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What are the characteristics of time? Standing in front of Guanshan Algal Reef, Taiwan's largest algal reef structure in terms of land area, one is profoundly impressed by the ecological masterpiece forged by a millennium of flowing time, as humans appear truly insignificant. Covering approximately 370 hectares, Guanshan Algal Reef differs from coral reefs formed by animals; it is a "vegetable reef" created when hermatypic coralline algae die, calcify, and deposit on gravel beaches, averaging one centimeter every ten years. Algal reefs in Taoyuan once extended from Dayuan and Guanshan to Xinwu, but due to coastal industrial development, they have dwindled from 27 kilometers to about 5 kilometers. To protect this 4,000-year-old marine treasure, the "Taoyuan Guanshan Algal Reef Ecosystem Wildlife Sanctuary" was established in 2014, serving as an open-air classroom for understanding algal reefs. Additionally, the annual "Taoyuan Algal Reef Love Trek" event encourages participants to take action in preserving this coastline. Located along the coast from Xiaofancie Creek in Guanshan District, Guanshan Algal Reef is part of the area extending northward from Houhu Creek in Xinwu District. Apart from being amazed by this precious thousand-year-old natural landscape, the region also boasts exceptional biodiversity. Currently, 10 algae species and 129 animal species have been recorded here. The animal density is five times that of Gaomei Wetland and eight times that of Xiangshan Wetland, making it a marine ecological museum in northern Taiwan. The Guanshan Algal Reef area is divided into core zones, buffer zones, and sustainable use zones. During low tide, when the reef surface emerges from seawater, one can discover algae, fish, shrimp, mollusks, green algae, and other coastal organisms in the intertidal zone. Walking the wooden boardwalk leads to the Mangrove Education Park, where mudskippers, fiddler crabs, and other creatures can be observed closely. Suggested nearby tours include Xinwu's century-old fish traps, Guanshan Sandscape, Xucao Harbor Wetland, and the four highlights of Taoyuan's coastal region.