Covering 1600 hectares, Cigu Lagoon contains a high concentration of salt which served a great location for developing salt drying, fish catching and oyster cultivating industries. It is also an ecological habitat for the endangered migratory species such as the Black-faced Spoonbill. Due to over developing, the lagoon has shrunk from 10,000 hectares 20 years ago to the current 1,600 hectares. Most geologists predicted that the lagoon may disappear in the next 20 years if the situation is not comprehended. Now focused to sustain the natural environment of this huge wetland, the hiking routes and the boat tours are all organized environmental friendly in protecting the natural habitat.
Boat tours are provided for visitors to appreciate the huge Cigu Lagoon with an easy ride on the raft. It’s a scenery viewing tour and also educational. A glimpse on the local fishing and oyster industry while admiring the natural lagoon. It’s a 90 minute ride on the raft with an up close opportunity to tour the mangrove reserve area and the local oyster farm. After the tour you can always foot on the wetland and examine the natural habitat in close range.
Cigu Lagoon was the largest salt industry in Tainan. The Cigu Salt Fields and Cigu Salt Museum are educational visit to understand the very traditional and manual process of drying salt. The Black-faced Spoonbill Reserve is also a must-see visit. Situated on the north shore of the Zengmun River estuary, near Cigu Lagoon, the reserve is where the winter migratory Black-faced Spoonbill migrates every year from October to the following May. The natural scenery, farms, and reserves, Cigu Lagoon has become a top attraction around Tainan coastline.