Miaoli County's Houlong Township Cultivates Water Lilies for 'Breathing' Waterfront

The Beishi Creek waterfront corridor in Miaoli County's Houlong Township is set to transform into a scenic tourist spot. Following the donation of black swans and mandarin ducks, Houlong Township Mayor Xie Qing-hui announced plans to cultivate water lilies along the 2.6-kilometer corridor. This initiative aims to create a "breathing" waterfront, enhancing both ecological health and aesthetic appeal.

Water lilies were chosen for their significant ecological purification functions. Their floating leaves will provide shade and inhibit green algae growth, while their extensive root systems will absorb excess nutrients, purifying the water. This process will also establish a stable aquatic ecosystem, offering a natural habitat for underwater creatures.

“

The floating leaves not only provide shade and inhibit green algae but also absorb excess nutrients in the water, purifying the water quality and providing a natural habitat for aquatic life, establishing a stable cycle of aquatic ecosystems.

Beyond aquatic enhancements, the project includes terrestrial landscaping. Xie Qing-hui plans to plant 30,000 azaleas around the high-speed rail station by the end of the year. This effort seeks to elevate the overall landscape of the high-speed rail special zone, offering visitors a new perspective of Houlong, especially during the upcoming lantern festival.

The water lily cultivation is currently in a trial phase with a limited number of plants. If successful, large-scale propagation will follow. Discussions with the county government are underway to secure saplings from the agriculture department for the azalea planting, with the goal of completing the 30,000-plant target by year's end.

“

It is expected that by the end of the year, 30,000 azaleas will be planted around the high-speed rail station, presenting a different Houlong to the public.