Over 100 varieties: New Taipei’s Wanjin area crowned the “Hometown of Azaleas”

▲ New Taipei’s Wanjin area is being developed as the “Hometown of Azaleas.” (Photo provided by Mr. Liu)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Recently achieving success in azalea restoration, the New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau will collaborate with the Wanli District Office to hold the “2015 Wanli Azalea Restoration and Azalea Avenue Planting Ceremony” at 10:00 AM on May 14th on the grassy area of Wanli Emerald Bay.

The Wanjin area, nourished by moist air brought by the northeast monsoon and located at the foot of Yangmingshan, has slightly acidic soil — perfect conditions for azaleas. The New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau is developing Wanli and Jinshan as the “Hometown of Azaleas,” aiming to boost tourism value in the region. Agriculture Bureau Director Liao Rong-ching noted that the azalea planting area in Wanli and Jinshan spans around 30 hectares, producing 15 million azalea seedlings annually, with over 100 cultivated varieties. The Wanjin area leads the nation in azalea supply, providing 90% of all artificially cultivated azaleas in Taiwan.

Since 1989, the Wanli Township Office has planted azaleas along Provincial Highway 28 and its two branch roads, resulting in spectacular rows of blooming flowers every March and April. In the past, the azalea was also named the flower of Wanli Township.

This ceremony will feature a presentation by Liu Zhi-fang, leader of the Wanli First Flower Production and Marketing Group, who will introduce various azalea varieties and cultivation techniques, helping students from Dapeng Elementary School learn about their local floral emblem. Going forward, Dapeng Elementary School, Jiatao Community Development Association, Guhou Community Development Association, and Pacific Emerald Bay Hot Spring Resort Hotel will adopt azaleas in their respective areas, joining forces with the township office in their care and restoration.