TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Chouchai Wetland, located next to Lotus Pond in Kaohsiung's Zuoying District, is undergoing a major renovation to upgrade aging facilities and improve its ecological and recreational spaces.
The Kaohsiung Public Works Bureau said Thursday that construction has begun on the project, which includes landscaping and comprehensive improvements to the wetland's internal and external infrastructure. The project is scheduled for completion in spring 2027, per a press release.
In operation for nearly 20 years, Chouchai was designated a nationally important wetland in 2007. It has since become an important habitat for wildlife, including the pheasant-tailed jacana, as well as a key site for conservation, environmental education, and public engagement with nature.
The Public Works Bureau said the renovation will focus on improving facilities and the overall visitor experience. Planned upgrades include pedestrian walkways, the park's entrance plaza, and connections between spaces throughout the wetland.
The education center will also be renovated, while accessibility around the teaching pond will be improved. The birdwatching tower and birdwatching screen will be upgraded to improve visitors' views of the wetland and provide better opportunities for ecological education and recreation, the bureau said.
City officials said public briefings were held to gather suggestions from residents and experts before the project began. Following approval of funding, construction got underway and is progressing as scheduled, per the press release.
The city government reminded the public that the wetland park will remain closed throughout construction. The pedestrian walkway on the Chouchai Wetland side will also be temporarily closed. People who need to cross the area can use the pedestrian walkway on the Lotus Pond side during the construction period.
