By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, reported by Chen Guanxin
Nantou’s signature flowers are blooming one after another. The cherry blossoms, symbolizing the arrival of spring, have begun to bloom. Among them, the cherry blossoms at Chiyading Farm and Shuitian Shima Park in Lugu Valley are gradually flowering. If you’re planning to go on a spring outing with family and friends during the New Year holidays, consider adding these two spots to your cherry blossom itinerary.
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Around 80% of the cherry blossoms at Shuitian Shima Park in Lugu Valley have bloomed — now is the perfect time to visit. (Photo provided by Nantou County - Tourism Department)
The 2013 Nantou Flower Carnival runs from now until February 2 (the third day of the Lunar New Year). This year’s main venue is planned by Tai-Yi Ecological Leisure Farm, which has set up five themed exhibition areas across its vast farmland. Additionally, the biggest highlight of the Nantou Flower Carnival is the relay-style blooming of flowers across the county and the natural flower-viewing spots scattered throughout various townships. From the end of the year to after the Lunar New Year, signature flowers in each township — including plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, peach blossoms, and peonies — will bloom in succession. As the weather changes, there will always be vibrant flowers worth admiring across Nantou. The Taiwan Lantern Festival after the Lunar New Year will also be held in Zhongxing New Village. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the flowers in Nantou during the day and lanterns at night.
During this period, cherry blossoms are also entering their peak blooming season. At Chiyading Farm, 3,000 eight-petaled cherry trees have not yet fully bloomed due to weather conditions, with only a few trees flowering. Meanwhile, Shuitian Shima Park in Lugu Valley, planted with about 300 Kawazu-zakura trees, is one of the emerging hot spots in recent years, currently around 80% in bloom.
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Enjoy the pink charm of nature with family and friends while cherry blossom viewing in Nantou. (Photo provided by Nantou County - Tourism Department)
A series of activities are still ongoing as part of the Flower Carnival. If you want to travel to Nantou without spending time on planning, the Flower Township Hot Spring Tour offers a morning of flower viewing and an evening of hot spring soaking — all for just NT$799 per person. In the morning, explore the main Puli venue of the Flower Carnival and enjoy the fun of harvesting seasonal fruits and vegetables. At noon, savor famous local snacks in Puli. In the evening, relax in a warm hot spring. This great-value one-day tour has limited spots available, with only the final session remaining. For registration and event details, visit the official website of the 2013 Nantou Flower Carnival.
● Further Reading:
New Year Fun in Taiwan: 4 Theme-Based Travel Itineraries for Holiday Spring Outings
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