Tidal Sounds and Crab Shadows: Daily Life on the Mangrove Boardwalk

That time, I got off at Exit 2 of Hongshulin Station, crossed a small bridge under the shade of trees, and was greeted by the wooden boardwalk. The changing tides made the planks alternately damp and dry, as if each step was a rhythmic "dialogue" with the wetland. 👣 Movement and Sensory Experience • Strolling the Wooden Boardwalk: As you enter the forest, the salty scent of the tide and the gentle breeze greet you. The interplay of light and shadow cast by the wooden planks and tree canopy resembles a random patchwork quilt, and in the blink of an eye, you feel as though you've stepped into another season. • Intertidal Surprises: Bend down, and you might spot mudskippers wriggling or fiddler crabs leisurely digging holes. Occasionally, you’ll see pneumatophores of mangroves emerging from the water, like natural sculptures crafted by nature. • Birds as a Backdrop: With binoculars in hand, I carefully followed the movements of egrets and sandpipers. Sometimes, as they spread their wings, the light reflected off the sea in a fleeting shimmer. If you visit between September and March, you might catch sight of more migratory birds passing through. 🌅 Tips for Your Visit • Best Time: Visit about an hour after low tide. The boardwalk will be clean and easy to walk on, and the soft lighting beautifully highlights the interplay between the mangroves and the water. • Must-Have Items: Bring a magnifying glass, a telephoto lens, and mosquito repellent. The active wildlife in the mangroves makes observation and photography even more enjoyable. • Easy Access: After arriving at Hongshulin Station, take Lane 50 along Zhuwei to directly reach the boardwalk. It’s a smooth and convenient route. 🍃 Ecology and Spatial Experience • During high tide, you’ll notice half of a sandbar submerged beside the boardwalk. As the tide recedes, a clear water channel emerges, like the wetland’s natural breathing. • This area spans about 76 hectares of wetland, making it the largest and northernmost pure mangrove forest in northern Taiwan. It’s vast, yet you can see the entire expanse in just a 15-minute walk. The shifting perspectives, from wide-open views to intimate close-ups, are particularly captivating. As I left Hongshulin Station and looked back at the green wetland, the tides, crab holes, tree canopies, and bird songs reminded me: this is not just a park but a live lesson on "coexisting with nature." You might not capture the perfect photo, but you’ll surely remember the salty, humid air and the serene, rhythmic breathing of this place.