TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — With summer vacation underway, the Ministry of Environment on Monday unveiled the country's 10 most popular environmental education destinations, highlighting family-friendly sites that combine recreation with hands-on learning.
The rankings were compiled from 276 certified environmental education sites across Taiwan and are based on visitor data from 2025. More than 3,300 elementary and junior high schools have begun their summer break, making the list a guide for families seeking educational outings, per a press release.
According to Chang Shuenn-chin (張順欽), president of the National Environmental Research Academy, the top 10 destinations are:
- Taipei Zoo
- Goodtimes Recreation Farm
- Shanhua Brewery
- National Taiwan University Agricultural Experimental Farm
- National Taiwan University Highland Experimental Farm
- Guandu Nature Park
- Qishan Sugar Factory
- National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium
- Taiwan Biodiversity Research Institute
- New Taipei City Hakka Cultural Park
Chang noted that the privately operated Goodtimes Recreation Farm promotes sustainable agriculture through hands-on activities, allowing visitors to plant vegetables, care for farm animals, and learn about circular farming practices. Guests can also observe black soldier flies breaking down kitchen waste and sample eggs produced on the farm.
Located in Taipei's Beitou District, Guandu Nature Park is one of Taiwan's most important wetlands and the country's first certified environmental education site. Managed by the Taipei Wild Bird Society, it offers programs on rice cultivation, migratory bird watching, wetland ecology, and insect conservation, per the press release.
The century-old Qishan Sugar Factory showcases Taiwan's agricultural heritage while demonstrating sustainable farming practices. Visitors can learn how agricultural waste, including banana pseudostems, is recycled into useful products that improve crop production and reduce carbon emissions.
