The Taiwan mountain cherry blossoms at Hōlǔdì Park in Zhonghe District, New Taipei City, have begun to gradually bloom at the end of January, with the blooming period expected to last until mid-February. (Photo courtesy of Ye Shuhong)
The Taiwan mountain cherry blossoms at Hōlǔdì Park in Zhonghe District, New Taipei City, have begun to gradually bloom at the end of January, with the blooming period expected to last until mid-February. (Photo courtesy of Ye Shuhong)
The Taiwan mountain cherry blossoms at Hōlǔdì Park in Zhonghe District, New Taipei City, have begun to gradually bloom at the end of January, with the blooming period expected to last until mid-February. (Photo courtesy of Ye Shuhong)
The Taiwan mountain cherry blossoms at Hōlǔdì Park in Zhonghe District, New Taipei City, have begun to gradually bloom at the end of January, with the blooming period expected to last until mid-February. (Photo courtesy of Ye Shuhong)

As February arrives, New Taipei City also welcomes cherry blossom season. The Taiwan mountain cherry blossoms at Hōlǔdì Park in Zhonghe District are an early-blooming variety, having begun to gradually bloom at the end of January. The blooming period is expected to last until mid-February. Visitors can chase the cherry blossoms at Hōlǔdì while hiking up the mountain to pay respects at the Fude Zhengshen Temple, enjoying a triple experience of blossom viewing, prayer, and hiking all in one go.

Along the S-shaped road leading from Hōlǔdì Park in Zhonghe District to Nanshan Fude Temple, rows of Taiwan mountain cherry trees have been planted. Recently, they have begun to gradually bloom. During the blooming season, the vibrant pink blossoms cover the mountainside, complementing the Fude Zhengshen statue that watches over the area and the resplendent temple, adding an extra touch of elegance and solemnity. The night view is also uniquely charming, making it one of New Taipei City’s hidden cherry blossom spots.

Fude Zhengshen Temple is a popular and bustling site, well-known as a sacred place for prayer and wealth-seeking. During the Lunar New Year, the number of worshippers visiting the temple is especially high. Those wishing to visit can take the MRT to Nanshi Jiao Station, then transfer to bus routes 249 or 895 and get off at Hōlǔdì Station. From there, walk along the hiking trail for about 1.5 kilometers. Alternatively, transfer to the MRT shuttle bus and get off at the Hōlǔdì parking lot at the mountaintop, then walk about 100 meters along the hiking trail to reach the temple.

The Department of Landscape Architecture stated that cherry blossom enthusiasts can visit the “2019 New Taipei Cherry Blossom Schedule” website at https://bit.ly/2DPVnnu, or like the “Flower Viewing Bulletin” Facebook fan page to stay better informed about the blooming status in various areas. Fans are also welcome to share and exchange information, photos, and videos of cherry blossoms across New Taipei City, helping to provide everyone with more timely and detailed updates on the city’s cherry blossom scenes.

(China Times)