Not inferior to the crimson maples—Luan trees along Pingtung’s Wan-nien River turn color, offering a European-style painting right before your eyes

▲ The Luan trees along Wan-nien River are in full bloom, resembling a European-style oil painting. (Photo / Netizen)hunterxstevenxProvided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement. Shooting spot: Stand on the scenic bridge and face the direction of Jianguo Road and Baseball Road.

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

When the weather turns crisp in autumn, it’s the perfect season for Taiwan’s Luan trees to shine brilliantly. Along Pingtung’s Wan-nien River, these trees are planted along approximately 2 kilometers of the riverbank and have recently begun to change color. Shades of green, yellow, orange, and red cover the treetops, complemented by the flowing river, creating a European-style oil painting-like scene—it’s hard to believe such a landscape exists in Pingtung.

▲ After entering autumn in September and October, Taiwan’s Luan trees don a new look, displaying yellow and red hues that make one marvel at such scenery appearing along Pingtung’s Wan-nien River. (Photo / Netizen)dorris_64Provided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement. Shooting spot: Stand on the scenic bridge and face the direction of Jianguo Road and Baseball Road.

The Taiwan Luan tree is a species endemic to Taiwan, and it’s surely no stranger to locals. It can be spotted in campuses, parks, green spaces, and alongside highways, with its emerald-green leaves not much different from those of other common trees. But come September and October when autumn arrives, the Luan tree adorns itself with new colors—shades of yellow and red—until it bears fruit and eventually turns reddish-brown before shedding its leaves. It’s also known as the “Four-Color Tree.” The changing of the seasons is exquisitely reflected in this tree species, carrying a poetic charm.

▲ Visitors can capture the seasonally limited beauty from various angles on the scenic bridge, wooden boardwalks, or viewing platforms. (Photo / Netizen)erin_liuProvided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement. Shooting spot: Near the intersection of Ren’ai Road and Freedom Road, where the old Taiwan Sugar Railway tracks are located.

While Taiwan Luan trees can be seen in many places across the country, they are most stunning along Pingtung’s Wan-nien River, often referred to as the city’s moat. Some netizens particularly recommend the stretch from Minsheng Road to Park East Road. Visitors can stand on the scenic bridge, walk along the wooden boardwalks, or explore the viewing platforms to capture the season’s limited beauty from different perspectives.