Spring's Romantic Pink Rain: The Wild Blooming "March Cherry Blossoms" on Shenwei Tiantai Mountain

Text & Photos /KUMA

On the first day of the Qingming holiday, I came to Liugui...

I had visited once near the end of March to see the beauty of Shenwei Tiantai Mountain’s pink shower trees, but unfortunately, the weather wasn’t great. Taking advantage of the recent superb weather, I thought I’d give it another try, hoping to catch the flowers still in bloom. As it turned out, the pink shower trees in the park were still in full bloom, which was truly exhilarating.

Although Shenwei Tiantai Mountain is open for free visits, it is after all a temple ground with certain regulations such as bans on bringing in alcohol, meat, or electronic devices. Whether you're religious or not, it's important to respect the site. Right at the entrance, you’ll spot red-brick walls and red lanterns that exude a strong traditional vibe, immediately drawing you into a serene and sacred atmosphere. Exiting the entrance, you’ll find signs for the pink shower trees.

The pink shower trees at Tiantai Mountain are planted near the Sun-Moon Lake, especially concentrated in the area behind the “Three Teachings’ Founders.” Just follow the signs and you’ll get there.

Come to the road lined with morning glory flowers and go straight ahead to reach them.

The temple grounds feature many stone lanterns, and walking among them gives you a feeling of traveling through time.

Although Japanese stone lanterns originated from China, the image of these lanterns is so strongly associated with Shinto shrines and traditional Japanese gardens that amid the pink and red blossoms of the shower trees, for a moment I almost felt as if I were admiring cherry blossoms in Japan.

The Goldenrain Tree, also known as the pink shower tree, March cherry blossom, or silky cassia; originating from Southeast Asia, it is also called the Thai cherry blossom and is a relative of the familiar golden shower tree.
The flowers start off pink and gradually turn white, giving off a fragrance. Their blooming period lasts about one and a half months. When in bloom, they resemble the fluffy texture of chicken feathers.

I had previously seen pink shower trees at the Wushantou Reservoir, but that was after their peak blooming season. So this was my first time seeing them in full bloom, and the way the blossoms clustered on the branches instantly reminded me of chicken feathers—so aesthetically pleasing.

When I visited near the end of March, there was one pink shower tree at Yuanjue Garden that was just beginning to bloom, and the red color was something I’ll never forget. Unfortunately, when I came back this time, the color had faded to pinkish-white, but it was still beautiful.

There are multiple pink shower trees planted around Sun-Moon Lake. Aside from flower viewing, taking a stroll along the lakeside is very pleasant. I really love Sun-Moon Lake—the landscape designed with red wooden cartwheels along the edge contrasts strikingly yet harmoniously with the surrounding greenery.

Especially the curved view of the lake, which is quite stunning.

The lake is home to many fish, mostly gathered toward the back. Last time I didn’t see any turtles, but with the good weather this visit, the little turtles came out to sunbathe. Watching the fish and turtles swimming about, occasionally causing a ripple, is both fun and a relaxing form of nature observation.

In the distance, there’s also a boat moored by the bend.

The pink shower trees of Shenwei Tiantai Mountain are planted around Sun-Moon Lake, but the densest cluster is located by the “Three Teachings’ Founders.”

Today, I enjoyed another pseudo-Japanese cherry blossom experience—an eclectic mix of Chinese stone lanterns and Thai cherry blossoms (as the pink shower trees are called) in Taiwan, creating a uniquely diverse Japanese-style cherry blossom setting.

I’ve always loved the look of chicken feathers—and seeing these flowers is no exception. They’re very pretty, and their unique form and density are charming.

Fun as it is, the sheer number of blooms gathered together creates an astonishingly beautiful sight, with densely packed flowers everywhere.

The shape of the yellow stamens is also quite unique, like something stuck inside a tube... ^^"

After admiring the beauty of the pink shower trees, continue along the lakeside path toward the parking lot. This stretch of road is flanked by stone lanterns on one side and newly planted pink shower trees on the other, offering a rather unique feel. I believe that in a few years, once the trees have grown larger, the entire lakeside walk will be even more stunning.

I’ve always had the illusion that the boats docked by the lake resemble scenes from “Life of Pi.” Add in the nearby cage, and I half expected it to be for a tiger... ^^" I know I’m overthinking it, but this little corner, in its simplicity, evokes a sense of “presence.”

Shenwei Tiantai Mountain is a temple of the Yiguandao sect. I didn’t visit its resplendent buildings this time, and came purely to admire the pink shower trees.

Although there aren’t many pink shower trees in the temple grounds, there are still enough to dazzle the eyes.

Having such beautiful flowers to admire in the south during April is truly a joyful thing. The only downside is that Xinwei Forest Park, not far away, is under renovation—I had originally wanted to experience the romantic walk along the mahogany tree path again. Hopefully, next year at this time, I can enjoy both in one trip... ^^


Attraction: Shenwei Tiantai Mountain – Pink Shower Trees
Phone: (07)687-2100
Address: No. 81, Sanmin Road, Xinliao Village, Liouguei District, Kaohsiung City
Business Hours: 06:00 ~ 22:00

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