A Century of Irrigation Waterways in Tainan: Visit Reservoirs, Ponds, and Wetlands to Beat the Summer Heat
Posted Date:2025-06-11
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Introduce
Human civilization evolved around water. The early peoples each developed their own unique water culture in different geographical environments. The water continues to flow a century later, leaving behind a plentiful water supply. According to Mayor Huang Wei-che, Tainan is home to six reservoirs, more than 8,000 irrigation ponds, the only two world-class wetlands in Taiwan (Zhengwen River Estuary Wetlands and Sicao Wetlands), as well as the only national wetlands park (Taijiang National Park). The first reservoir in Taiwan (Hutoubi Reservoir), the largest irrigation project in history (Chianan Canal), and the largest lagoon (Cigu Lagoon) at the moment are all found in Tainan as well. These water-related infrastructure and facilities not only echo the core spirit of SDG 6: Clean and water and Sanitation but have created significant tourism and leisure resources for Tainan.
Director Lin Kuo-hua from the Tourism Bureau of Tainan City noted that the water resources of Greater Tainan were featured in the June issue of Sababoy Leads the Way. These are divided into the three categories of “Tourism Reservoir”, “Pond Leisure” and “Salt Fields and Wetlands” to offer travelers recommendations where to go to beat the summer heat. In addition to introducing the origin and path of the Mountain-Sea-Canal Greenway (Taijiang-Chianan Grand Canal-Wushantou) within Tainan, it also announced that the 2025 Tainan Cigu Seafood Festival will be held from 7/5 to 8/17. There are also recommendations on specialty restaurants near ponds and reservoirs. Travelers are invited to follow the map and join in conserving water resources.
For those planning to visit the Zhengwen Reservoir on the weekend, the Tourism Bureau recommends booking the “Sustainable Use of Reservoir Exhibition Hall” to learn about the important role played by the reservoir in southern Taiwan. This water resources environmental education and revitalization space was set up by the Southern Region Water Resources Branch of the Water Resources Agency, which was an employee cafeteria before it was converted into a museum. It is used for environmental education at Zhengwen Reservoir during the week and is open to the public on weekends, making it a tourist destination for learning through play. A children's website was also produced by the Branch to educate children about “water” and the importance of water resources in everyday life. The lotus flowers are Baihe are now in bloom so visitors to Baihe Reservoir would do well to admire the lotus flowers at Baihe, and enjoy meals made with lotus seed. The “Baihe Lotus Festival,” hosted by the Baihe District Office, is also underway and is expected to run until June 14. Interested members of the public should visit the official fan page to check the details and catch it before it ends.
Other than lotus flowers, the Golden Shower Tree is blooming in the summer as well, forming a golden rain across the region. Popular flower-watching spots include the Bamboo-framed House at Dashan Temple in Baihe, and the Golden Shower Tree Boulevard at the Sucuo Flood Detention Pond. Please note that the Golden Shower Trees at Hutoubi in Xinhua bloom a little later each year due to their proximity to the water catchment, so they are in full bloom right now. On June 7, Hutoubi will also host the “Hike and Jog Among the Flowers for a Great Gift” event. Participants are invited to come out of the gyms, enjoy the fresh air, and experience “slow jogging” along the boulevard of golden flowers at Hutoubi.
Director Lin Kuo-hua from the Tourism Bureau of Tainan City noted that the water resources of Greater Tainan were featured in the June issue of Sababoy Leads the Way. These are divided into the three categories of “Tourism Reservoir”, “Pond Leisure” and “Salt Fields and Wetlands” to offer travelers recommendations where to go to beat the summer heat. In addition to introducing the origin and path of the Mountain-Sea-Canal Greenway (Taijiang-Chianan Grand Canal-Wushantou) within Tainan, it also announced that the 2025 Tainan Cigu Seafood Festival will be held from 7/5 to 8/17. There are also recommendations on specialty restaurants near ponds and reservoirs. Travelers are invited to follow the map and join in conserving water resources.
For those planning to visit the Zhengwen Reservoir on the weekend, the Tourism Bureau recommends booking the “Sustainable Use of Reservoir Exhibition Hall” to learn about the important role played by the reservoir in southern Taiwan. This water resources environmental education and revitalization space was set up by the Southern Region Water Resources Branch of the Water Resources Agency, which was an employee cafeteria before it was converted into a museum. It is used for environmental education at Zhengwen Reservoir during the week and is open to the public on weekends, making it a tourist destination for learning through play. A children's website was also produced by the Branch to educate children about “water” and the importance of water resources in everyday life. The lotus flowers are Baihe are now in bloom so visitors to Baihe Reservoir would do well to admire the lotus flowers at Baihe, and enjoy meals made with lotus seed. The “Baihe Lotus Festival,” hosted by the Baihe District Office, is also underway and is expected to run until June 14. Interested members of the public should visit the official fan page to check the details and catch it before it ends.
Other than lotus flowers, the Golden Shower Tree is blooming in the summer as well, forming a golden rain across the region. Popular flower-watching spots include the Bamboo-framed House at Dashan Temple in Baihe, and the Golden Shower Tree Boulevard at the Sucuo Flood Detention Pond. Please note that the Golden Shower Trees at Hutoubi in Xinhua bloom a little later each year due to their proximity to the water catchment, so they are in full bloom right now. On June 7, Hutoubi will also host the “Hike and Jog Among the Flowers for a Great Gift” event. Participants are invited to come out of the gyms, enjoy the fresh air, and experience “slow jogging” along the boulevard of golden flowers at Hutoubi.
