Qigu Lagoon: Bamboo Rafting, Grilled Oysters, and Discovering Tainan's Wild Side

If you think Tainan is all about beef soup, historical sites, and old streets, you're underestimating it. This time, I headed west to explore Tainan's coastal gem, the Qigu Lagoon. Hopping on a bamboo raft and feeling the sea breeze, I embarked on a light maritime journey blending wetlands, ecology, oyster farms, and local culture. It turns out, Tainan's most "romantic" scenery isn't necessarily on land. 🌿 What is a lagoon? A quick geography lesson Qigu Lagoon is located along Taiwan's southwestern coast, formed by sandbars enclosing a lagoon area. It is the largest lagoon in Taiwan and one of the few that still retains its natural features. Its characteristics include brackish water mixing, shallow depths, and rich biodiversity. Moreover, it serves as an important habitat for migratory birds and is a conservation area for the endangered black-faced spoonbill. Just standing on the lagoon's shore, watching the oyster farms, waterbirds, and sunset weave together, is incredibly soothing. 🚤 Bamboo rafting adventure: Experience oyster farming life A visit to Qigu Lagoon isn't complete without hopping on a bamboo raft for a guided tour! Local experts steer the raft while providing commentary on the lagoon's geography, the story of the black-faced spoonbill, and the challenges of oyster farming. Every stretch of water feels like a living maritime textbook. Along the way, you'll see: Rows of oyster farms floating on the water, resembling sea-based agricultural fields Sandbars in the distance teeming with migratory birds; if you're lucky, you might spot black-faced spoonbills in flight Some tours even stop at sandbars, allowing visitors to disembark, wade in the water, take photos, and collect seashells! The highlight, however, is the unlimited grilled oysters right on the water! Feel the sea breeze as you watch the guide pull fresh oysters straight from the water, place them on the grill, and serve them hot and fresh. It's a pure, additive-free taste of the ocean. Even locals from Tainan would want to come back for this experience! 🪶 Rich biodiversity: A birdwatcher's paradise and a photography hotspot The wetlands surrounding the lagoon are home to many rare bird species, including wintering black-faced spoonbills, pied avocets, egrets, and pheasant-tailed jacanas. During autumn and winter, flocks of black-faced spoonbills rest in Qigu's wetlands, attracting photographers eager to capture these "angels in the sky." The lagoon's morning and evening light are particularly enchanting, reflecting the oyster farms and horizon, making it a perfect spot for photography. 🧭 How to plan a one-day trip to Qigu Lagoon? This destination is ideal for a day trip or as part of a Tainan city tour. ✅ Recommended itinerary: Morning: Depart from Tainan city → Visit the Black-faced Spoonbill Ecology Exhibition Hall → Bamboo rafting at Qigu Lagoon Noon: Enjoy an oyster-themed meal or grilled oysters at the lagoon Afternoon: Head to Qigu Salt Mountain and Taiwan Salt Museum for a stroll Evening: Capture the sunset by the lagoon before returning to the city The pace is relaxed, making it suitable for families, seniors, or couples. 📍【Qigu Lagoon Info Notes】 Address: No. 66, Nanwan Village, Qigu District, Tainan City (Lagoon Pier) Tour duration: Approximately 1.5–2 hours Advance booking for bamboo raft tours is recommended (especially on weekends) Tickets: Lagoon tours cost around $200–$300 per person (includes guide and grilled oysters) Suggested stay time: 2–3 hours Best birdwatching season: October to March 💭 Qigu Lagoon is a hidden coastal gem where you can see tradition, hear nature, and taste freshness. It's not a major tourist hotspot, but that's precisely why it retains its original purity and tranquility. Visiting here feels less like a trip and more like resetting your mind and body to the rhythm of nature.