquito spray, snacks, and a small trash bag for your garbage
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FAQ
Q: When is the best time to visit Gaomei Wetlands in Taichung?
A: The best time to visit is during the fall or winter months when there’s an abundance of migratory birds, making it the perfect place for birdwatchers. The cooler weather during this time also makes it feel better to explore.
We visited at the end of October, and while it was still quite hot during the day, it was manageable with sunscreen and mosquito spray — don’t forget to pack those essentials!
Q: What animals can you find at Gaomei Wetlands?
A: Gaomei Wetlands is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including over 120 species of birds, as well as fish, crabs, and other invertebrates. You’ll also encounter an impressive variety of plants that thrive in its unique environment (even though they’re not animals, they’re still worth mentioning!).
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check out my Taiwan travel vlog
For the stunning drone shot views of Gaomei Wetlands, start at 5:05!
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Last Updated: 12.19.2024
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