From Xucuogang Wetlands we drive a short distance to the next attraction, Caota Sand Dunes Geopark. There is a a large free parking place, with toilets of course, where we park to get our bearings and to find the trail entrance. Luckily it is well marked, in English even, and we follow the trail hopefully to the dunes.
But first we pass the informational signs for the preserve which are quite interesting and a historic building which might be the visitor center but seems to be closed today.
And then the trail starts, it passes through a nice shaded section that is quite jungle like. We really like the shade after the previous days of heat but keep an eye on the clouds to ensure it doesn’t start to rain again. We are also afraid that the trail might be muddy but it is nice and level, very enjoyable. The shore and the dunes are announces by wind turbines, there are many of them taking advantage of the wind that seems to be quite prevalent near the shore.
Just as we are ready to cross the dunes we notice an observation tower with some nice views of the area. However there are no birds so down we go, it is time to see the seashore and the dunes.
The views on the seashore are quite beautiful, it looks wild and untouched. Well except the windmills but somehow it seems they fit creating a more post apocalyptic look if we look in that direction.
It is then time to return through the jungle like narrow passages to the car. But before we get there we are treated to a scene right out of National Geographic of lizards mating on the side of the trail. They really do not care about us at all, likely this is how many of them get caught and eaten by birds or snakes.
We are hungry by this point so the next stop is a rest area where we hope to find at least something to eat. It is an unusual rest area below the highway but it has what we want, a food court and of course toilets.
There are three food stands and we buy something from each of them to try. While the food is good the area is a bit eerie with a broken outlet giving loud pops from time to time and other people really not being bothered by it even though it looks really dangerous. And then it is time for the last stop on the coast for today, the Gangnan Scenic Area.
