Budai Coastal Wetlands in Chiayi: An Ecological Cycling Route on Taiwan's West Coast

Budai Wetlands: A Cycling Ecology Exploration on Chiayi’s West Coast

Budai Township in Chiayi County sits on the edge of the Aogu Wetlands on Taiwan’s west coast, one of Taiwan’s most important migratory bird habitats. Every autumn and winter, tens of thousands of migratory birds fly south to spend the winter in this vast coastal wetland, creating a spectacular avian display. Exploring the wetland ecology of Budai and its surroundings by bicycle is a unique riding experience that blends nature observation, fishing village culture, and coastal scenery.

Route Basic Information

Budai Fishing Port: Chiayi’s Gateway to the Sea

Budai Fishing Port is the largest fishing port in Chiayi County and an important ferry terminal for crossings to Penghu. The fish market around the port bustles with activity every early morning, as fresh catches are gathered and distributed here—a microcosm of Chiayi’s coastal fishing industry.

Budai Township is renowned for its salt-making industry and was once one of Taiwan’s important salt pan production areas. Although large-scale modern salt production has ceased, some preserved traditional salt pan facilities can still be seen nearby, with white salt crystals glistening in the sunlight, forming a distinctive cultural landscape unique to Taiwan’s west coast.

Aogu Wetlands Ecology

The Aogu Wetlands is one of Taiwan’s most important mangrove and intertidal wetland areas, covering more than 1,000 hectares and serving as a vital habitat for countless migratory birds, waterfowl, and native bird species.

Key Bird Species

• Black-faced Spoonbill: A critically endangered species globally; several hundred spend the winter here each year
• Migratory flocks: Grey herons, great egrets, little egrets, pied avocets, black-winged stilts, and others
• Birds of prey: Eastern marsh harriers, black-winged kites, and ospreys often circle and hunt above the wetlands
• Native Taiwanese birds: Distinctive waterbirds such as common moorhens, greater painted-snipes, and pheasant-tailed jacanas

Best Time for Birdwatching

From October to March each year is the wintering season for migratory birds, when the Aogu Wetlands hosts the greatest number and variety of birds. The period from 6–8 AM is when bird activity is at its peak, so it is recommended to bring binoculars and a bird field guide.

Coastal Riding

Parts of the Budai coastal area are equipped with bike paths. Riding along the coastline offers views of the vast Taiwan Strait. The sunsets along Taiwan’s west coast are exceptionally magnificent—if you plan an evening ride, you can watch the sun slowly sink into the Taiwan Strait amid golden twilight.

Local Budai Cuisine

Budai Fishing Port offers a rich selection of seafood delicacies:

• Freshly shucked raw oysters: Budai is Chiayi’s most important oyster-producing area, and the fresh raw oysters are tender and refreshing
• Oyster omelet: A traditional snack made with locally sourced fresh oysters, and the most representative dish of Budai
• Mullet roe: During the winter mullet migration season, the mullet roe produced at Budai Fishing Port makes a premium souvenir gift
• Seafood congee: The small restaurants near the fishing port serve authentic Taiwanese-style seafood congee that is exceptionally delicious

Best Riding Seasons

• Autumn/Winter (Oct–Mar): Migratory bird wintering season; wetland ecology is at its richest, making this the best time for birdwatching rides
• Spring (Mar–May): Migratory birds head north, but large numbers of birds can still be observed, and the weather is also the most comfortable
• Summer (Jun–Sep): The climate is hot and migratory birds are fewer, but native bird species can still be observed

Related Reading

• Chiayi Budai Salt Pan Bike Path: Unique Scenery of Coastline and Salt Pans
• Taiwan West Coast Cycling Tour: A Slow Coastal Ride from Hsinchu to Tainan
• Flat Riding on Taiwan’s West Coast: Rural Scenery of Changhua, Yunlin, and Chiayi
• Budai to Yizhu Salt Pan Route in Chiayi: A Flat Riding Route Through Taiwan’s Salt Industry Culture