Boardwalk
Out to sea.
鐘昱翔 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Giny0505 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · 黃中佑 Huang Chung Yu — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Giny0505 — CC BY-SA 4.0
A broad mudflat at the mouth of the Dajia River on Taiwan's west coast, formed after the building of Taichung port changed the movement of sand. It is now a nature reserve rich in small crabs, migrating birds and sea grasses, and one of the island's finest sunset spots. A long wooden boardwalk runs hundreds of metres out over the mud and grass towards the sea, and a long row of white wind turbines lines the coast. When the tide goes out, a gleaming flat appears, mirroring the sky. The best time is the last hour before sunset, when the sun drops behind the turbines and the shallow water turns orange and pink, with people's silhouettes reflected in it. At high tide the boardwalk sometimes closes. The site is free; check the tide table before going and stay on the boardwalk to protect the reserve. It is about an hour by bus or car from Taichung. Taiwan's typhoon season runs from June to October, peaking July to September, so check forecasts before heading to mountains and coasts, per UK travel advice.
Out to sea.
A white row.
On the flats.
Qingshui District, at the mouth of the Dajia River, west of Taichung
An hour before sunset, checking the tide table, as the boardwalk sometimes closes at high tide.