The Most Beautiful Summer Scenery on Yangmingshan — Colorful Hydrangeas Bloom in the “Hometown of Penglai Rice”

▲ Zhuzihu in Yangmingshan has entered hydrangea season. (Photo / Provided by Taipei City Bureau of Land)

By Reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Comprehensive Report

Following the end of the Calla Lily Season at Zhuzihu, a vibrant sea of hydrangeas has made its dazzling debut. The brilliant hues of purple, blue, pink, and white paint the lush green mountains, creating the most picturesque scene at Zhuzihu’s Shuichailiao area and attracting numerous visitors to come and admire the view.

The Taipei City Bureau of Land stated that there are 7 to 8 varieties of hydrangeas planted in the Zhuzihu area, and their colors vary depending on the soil’s acidity level: blue-violet blooms grow in acidic soil, while pink or red ones appear in alkaline soil. These hydrangeas have gradually become Zhuzihu’s second major floral attraction after the calla lilies.

▲ The historic Shuichailiao site, hidden among the hydrangea fields, evokes memories of the past when Penglai rice was cultivated here. (Photo / Provided by Taipei City Bureau of Land)

Additionally, Zhuzihu is the birthplace of Taiwan’s Penglai rice. During the Japanese colonial period, high-quality Penglai rice was first trial-grown in this valley, and the “Shuichailiao Ruins” along the trail were once the area’s only rice mill. The old “rice road” where farmers used to transport their grain has now been transformed into a flower-viewing path, preserving the historical heritage of the rice-farming era at Shuichailiao.

The Taipei City Bureau of Land noted that the hydrangea season lasts until around July. Cao Chang-zheng, the head of Hutan Village, added that Zhuzihu often sees large crowds during holidays. To avoid parking issues, visitors are advised to take bus lines Xia-8 or Xia-9 and get off at the “Zhuzihu (Hutan Elementary School)” stop. From there, the Shuichailiao Trail is easily accessible. The flat and scenic trail, accompanied by a babbling brook, takes about 15 minutes to walk.

% Enjoy the peaceful stroll amid a sea of hydrangeas. (#photo by the reporter from the strong bureau of land works)