A 2-kilometer stretch of crimson sky: 6 stunning kapok tree avenues in Tainan’s "Quilt Cave"

▲ Located in Jioujiang District, Tainan, there are multiple kapok tree avenues that rival those in Baihe’s Lincupi. The photo shows County Highway 21 (Photo provided by Linkou Elementary School in Tainan; the same applies to the following images—please do not take unauthorized photos).

Reported by Cai Wenjun, Taipei

The Lincupi kapok tree avenue in Tainan’s Baihe District recently gained international fame after being ranked among the world’s 15 most beautiful flower avenues by foreign media. However, in neighboring Jioujiang District—also in Tainan—there are actually longer and more abundant kapok-lined roads than in Lincupi, making it the true "capital" of these scenic routes and a hidden gem known mostly to locals.

＞＞＞＞＞ For more kapok tree avenues in Jioujiang District, Tainan, please click on the photo gallery.

Zhou Guomin, principal of Linkou Elementary School in Tainan, explained that the kapok tree, also known as the banzhi flower, is sacred to the Pingpu indigenous people. In the past, when the Pingpu settled in Jioujiang District, they planted kapok trees extensively across the area. Over time, these plantings formed beautiful red floral avenues. Additionally, Jioujiang District is the birthplace of the quilt industry, boasting a long history in cotton production, which is why it’s affectionately nicknamed the "Quilt Cave." Even today, the district still hosts over 10 quilt factories serving well-known bedding brands.

▲ A hidden kapok tree avenue in Jioujiang District, Tainan — turn right at the Nanzih-Lingziliao signpost along County Highway 19

Zhou pointed out,that there are five particularly spectacular kapok tree avenues in the district, each stretching over 500 meters—longer than Lincupi. The most recommended spot is the one along County Highway 21 in front of Jioujiang Junior High School, spanning 2 kilometers. During the blooming season, fiery red blossoms dye the sky and stretch endlessly, creating a breathtaking natural red tunnel. However, Zhou reminded visitors that this area has heavy traffic, so caution is advised.

Another notable avenue is along County Highway 22 next to Linkou Elementary School, stretching approximately 1 kilometer. Zhang Xuancong, a teacher at the school, noted that due to lighter traffic and surrounding rice fields, visitors can enjoy a more leisurely stroll through the floral path. Zhang added that as of now, about 40% of the flowers along County Highway 22 have bloomed, and the best time to see the full kapok sea is after the 23rd.

＞＞＞＞＞ For more kapok tree avenues in Jioujiang District, Tainan, please click on the photo gallery!!

Here are 6 recommended kapok tree avenues in Jioujiang District:

▲ The County Highway 21 in front of Jioujiang Junior High School is a favorite spot for photographers and wedding shoots.

1. County Highway 21 in front of Jioujiang Junior High School
How to get there: Take bus Blue 1 or Blue 10 to “Ouwang Station,” then walk about 15 minutes toward Jioujiang Junior High School.

2. County Highway 22 next to Linkou Elementary School
How to get there: Take bus Blue 10 to “Lingziliao Station,” then walk about 5 minutes.

▲ Current bloom status of the kapok tree avenue along County Highway 20.

3. County Highway 20 near Jioujiang Junior High School

▲ The red tunnel along County Highway 19 is truly stunning.

4. Turn right at the signpost from County Highway 19 (Xuejia to Lingziliao)

▲ Current bloom status along South 1 County Highway in Zhongzhou is about 50–60%.

5. South 1 County Highway in Zhongzhou, direction from Lingziliao to Xuejia

▲ The kapok tree avenue along County Highway 24 is less dense but still impressive.

6. County Highway 24