The park occupies land that formerly belonged to the Republic of China Navy as residential housing and storage.
It contains a specialized drainage and detention basin system to mitigate urban flooding in the low-lying Nanzih area.
The site was officially converted from a neglected military-adjacent lot into a forest park by the municipal government in 2013.
The park landscape includes a signature circular walking loop that connects various micro-habitats, including forested mounds and wetland depressions.
Youchang Forest Park is a repurposed urban green space in Nanzih District, Kaohsiung, covering approximately 14 hectares. Once serving as a military housing area and fuel depot, the site was transformed into a wetland-focused ecological park. It features a diverse landscape of artificial ponds, dense forested walking trails, and open grass fields. The park acts as a critical 'green lung' for northern Kaohsiung, providing a habitat for local bird species and aquatic life. Its design emphasizes flood detention and ecological conservation, integrating natural drainage systems into the recreational paths. The park is characterized by its quiet, suburban environment and extensive tree canopy that offers significant shade compared to surrounding paved urban areas.
The wooden footbridge overlooking the central wetland pond.
Bring mosquito repellent, as the wetland environment often results in high insect activity.
Stay on the marked walking paths to avoid disturbing the bird habitats located in the marshy sectors.
Look for the elevated observation areas which provide the best vantage points for wildlife spotting.
Avoid feeding the birds or aquatic wildlife to maintain the ecological balance of the wetland.
Keep noise levels low near the wetland areas to avoid disturbing local fauna.
